Dance USA - Jobs

>>Jobs at Dance/USA

Jobs at Dance/USA

Director of Communications
Organization: Dance/USA
Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Executive Director

Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance, seeks a full-time Director of Communications who will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive external communications and marketing plans, managing print and electronic communications, including the organization’s website, and creating and implementing strategies for membership recruitment and retention. This position includes supervisory capacity over membership and requires frequent written and verbal communication with member dance organizations and individuals, other national service organizations, the media and Dance/USA staff and Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications
• Work with staff to develop comprehensive communications and marketing plans to educate the field and the public about the organization and its programs, and to promote membership;
• Work with the Director of Programming to create and distribute appropriate and timely promotional information on programming and professional development activities and events;
• Manage all aspects of the semi-weekly Spin e-news communication including collecting and organizing news items and laying out information in HTML;
• Work with the Dance/USA Journal editor to provide information for content;
• Coordinate with research staff to disseminate information for the field, the public and for members;
• Serve as the key contact for website host;
• Work with staff to maintain and update website content, and monitor new or changing content for consistent messaging;
• Conduct ongoing research into technological advances with applications for the web and e-communications;
• Provide information to development staff to assist fundraising and reporting efforts;
• Work with staff and outside graphic designers and print companies to create and keep current all organizational marketing and promotional materials including membership brochures, PR brochures, press releases, etc.;
• Maintain and grow a comprehensive press and email list;
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with national and local dance press and media;
• Provide support as needed for Dance/USA meetings and conferences.

Membership
• Supervise a full-time Membership Manager;
• Assist in developing annual departmental budgets and member dues projections in conjunction with the Membership Manager and Director of Finance and Operations;
• Work with the Membership Manager to research and develop partnerships or opportunities for the creation of new member benefits;
• Serve as the lead staff liaison to the Constituency (Membership) Committee of the Board of Trustees;
• Attend industry conferences and meetings to represent Dance/USA and to recruit members.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will be an experienced professional with 5+ years experience in management with a dance, arts or nonprofit organization. Superior skills in public communications and marketing, and excellent written and oral communication skills are essential. The candidate will possess strong organizational skills with the ability to self-manage and supervise support staff and interns. This position requires tact and diplomacy, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities. Excellent customer service skills are critical.

Bachelor’s degree required; other skills needed include editing, proofreading and formatting; an awareness of branding and the ability to create messages targeted to various audiences. Also requisite is a proficiency in a variety of standard business computer programs including MS Word, Excel and Access or other database programs. A working knowledge of HTML and of electronic email systems such as Constant Contact or Patron Mail is fundamental. Some travel is required.

Application Closing Date: May 19, 2008.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience; send a one-page cover letter stating your qualifications and salary expectations, a complete resume, and a writing sample by email to:

Tom Thielen
Dance/USA, Director of Finance and Operations
tthielen@danceusa.org

Include job title in the email subject line. No phone calls please. Dance/USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Dance/USA is one of the nation’s leading performing arts service organizations and the only one devoted to the full range of dance genres and professional job functions. Founded in 1982, the organization includes a membership of over 400 dance companies, presenters, local/regional/special interest dance service organizations, educational institutions, businesses and individuals. Based in Washington, DC, Dance/USA has three branch offices serving the needs of the New York City, the metropolitan DC/Virginia/Maryland area, and the Philadelphia dance communities. Dance/USA and its branches provide advocacy, research, professional development, communications, and other initiatives with the assistance of grant makers.

Director
Organization: Dance/NYC
Job Location: New York, NY

Reports to: Executive Director, Dance/USA
Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance, is seeking a full-time Director of its local branch office in New York City. The Director of Dance/NYC will provide centralized services to strengthen the infrastructure and address the needs of the greater New York City dance community. The Director will develop and implement programs tailored to the needs of the diverse constituencies (including artists, administrators, presenters, production staff, etc.) and serve as a spokesperson for dance within the broader cultural community. The Director will also work to build local alliances and represent the entire New York metropolitan dance community while working closely with the national office.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Advocacy
- Articulate a case for dance (including the entire dance ecology) to city and state leaders and policy makers when needed;
- Use methods of political activism to coalesce diverse constituencies and raise collective visibility;
- Build coalitions with key agencies (e.g., NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NYSCA, NYFA, etc.) and cultivate ties with peer organizations within dance, other disciplines and institutions of higher learning;
- Represent the metropolitan New York dance community by attending Dance/USA’s Annual Conference, Council meetings and other national convenings;
- Create collaborative ventures for the dance community to foster greater awareness and cohesiveness;
- Active participation in local government and community board meetings.

