Development and Operations Specialist

Blue13 Dance Company; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue13 Dance Company in Los Angeles seeks a Development and Operations Specialist to build donor relations, design fundraising strategies, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations. The role includes managing contracts, coordinating performances and events, and growing partnerships with the Executive Artistic Director.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced arts environment. Responsibilities include CRM-driven donor communications, grant-writing support, back-office tasks, and

Qualifications

• At least three years of relevant experience.
• Demonstration of cultural competency.
• Passion for the performing arts, arts education, and cultural programming.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, partners, artists, and patrons.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to network, cultivate partnerships, and engage community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate new donors and maintain donor relationships.
• Oversee contracts and company engagement coordination (performances, events).
• Grow partnerships with the Executive Artistic Director.
• Manage CRM donor data and communication tracking.
• Assist Grants and Production Manager with grant writing.
• Engagement coordination with Production Manager.
• Front-of-house coordination at live engagements.
• Communicate with donors and attendees pre/post engagements.
• Craft newsletters through CRM.
• Light accounting and bookkeeping.

Skills

Relationship building

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organization

Networking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM databases

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title: Development and Operations Specialist

Reports to: Executive Artistic Director

Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay: $25 per hour

Blue13 Background

Blue13 Dance Company is an American dance theatre ensemble based in Los Angeles. Founded by Artistic Director Achinta S. McDaniel, Blue13 has connected audiences through the power of live aesthetically and culturally daring dance, performing in the U.S. and abroad in its highly energetic and theatrical modern dance style that is inspired in part by the classical and cultural art forms of the Indian subcontinent.

summary

The Development and Operations Specialist at Blue13 Dance Company will play a crucial role in d eveloping donor relations and fundraising strategies, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of our day-to-day operations. Blue13 Dance Company will provide training in all areas necessary for success in this role. Candidates who meet many, but not all of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

The Development and Operations Specialist is essential to contributing to the growth and success of Blue13. The primary responsibilities of the role are cultivating new donors and maintaining positive relationships with donors, partners, and patrons. Key responsibilities also include managing administrative tasks, overseeing contracts and company engagement coordination (performances, events), and growing partnerships together with the Executive Artistic Director. We are looking for a dedicated and well-connected individual who has a robust network and of course, a love for the performing arts. They must be persuasive and adaptable, maintain a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and have exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.

Donor relationships and Board activation (together with Executive Artistic Director)

CRM database management (donor, data, communication tracking of fundraising and productions/events)

Assist Grants and Production Manager with grant writing

Engagement coordination with Production Manager

Front-of-house coordination at live engagements

Communicate with donors and attendees prior to and post engagements

Craft and send newsletters through CRM

Light accounting and bookkeeping

Additional Duties

• Frequently required to socialize at events for several hours at a time.
• Occasional exposure to loud music or sounds, and outdoor exposure during events.

qualifications

Required

• At least three years of relevant experience

Demonstration of cultural competency

Passion for the performing arts, arts education, and cultural programming.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, partners, artists, and patrons.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to network, cultivate partnerships, and engage community stakeholders.

Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team.

Strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.

Professional, persuasive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.

Comfortable learning new software systems and administrative processes.

Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends in support of performances, events, and donor engagement activities.

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

• Experience with fundraising, donor cultivation, sales, marketing, community engagement, or relationship management preferred.

Experience using CRM databases, donor management systems, or similar platforms preferred.

Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

Familiarity with marketing, newsletter platforms, email marketing tools, and digital communications preferred.

Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

Experience with bookkeeping, payroll processing, budgeting, or basic accounting practices preferred.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Existing connections within Los Angeles arts, entertainment, philanthropic, or business communities are a plus.

equal opportunity Employment

Blue13 does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. South Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Indigenous community members, People/Women of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, and Two Spirit people, and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.