Executive Director

Connecting Creative Minds, Arts & Creative Opportunities and Jobs

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.
• 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.

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