Programming and Professional Development
- Oversee all aspects relating to Dance/NYC current programs including, but not limited to, development and design of all 101 and 201 workshop series, roundtable discussion groups, and other professional development initiatives based on current industry trends, concerns and timely issues;
- Maintain contact with Dance/USA’s Director of Programming to keep the national office apprised of all professional development activities and issue-specific convenings;
- Attend professional development seminars, panels and discussions relating to the Director position.

Communications, General Operations, and Finance
- Develop and work in conjunction with a local Advisory Committee;
- Be a visible presence in the community by attending constituent performances and other functions;
- Serve as a conduit for information of and relating to dance in the New York area through web site, emails, internet social networking sites and newsletters;
- Develop a cadre of volunteers to assist in projects and administer day-to-day operations;
- Self-sustained fundraising for all general operations and specific project activities for the New York branch office;
- Coordinate fundraising and development efforts with Dance/USA’s Director of Development;
- Work closely with Dance/USA Executive Director regarding program and policy development, evaluation and mapping future directions including creation of a strategic plan;
- Work with Dance/USA’s Director of Finance and Operations in developing project and organizational budgets.
- Attend and provide support for Dance/USA meetings, including board meetings, when requested.

Research
- Determine ongoing research needs, solicit funding sources for those needs and follow up on research conducted to date;
- Work with Dance/USA's Research and Information Services department to conduct in-depth quantitative and qualitative data-gathering for use in evaluating programs.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will be an experienced professional (10+ years) in the field of arts administration with impeccable communication and writing skills. Strong analytical skills and astute judgment are a must as are demonstrated fundraising and development skills. Strong meeting/event planning experience is preferred along with program budget planning and organizational skills. Knowledge of marketing and public relations is a plus; experience with designing and developing content for professional development activities is desired, as is knowledge of New York state policies and procedures on incorporation and nonprofit formation.

The candidate will be comfortable speaking in public and leading or participating in group sessions. He or she will be an excellent listener with knowledge about the full spectrum of dance, enjoy interacting with diverse individuals and groups, and be able to strike a balance between activism and diplomacy in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position. Familiarity with the New York City, New York state, and national dance communities is vital.

Bachelor’s degree required; superior management and leadership skills with a high energy level and the capacity to handle multi-tasking; competency in a variety of standard computer business programs and in web communication. Some travel is required.

Application Closing Date: April 18, 2008; anticipated start date: July 1, 2008.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience; send a one-page cover letter stating your qualifications and salary expectations, a complete resume, and a writing sample by email to:
Tom Thielen
Dance/USA, Director of Finance and Operations
tthielen@danceusa.org

Dance/USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Director of Government Affairs
Organiztion: Dance/USA and OPERA America
Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Executive Directors of Dance/USA and OPERA America
Dance/USA, the national service organization for professional dance, and OPERA America, the national service organization for opera, seek a full-time Director of Government Affairs who will be responsible for all matters relating to legislative and national policy issues of importance to the fields of dance and opera. This position requires frequent written and verbal communication with member dance and opera organizations, other national service organizations and advocacy coalitions, and Dance/USA and OPERA America staff and Boards of Trustees.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Serving as principal liaison to the dance and opera fields in Government Affairs;
• Regularly representing Dance/USA and OPERA America in meetings with representatives from federal agencies and other national arts, education and nonprofit organizations on a variety of issues;
• Participating as Dance/USA and OPERA America representative in all American Arts Alliance government affairs initiatives;
• Participating as Dance/USA and OPERA America representative in other advocacy coalition strategizing, planning and lobbying activities;
• Respond to written and phone inquiries received in the office of Government Affairs, including preparing letters of support for visa applications for dance and opera organizations;
• Coordinate grassroots initiatives, including constituent meetings and advocacy programming at national conferences;
• Maintain communication with key staff on Capitol Hill, the National Endowment for the Arts and government affairs colleagues;
• Communicate and disseminate information about relevant government and advocacy activities to boards of directors, memberships and staff;
• Maintain files, records, and data concerning legislative priority issues and government-related initiatives as they pertain to Dance/USA and OPERA America.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will be an experienced professional (5+ years) with superior skills in public communication and public policy development, strong written and oral communication skills in various media, and strong organizational skills with the ability to self-manage. This position requires tact and diplomacy, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities.

