Dancewave seeks an Executive Director to continue its legacy as a leading dance education non-profit, now celebrating 25 years. Our next Executive Director will provide strategic vision and operational responsibility for our organization as an inspiring manager, passionate fundraiser and competent administrator. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. The right candidate may also provide artistic oversight, working in conjunction with the Director of Education.

DANCEWAVE MISSION, BACKGROUND AND FOCUS 

Mission Dancewave is a socially conscious dance education not-for-profit organization providing access to a community dance experience that encourages individuality and whole-person development throughout New York City and nationwide. Through innovative programming, we use dance as an expressive vehicle for transformation. We engage our diverse audience through an expansive platform of dance performances and classes, youth performing ensembles, dance educator training workshops, artist residencies, social justice initiatives, college readiness events and subsidized studio rentals, reaching over 6,000 students annually. 

Additionally, Dancewave’s Culture Model creates an inclusive and equitable environment for all ages, abilities, sexual orientations, racial and socio-economic backgrounds. The Dancewave Culture Model (DCM) is a learning framework developed by Dancewave staff that emphasizes best youth development and community building practices linked to Social Emotional Learning criteria. DCM is grounded in restorative practices, focused on building social capital and achieving social discipline through participatory learning and decision-making. 

Founded in 1995 by Artistic/Executive Director Diane Jacobowitz, Dancewave holds a unique place in the cultural life of Brooklyn and New York City. We are proud of our historic and expansive impact on thousands of students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, through our programs in New York City public schools, community centers, senior centers, our nationwide college dance symposium and our own Dancewave school and Dance Center located in Gowanus, Brooklyn. 

For 25 years, Dancewave has created access to dance for all populations, from open community class experiences to rigorous training for young dancers committed to pursuing a professional dance career. Dancewave boasts an impressive footprint in New York City, currently impacting the lives of diverse audiences in all five boroughs. With funding from the City Council, Borough President, Department of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Department of Design and Construction, Dancewave just completed a 4.5 million dollar capital project and moved into a newly constructed Dancewave Center, designed by architect Wendy Evans Joseph. The new Dancewave Center now offers classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, as well as rehearsal, performance space and Artist-in-Residence opportunities for professional dance artists. 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Our next Executive Director will provide strategic vision and operational responsibility for our organization as an inspiring manager, passionate fundraiser and competent administrator. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. 

Strategic Management

Seeks most effective and efficient ways to deliver Dancewave’s mission for maximum community impact 
Establishes direction and oversight for all core organizational programs; initiates new programs as appropriate; and implements research as needed.
Ensures all programming meets highest standards of quality 
Manages and oversees all program directors and operations 

Fundraising and Communications

Leads fundraising strategy and oversees all fundraising initiatives and directives
(government, institutional, individual)
Cultivates and solicits various sources utilizing organization contacts, field research and
Board of Directors’ networks
Represents Dancewave publicly while ensuring marketing operations appropriately
publicize activities of the organization
Grows community and organizational partnerships and collaborations

Operations

Develops short and long-term financial strategies with Board of Directors as part of
annual Budget planning process
Ensures that sound human resource practices are in place including interviewing, hiring
and release of all paid employees and independent contractors; conducts personnel
performance evaluations of all program directors.
Maintains a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of capable
leaders.
Oversees facilities management operations
Works in close collaboration with Board of Directors

Artistic Oversight
The right candidate may also provide artistic oversight, working in conjunction with the Director of Education. This may include overseeing the hiring of choreographers and teaching artists; developing new class initiatives and learning modalities; overseeing the work of Education and Community Programs Directors, and all curriculum direction; exercising final approval of class lists, instructors, and scheduling of organization calendar. In addition, this may include overseeing artist services in promoting Artist-in Residence program and performance showcases; giving final approval to artist selections

QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate for this role will possess the following skills and experience:

Passion for Dancewave’s mission
A successful track record in leadership and management in the arts/dance/nonprofit
environment
Demonstrated success in personally securing philanthropic support in a not-for-profit
arts/dance environment
A collaborative style that engages staff, Board, and key donors
Ability to develop partnerships with local and community partners
A demonstrable commitment to advancing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
Experience developing organizational routines and processes

Strong social and interpersonal skills in multiple social and business contexts
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Innovative problem-solver
Knowledge and awareness of or direct experience in the dance field is a plus

DANCEWAVE RECRUITMENT STATEMENT
Dancewave values justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity at all levels of its organization, including its Board, committees, and staff. Diversity in this context refers to groups and individuals identified by race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or national origin.

COMPENSATION AND START DATE
Target start date is September 1, 2020. The search for the Executive Director is headed by the Executive Transition Committee consisting of both current and past Dancewave Board members. Salary will be competitive with other companies of comparable stature and size, with benefits including health insurance policy as well as paid vacation/holidays.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter addressed to the Executive Transition Committee at jobs@dancewave.org. Attach current resume and a minimum of three professional references (name, work relationship, email, phone). No phone calls, please.