Executive Director

Management Consultants for the Arts; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Kansas City Ballet is seeking a strategic, visionary Executive Director to co-lead one of America’s oldest professional ballet companies. The role partners with the Artistic Director and Board to grow resources, expand connections, and ensure continued artistic and operational growth.

Responsibilities include collaborative leadership, financial planning, fundraising, audience advancement, and external relationships. A commitment to equity and community impact is essential.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of nonprofit arts management and financial stewardship.
• Ability to translate data into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record in fundraising, philanthropy, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong collaboration with artistic leadership and the board.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead strategic direction and ensure resilient operations aligned with growth.
• Partner with Artistic Director and Board to champion entrepreneurial strategies.
• Oversee finances, endowment, budgeting, and resource allocation.
• Lead fundraising initiatives and donor relationship cultivation.
• Drive marketing and external relations to expand audience and support.

Skills

Financial literacy

Leadership

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Board relations

Community engagement

Job description

Opportunity

Kansas City Ballet (KCB) seeks a strategic and visionary leader to co‑lead one of America’s longest‑established professional ballet companies. As the organization’s chief administrative leader, the Executive Director will develop institutional resilience, drive team momentum, and partner with Artistic Director Devon Carney and the Board of Directors to champion bold entrepreneurial strategies that build resources, expand connections, and ensure KCB’s continued artistic and operational growth.

Background

• Mission: To Inspire and Engage Through the Beauty, Power & Passion of Dance
• Vision: Outstanding Dance Experiences Accessible to All

Key Focus Areas

• Balance revenue growth with the rising costs of producing world‑class dance.
• Respond to community needs and evolving cultural engagement.
• Expand new audiences while nurturing long‑time supporters.
• Grow the impact and revenue of KCB’s educational arm.
• Strengthen existing partnerships, pursue new collaborations and co‑productions.
• Leverage financial stability to take calculated creative risks that reinforce the mission.

Position Responsibilities

Collaborative Leadership

• Model achievement and accountability, fostering a high‑performing team aligned with organizational goals.
• Build a trusting, respectful partnership with the Artistic Director, sharing ideas and navigating dual leadership.
• Engage the Board in strategic focus, championing inclusion, resiliency, and innovation.
• Serve as a thought leader in strategic planning and organizational development.

Financial Insight and Planning

• Develop long‑term budgets and financial plans that anticipate needs and sustain growth.
• Use data to craft persuasive narratives for diverse constituencies.
• Oversee financial processes, implementing improvements for fiscal health.
• Monitor endowment performance in collaboration with the Board.
• Partner with Ballet School leadership to align educational investments with financial outcomes.

Fund and Audience Advancement

• Lead fundraising initiatives, building strong cases for support with the philanthropy team.
• Nurture donor relationships through personal engagement.
• Drive marketing and communications to grow ticket and subscription sales with innovative messaging.

External Relationships

• Maintain civic relationships to benefit both KCB and the wider arts community.
• Share KCB’s story locally and nationally with authenticity and intent.
• Champion equity‑based values and diversity within the organization.

Desired Qualifications and Qualities

• Deep appreciation for dance, either through personal experience or artistic advocacy.
• Strong financial literacy and ability to translate complex data into compelling stories.
• Enthusiastic collaborator who thrives on new ideas and relationships.
• Visionary mindset with execution capability for large‑scale initiatives.
• Proven mentorship and team‑building track record.
• Commitment to the Kansas City community and its cultural future.

Compensation and Application Procedure

Salary range: $200,000 and above; benefits competitive with comparable ballet companies.

Application materials (PDF format, file name includes candidate’s name):

• Cover letter (≤ 1½ pages) describing leadership background and excitement for this opportunity.
• Four professional references.
• Salary expectation.

The search will conclude by Fall 2026. Interested candidates should submit their application as indicated.