Executive Director

Executive Director

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.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary range: $180,000- $225,000 annually; Salary commensurate with relevant experience. Benefits: Competitive package including a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) to reimburse individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses.
• Local candidates preferred. Qualified candidates outside of Los Angeles will also be considered.
• 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.

How to Apply

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

Applications reviewed ongoing.