Executive Director

National Guild; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IRA with employer matching

Paid holidays and closures

Unlimited paid time off

Studio space access

Job summary

Dancewave seeks an Executive Director to advance its mission, vision, and values and ensure the organization’s ongoing success and sustainability. The role calls for leadership in strategy, fundraising, and organizational growth with a commitment to social justice and community partnerships in New York City.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in nonprofit leadership within the arts/education sector, strong fiscal management, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leadership and management in arts/education nonprofit settings
• 2+ years in leadership preferred
• Strong fiscal management and budgeting acumen
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with local/community partners in NYC
• Commitment to belonging, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Familiarity with current trends in the dance field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational leadership and culture.
• Promote staff involvement in racial and social justice initiatives.
• Ensure values are expressed across all levels and attract diverse staff leaders.
• Facilitate collaborative processes for staff autonomy and participation.
• Support growth and development of administrative and program staff with mentorship and training.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding practices.
• Strategy execution with Board and staff to align with mission and strategic plan.
• Ensure equitable access to programming and lead core programs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Fundraising

Budgeting

Partnerships

Diversity & inclusion

Communication

Arts nonprofit

Job description

The Executive Director is responsible for Dancewave's consistent advancement of its mission, vision, and values and the overall success and sustainability of the organization.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A successful track record in leadership and management in an arts and/or education nonprofit setting, 2+ years experience in a leadership position preferred
• Passionate about Dancewave's mission, vision, and values
• Strong strategic and growth-oriented thinking
• Proven track record with sustained fundraising
• Strong fiscal management and budgeting acumen
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships and liaison with local and community partners in New York City
• A demonstrable commitment to advancing belonging, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
• Organized, innovative, and agile problem solver
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Familiarity with current trends and practices in the dance field preferred

Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

• Demonstrate a deep commitment to the organization's mission, vision, and values
• Promote staff involvement in racial and social justice initiatives
• Ensure that the organization's values are being expressed at all levels of the organization, maintaining a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of capable leaders
• Facilitate collaborative working processes that promote staff autonomy and participation
• Support the growth and development of administrative and programmatic staff, providing guidance and mentorship, and access to training opportunities
• Oversee best practices in recruitment, hiring, and onboarding

STRATEGY & VISION

• Work closely with the Board of Directors and staff, particularly the Managing Director and Leadership Committee, to ensure all initiatives and workflows are aligned with the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategic plan
• Ensure equitable access for all stakeholders to participate in programming
• Establishes direction and oversight for all core organizational programs
• Lead bi-annual staff retreats
• Co-facilitate all staff meetings with the Managing Director
• Oversee data tracking, evaluation, and reporting of organizational impact and progress on strategic, short- and long-term plans

FUNDRAISING

• Lead fundraising strategy along with the Board of Directors
• Oversee and lead all individual giving fundraising initiatives
• Solicit donations from various sources, utilizing organizational contacts and research
• Work closely with the Institutional Giving Manager to expand Dancewave's private philanthropic and public funding portfolios

PUBLIC AFFAIRS & ADVOCACY

• Serve as Dancewave's public representative
• Maintain positive relationships with City and State government officials
• Grow Dancewave's media presence and voice in the larger arts landscape
• Provide editorial leadership for all organizational communications

CAPACITY BUILDING & PARTNERSHIPS

• Identify and implement opportunities to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiencyExpand strategic partnerships and collaborations designed to increase organizational capacity and position within the sector

FISCAL MANAGEMENT & BUDGETING

• Develop short and long-term financial strategies with Board of Directors and Managing Director
• Oversee financial performance, maintaining a strong cash position at all times
• Approve major expenditures with oversight from the Board of Directors
• Develop annual wage projections and implement annual budget in collaboration with the Managing Director.

About the Organization

Founded in 1995, Dancewave provides access to supportive and empowering dance experiences that center social, emotional and cognitive development through movement. Developing programs to meet community needs, we use dance as a vehicle for transformation, expression, active citizenship and self reflection. Dancewave fosters a culture where dance is celebrated as a healing and inclusive art form. Dancewave envisions a future where dance is available to all populations, especially those who have ever been denied access to dance education. Dancewave acts as a resource and community hub for artists, educators and young visionaries, extending opportunities for our audience to participate in advocacy efforts and social change movements.

Dancewave delivers on this mission through year-round youth classes; the pre-professional Dancewave Company for young dancers seeking intensive training and performance opportunities; seasonal camps and intensives; and college and career readiness programs for teens. The organization also offers adult and intergenerational classes, in-school residencies and community partnerships across NYC, tuition-flexible and scholarship-supported enrollment, and affordable studio rentals that provide space and support for artists and community groups. For more information about Dancewave, please visit www.dancewave.org .

Administration (other) | Paid | Full Time

Compensation: 90000 – 110000

Location: Brooklyn, New York

WORKPLACE: Hybrid (remote and on-site at the Dancewave Center located at 182 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11217).

Candidates must be based in the NYC area and able to work evenings and weekends as needed, with occasional travel across the 5 boroughs.

ANTICIPATED START DATE: Late March/Early April 2026 (flexible). Selected applicants will be invited to participate in virtual interviews.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Base salary range: $90,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience (subject to negotiation), with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Dancewave offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, IRA with employer matching, paid holidays and closures observed by the organization, unlimited paid time off, and various perks including complimentary classes and studio space.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE: Dancewave seeks to live its mission, vision and values at all levels of the organization. Dancewave is an equal opportunity employer.