Executive Director

Organization: The Dance Hall
Location: 7 Walker Road, Kittery, Maine
Date Posted: October 10
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until at least Friday, November 10  at 11:59 PM ET. Priority review given to those received before that time. 

Compensation & Benefits

This position pays $80,000/annually. Benefits include paid time off, a health care stipend and contributions to a tax-advantaged retirement savings account after one year.  

The Dance Hall is seeking an Executive Director. We are a small, highly collaborative organization, looking for an Executive Director: a hands-on, collaborative leader responsible for the operation, management and strategic direction of a live music and dance performance venue. This individual will lead The Dance Hall in achieving its mission and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.  

Why Apply to The Dance Hall?

1. Be Part of a Creative Community:

Work alongside inspiring arts leaders who are committed to fostering a vibrant arts community, with a special focus on music and dance.

1. Flexible work environment Join our team and experience a flexible work environment that values and respects your work/life balance. We understand the importance of personal time and commitments, and we strive to create a supportive atmosphere where you can thrive both professionally and personally. 

1. Plan and Implement Exciting Events:

Take the lead in organizing an annual fundraiser to celebrate creativity, music, and dance. 

1. Enhance Your Organizational Skills:

Excel in tracking and organizing all aspects of our initiatives, keeping our team aligned and on schedule. Implement effective organizational processes to enhance efficiency.

1. Champion the Arts:

Play a pivotal role in championing The Dance Hall's mission to nurture the arts, with a special emphasis on music and dance. Communicate effectively with all members of our community, ensuring our shared vision is realized and celebrated.

1. Make a Meaningful Impact:

Your work will directly contribute to building an inclusive community where the arts thrive. Help us create a space where creativity, music, and dance are celebrated, and everyone feels valued.

If you are passionate about the arts, especially music and dance, and eager to support a thriving cultural hub, we invite you to apply to The Dance Hall. Join us in making a difference and enriching our community through creativity and connection.

About The Dance Hall

The Dance Hall is a 501(c)(3) performing arts venue located in downtown Kittery Foreside, Maine. Founded in 2011, it operates in a restored 1928 Grange Hall, offering a diverse mix of music, dance, community educational programs, and workshops. The organization employs a full-time Operations Manager and a part-time Artistic Director, with additional support from consultants for bookkeeping, fundraising, and grant-writing. The Board, consisting of five members, is deeply committed to the organization’s success and sustainability.

Mission:
To build community by promoting, advancing, and sponsoring artistic endeavors, creative work, and education in dance and music.

Our Core Values

• Belief in the power of artistic experiences to open minds and hearts and build community.
• Commitment to presenting diverse, world-class music and dance in an accessible and inspiring setting.
• Support for local artists while introducing the community to national and international talent.

Key Responsibilities for the Role

• Ensuring fiscal, operational, and administrative soundness
• Achieving fundraising and financial goals
• Building a sustainable nonprofit
• Overseeing operations, fundraising, development, team-building, programming, arts management systems, and community outreach
• Representing The Dance Hall at performances and public events
• Strategic Planning

Who Should Apply?

We want to cultivate a pool of candidates who are excited to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team.

We are seeking applicants who have some or most of the following experiences:

• Non-Profit Leadership: Proven experience in leading and managing non-profit organizations, ensuring alignment with mission and strategic goals. Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, secure funding, and manage budgets effectively.
• Effective Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including board members, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and compellingly. Experience in public speaking and presenting to large groups.
• Fundraising and Development: Proven ability to secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and individual donations. Experience in building and maintaining relationships with donors and funding organizations.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to organize and manage a variety of people and tasks, ensuring smooth operation and consistency. Experience in multitasking and prioritizing workload to meet deadlines.
• Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage teams effectively, including hiring, training, and evaluating staff. Organized, consistent, and punctual. Experience in fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Experience in the Arts and Culture Experience Sector: Experience in the arts and culture sector is preferred. Familiarity with management systems used within this sector is advantageous. Understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the arts community.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. Experience in implementing policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion within the organization and the community it serves.
• Community Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and the public. Ability to engage and inspire community members to support the organization's mission and programs.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and oversight of financial operations. Ability to ensure the organization's financial health and sustainability.
• Innovation: Ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. Experience in implementing new ideas and approaches to improve organizational effectiveness and achieve strategic goals.

Search Committee

Expressions of interest and formal applications will be reviewed by The Dance Hall search committee. 

The search committee, consisting of board members and staff, handles the search process, recruits and screens candidates, and conducts interviews. They evaluate candidates' qualifications and fit for the organization, then recommend a candidate to the board. The board reviews and discusses this recommendation, then votes to approve the candidate. Once approved, the board extends an offer and ensures a smooth transition for the new Executive Director.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, military or veteran status, or health/disability status.

APPLY HERE

Application & Hiring Process

• PHASE ONE: Apply. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter: click here.
• PHASE TWO: Brief phone interview.
• PHASE THREE: Interviews.  One to two rounds of interviews, the first via Zoom, are anticipated. Contact information for three references (phone numbers and email addresses) who know you and your work will be requested at this phase. References will not be contacted without your prior consent.

If you need accommodations to make this application process happen, please connect with us by reaching out to thedancehalledsearch@gmail.com.