Managing Director

RAWdance is a mission-driven organization, committed to creating adventurous, thoughtful, and welcoming programming that challenges what contemporary dance is, where it happens, who it includes, and the role it plays in our lives. RAWdance transforms theaters and public spaces through performance, curation, and film. Based in both San Francisco and New York’s Hudson Valley, the company was founded in 2004 by Co-Artistic Directors Ryan T. Smith and Wendy Rein.

The Managing Director is a new role with accountability for the organization’s overall operations and for developing new initiatives that strengthen RAWdance’s community connections and financial capacity. Candidates should be comfortable working independently as well as part of a small team, and should be interested in playing a public role as a representative of RAWdance. The role will report to the company’s Co-Artistic Directors. It requires excellent organizational and communication skills, long-term relationship building as well as day-to-day tasks, and being able to approach projects through a number of different lenses.

Experience in non-profit operations is a plus. Additional skills specific to fundraising, marketing, and production planning are also a bonus. That said, we do not expect any candidate to come with all of the skills for the position — new skills can always be learned! Ultimately we are looking for a candidate who brings both tangible skills and their own unique perspective to the table, and is interested in growing while pushing the organization forward.

We are a small and active company, so daily needs inherently shift based on RAWdance’s calendar, including production timelines, grant deadlines, etc. Especially during events, it’s all hands on deck; there’s no job too big or too small for everyone on staff.

BIPOC and LGBTQ+ candidates are especially encouraged to apply. San Francisco county residents are also encouraged.

RAWdance does not provide health insurance at this time. The company does provide additional benefits such as paid time off, family leave, and professional development.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/FUNDRAISING: 30%
Business Development
• Maintain and create relationships with presenters and organizational partners
• Research and initiate earned income opportunities (performances, teaching, etc.)
Fundraising
• Initiate and support donor stewardship efforts
• Research grants, update calendar, & assist with applications/reporting
• Support Spring Benefit event and Annual Appeal campaign
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Clean and process data as needed

GENERAL OPERATIONS: 30%
Board Relationships
• Serve as a board liaison
• Assist with scheduling and maintaining google group
Human Resources
• Process monthly payroll
• Maintain employee records & HR compliance
• Maintain/update employee handbook
• Assist with worker’s compensation payments and reports
General Management
• Assist with strategic plan tracking
• Gather and upload payroll reports, receipts, etc. for bookkeeper
• Assist with business registration and company filings
• Manage insurance renewals & additional insured certificates
• Gather and respond to mail, as needed

PRODUCTION/PROGRAMS: 15%
• Coordinate volunteers for events
• Execute company contracts (including with venues, dancers, etc.)
• Represent the company at performances and events, as needed
• Assist with Fellowship coordination & needs

MARKETING/OUTREACH: 15%
• Assist with website updates, as needed
• Execute personal invitations to funders, donors, community partners, etc.
• Attend periodic rehearsals

REQUIREMENTS
• At least 3 years experience working in nonprofit or arts administration, or a similar job with transferable skills.
• Working knowledge of contemporary dance and/or performing arts fields strongly preferred.
• Based in co-working space at Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco. A portion of the hours may be done remotely/at home, upon mutual agreement with the Co-Artistic Directors.
• Available to work occasional nights and weekends for productions and special events.
• Regular work sessions will be held with the Co-Artistic Directors via Zoom. Additional work will be both in person and virtual, with the company’s Production & Program Manager, along with board members and contractors.
• Errands and travel within the city, and occasionally the greater Bay Area, may be necessary.
• All staff are called upon from time to time to push/pull/lift heavy objects.

SKILLS
• Exceptional writing and communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organized, strategic thinking
• Efficient task execution with comfort working independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Dropbox, and database programs
• Knowledge of additional software (Photoshop, In Design, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, WordPress, etc.), a plus

COMPENSATION

$64,480 annually

TO APPLY
Please send the following to raw@rawdance.org:
• Short cover letter (1-page max)
• Résumé or CV
• 2-3 References
Deadline: April 2, or until filled

ABOUT RAWDANCE
“edgy, sexy inventive fare designed to speak to audiences” – SF Weekly
“experimental work done brilliantly” – Critical Dance
“witty, whip-smart, and beautiful to watch” – SF Chronicle

RAWdance transforms theaters and public spaces through performance, curation, and film. Based in both San Francisco and New York’s Hudson Valley, the company was founded in 2004 by Co-Artistic Directors Ryan T. Smith and Wendy Rein. Rein and Smith have been honored with an SF Bay Guardian (SFBG) GOLDIE Award, an “Izzy” nomination, and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, SF Arts Commission, and many more. For the past four years, RAWdance has been voted “Best Dance Company” by the 48 Hills/SFBG’s Best of the Bay.

The company has been presented by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, The Joyce Theater, Jacob’s Pillow, 62’ Center for Theatre and Dance, Dance St. Louis, Redflag Theater (China), Singapore Fringe Festival, and more. RAWdance’s films have been screened in over 20 festivals on four continents. A Home Company of ODC Theater, RAWdance has been supported through residencies at the National Center for Choreography-Akron, Ucross, Djerassi, Zaccho Dance Theatre, 836M Gallery and more.

In addition to theatrical performance, RAWdance prioritizes work in nontraditional venues, placing dance directly in the public path and stripping away the elitist feel that often surrounds concert dance. The company has performed in public parks, civic spaces, galleries, restaurants, libraries, and storefronts. From 2017-2022, RAWdance served as curators for Yerba Buena Gardens ChoreoFest, a free festival of site-specific dance presenting nine artists annually. RAWdance has also presented nearly 150 artists through its celebrated CONCEPT series, an intimate and informal salon of contemporary dance, currently held at the SF War Memorial Green Room. The CONCEPT series will expand to the Hudson Valley for the first time this July.

In 2021, to further support diverse voices in the field, the company launched the Radiate Fellowship, supporting 3 emerging BIPOC dance makers with individualized, paid, fellowships. The second cohort is slated to launch in Fall 2023. RAWdance will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024, and is currently planning a jam-packed season of theatrical performance, site specific repertory, and multimedia work.

Expanding on RAWdance’s roots in co-leadership, from 2019 to early 2023, Smith and Rein were joined by company dancer Katerina Wong as a third, equal Co-Artistic Director. Wong recently stepped down from the position as she transitioned from the Bay Area.

RAWdance is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, are fully valued, respected, and supported.