Opportunities

Executive Director, American Contemporary Ballet

Description

Position Overview: American Contemporary Ballet (ACB) is a performing arts organization dedicated to producing  original contemporary classical ballets and presenting masterworks that exemplify dance as a musical art form—all  performed exclusively to live music. With 60+ performances per season in Los Angeles, immersive productions, and a  growing audience of culturally curious supporters, ACB is poised for significant expansion. 

We seek an Executive Director (ED) who brings strategic insight, fundraising effectiveness, and the ability to execute  at a high level, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors and Founder/Artistic Director. The Executive  Director reports to the Board of Directors and serves as the organization’s chief non-artistic executive, working in  close partnership with the Founder/Artistic Director. This is a hands-on, high-impact role requiring rigorous  execution, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to build enduring relationships with high-net-worth donors,  foundations, and corporate partners in the Los Angeles area and beyond.  

Primary Responsibilities: As the primary operational and fundraising executive, you will oversee all non-artistic  functions, drive financial sustainability, and scale ACB’s impact. In partnership with the Founder/Artistic Director and  Board of Directors, you will play a defining role in translating artistic vision into organizational strength and long term-impact. Key responsibilities include: 

● Fundraising Leadership: Lead the development and disciplined execution of a comprehensive fundraising  strategy to increase revenue; personally manage a caseload of major donors and close high-level gifts;  cultivate and solicit high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations; oversee the grants calendar,  submissions, and reporting; ensure effective donor moves-management via Network for Good and other  tools; guide stewardship relationships; partner with the Board on major gifts and board giving. 

● Strategic & Operational Excellence: Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement a strategic  plan; identify efficiencies, standardize processes, deploy project management tools, and scale infrastructure  for growth and new initiatives; oversee risk management, including insurance coverage, venue contracts,  legal compliance, nonprofit filings, regulatory requirements, contract negotiation, and vendor risk  mitigation. 

● Board Support and Governance: Act as primary staff liaison to the Board; prepare clear, timely reports  on finances, fundraising, and operations; collaborate with the Board Chair on board development,  recruitment of new members, and strong governance practices.  

● Financial Management: Prepare, monitor, and manage the annual operating budget; ensure fiscal  compliance, internal controls, and long-term financial health. 

● Team & Vendor Leadership: Supervise operations and administrative staff (including performance  reviews, job descriptions, and meetings); manage third-party vendors, contracts, and relationships.

● Performance & Community Engagement: Represent ACB within the Los Angeles arts and philanthropic  community, expanding visibility and support. Attend performances to supervise administrative needs;  represent ACB as a persuasive spokesperson; maintain its reputation as an innovative leader in the arts. 

● Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess operations, establish metrics for progress, and adapt systems  to support sustained success. 

Qualifications & Experience: We seek a high-caliber, results-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission driven environment. Ideal candidates will demonstrate: 

● Demonstrated ability to design and successfully execute a comprehensive revenue strategy, including annual  giving, major gifts, membership programs, ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships and partnerships.

● Proven track record of successful major fundraising. 

● Senior leadership experience in nonprofit, cultural/arts, mission-driven organizations

● Financial fluency: Experience building and managing budgets, and resource planning 

● Superior operational strengths: Designing/executing systems, processes, and procedures with precision. 

● Executive maturity: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Building strong relationships with  donors, board, artists, staff, and stakeholders; influencing and driving consensus. Multitasking under  pressure with professionalism, grace, and sound judgment.  

● Strategic mindset: Self-directed learning, goal-setting, metrics-driven results, innovative problem-solving,  and entrepreneurial mindset. 

● Proficiency in nonprofit tools (budgeting, databases such as Network for Good, management systems).

● Alignment with ACB’s values, a philosophical approach to the arts, a strong work ethic, and integrity. 

● A collaborative management style that emphasizes patience, humility, and accountability is essential. 

● Local candidates preferred. Qualified candidates outside of Los Angeles will also be considered.

Compensation & Benefits 

● Base Salary range: $180,000- $225,000 annually; Salary commensurate with relevant experience.

● Competitive package including a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement  (QSEHRA) to reimburse individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. 

● Paid Time Off, Parking, and Technology (laptop/phone). 

● Exempt position under California law (salaried); at-will employment. 

Full-time, in-office (with flexibility) commitment expected. 

To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, and three references, to jobs@acbdances.com (subject: Executive  Director Application).

Apply Now

Deadline

Expires: 2026-05-30

Organization

American Contemporary Ballet
213-304-3408

Location

California

Address

750 West 7th Street PO Box 81188, Los Angeles, CA 90081

Category

Jobs

Discipline

Arts Administration

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