Bachelor’s degree required, major in political science or arts administration preferred. Also requisite is a proficiency in a variety of standard computer business programs, high energy level, and a strong interest in government policy and the performing arts. Some travel is required.

Application Closing Date: April 18, 2008; anticipated start date: July 1, 2008.

Dance/USA and OPERA America are Equal Opportunity Employers.

OPERA America is the national service organization for opera. It leads and serves the entire opera community; supporting the creation, presentation and enjoyment of opera. Artistic services help opera companies and creative and performing artists to improve the quality of productions and increase the creation and presentation of North American works. Information, technical and administrative services to opera companies reflect the need for strengthened leadership among staff, trustees and volunteers. Education, audience development and community services are designed to enhance all forms of opera enjoyment. For more information, visit www.operaamerica.org.

The American Arts Alliance is a Washington, DC based coalition of national, nonprofit performing arts service organizations for dance, opera, theatre, musical theatre, orchestras and presenting organizations. For 31 years, the American Arts Alliance has been the premiere advocate for America's professional, nonprofit arts organizations, artists and their publics before the U.S. Congress and key policy makers. Through legislative and grassroots action, the American Arts Alliance advocates for national policies that recognize, enhance and foster the contributions the performing arts make to America. For more information, visit www.americanartsalliance.org.

Project Assistant
Organization: Dance/MetroDC
Job Location: Washington, DC

Dance/MetroDC, a local branch office of Dance/USA, is seeking a temporary part-time project assistant to provide support for the Interim Director. A young and growing organization, Dance/MetroDC provides resources, promotion and collaborative opportunities for the dance community in the metropolitan DC area.

Duties include but are not limited to:
• Management of E-newsletters, performance calendars and additional correspondence when applicable.
• Processing of all applications and registrations
• Assist with content management of web sites.
• Assist with aspects of the Metro DC Dance Awards.
• Assist with donor research and implementation of fundraising strategies
• Provide support for all meetings, roundtables and seminars.

Applicants should be proficient in all Microsoft programs, able to work in a multi-task environment, and detail-oriented. Minimum 24 hours per week.

Please respond by March 21, 2008 by sending cover letter, resume and 2 references to Stephanie Wong, Interim Director, Dance/MetroDC, 1111 16th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington D.C. 20036. Fax: (202) 833-2686. Email: swong@dancemetrodc.org

Dance/USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About Dance/USA
Dance/USA is one of the nation’s leading performing arts service organizations and the only one devoted to the full range of professional dance genres and job functions. Founded in 1982 and now celebrating its 25 th Anniversary, the organization includes a membership of over 400 dance companies, presenters, local/regional/special interest dance service organizations, educational institutions, businesses and individuals. Based in Washington, DC, it has opened three branch offices in the last five years – one serving the New York City dance community, one addressing the needs of the greater metropolitan DC area and a third to serve the Philadelphia dance community. The services that Dance/USA and its branches provide include advocacy, research, professional development, communications, and other initiatives with the assistance of grant makers.

Through a year-long strategic planning process involving staff, trustees, members and national dance leaders, the organization clarified its mission, goals, values and vision and is now in the second year of implementation of a three-to-five year plan.

View other jobs in the dance field

Dance/USA INTERNSHIPS

Dance/USA offers volunteer internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students on a semester basis. As a membership-based, national service organization for professional dance, we offer opportunities to work on a variety of issues facing the field of dance on a national scale. In addition to the national office, we also have opportunities in our newest branch office, Dance/MetroDC – serving the local dance community in Maryland, Virginia and the District. Internships run on a semester basis and a stipend of $100/month is available. The information and specific requirements for upcoming internship opportunities are listed below. Please contact Monica Reid at 202-833-1717 or danceusa@danceusa.org for more information.

Fall 2007: Internships run from September 4 – December 21, 2007. Application Deadline: August 24, 2007

You may apply for any of the following internships:

Administration

Job description: Assist Administration Manager with overseeing all day-to-day office operations. The Arts Administration intern will work with the Administration Manager on projects for the Board of Trustees, and also assist in areas of programming, development and finance.

Duties include: creating documents for the Board of Trustees, assist in maintaining registration databases, maintenance of general and vendor correspondence, answering phones, and assist in tracking incoming and outgoing correspondence with vendors, funders and members.

Applicants must be detail-oriented and exhibit excellent professional, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Experience with Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel is a plus. email: danceusa@danceusa.org or snail mail: 1111 16th St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036.

Membership

Job description: Assist Membership Director with implementation of membership policies and procedures, recruitment and retention. Interact with national constituency to provide current information about Dance/USA programs and the field at large.

Duties include: maintenance of databases; email communications; creating mailing labels and invoices; creating and organizing materials for events; helping to monitor, create and distribute communications with the membership including weekly and monthly news emails; internet research; respond to member inquiries and requests for membership; general administrative tasks; maintain listserves; assisting with the creation and development of recruitment and retention strategies; proofreading and editing; and comparative analysis.

Applicants must: be a sophomore in good standing, be proficient in Microsoft applications including Word, Access, and Excel. Website/html skills a plus. Hours are flexible. Please send cover letter, resume, two references and a writing sample no longer than 1000 words to the attention of Ann Norris either fax: 202-833-2686, email: anorris@danceusa.org or snail mail: 1111 16th St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036

Marketing/PR

Job description: Assist the Marketing/PR Manager with promotion of Dance/USA, it’s projects, events and branch offices.

Duties include: Helping to maintain and grow a national press/dance-press list, assist with the writing and distribution of press releases; assist with maintenance and development of press kit; Internet research; proofreading/editing; general administrative tasks; work with other organizations to promote collaborative events; talk with press; be knowledgeable about Dance/USA and its programs and publications.

Applicants must be sophomores in good standing and be proficient in Microsoft applications Word and Excel, website/html skills a plus. Hours flexible. Please send cover letter, resume, two references and a writing sample no longer than 1000 words to the attention of Ann Norris either fax: 202-833-2686, email: anorris@danceusa.org or snail mail: 1111 16th St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036

Government Affairs

The government affairs intern will learn the tools and techniques of advocacy while becoming familiar with federal policy and legislative issues of concern to the performing arts community. The GA intern will:

track legislation, conduct phone calls to congressional offices, draft correspondence for members and update content of government affairs information on the website;
accompany government affairs manager on visits with Capitol Hill staffers;
attend government affairs planning meetings with coalition partners in the American Arts Alliance, the Performing Arts Visa Taskforce and the Cultural Advocacy Group; and
work on specific research projects to increase Dance/USA’s advocacy tools and resources.

Experience with Microsoft Access helpful but not mandatory. Excellent oral and written communication skills a must. Please send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Haley Gordon, Government Affairs Manager.

Metro DC Dance Awards Internship

Job description: Assist Director of Dance/MetroDC with all aspects of the Metro DC Dance Awards.

Duties: Provide support for all MDCDA related activities, update and coordinate MDCDA web site and performance calendar create nomination forms and make sure they are readily available to the public, manage the creation of an Artist Ballot, notify finalists and request materials, coordinate materials and viewing sites for Selection Committee, coordinate silent auction donations, assist with marketing of all events, including parties, performances and the Awards event, assist with all mailings and correspondence.

Applicants should be proficient in all Microsoft programs, able to work in a multi-task environment and be detail-oriented. Send cover letter, resume and 2 references to Johanna Seltzer, Director, Dance/MetroDC, 1111 16th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington D.C. 20005. Fax: (202) 833-2686. Email: jseltzer@dancemetrodc.org

HOME | SITE MAP | CONTACT US | BECOME A MEMBER