[PhiladelphiaDANCE.org Listserv] Philadanco Job Posting: DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

[Terri]

"PHILADANCO's dancers are a miracle of skill and energy.  They work in a
range of idioms most companies don't even try to possess
  A company that
can do more than just anything.  It can represent the possibilities of human
spirit through dance."  
Dance Magazine 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 

 
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 

ORGANIZATION 
Since its inception in 1970, The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) has
had a significant impact on the dance world. As a cultural ambassador
representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia,
its artistic direction and renowned national and international guest
choreographers have developed a reputation of producing a dance repertory
with passion, power, skill and diversity.  Over the 38 years, a stellar
faculty (hand-picked by Joan Myers Brown) has trained over 4,500 dancers in
a comprehensive program achieving the highest level of technical skills in
dance and performance.  The unique blend of dance styles of PHILADANCO, and
its roster of 50-60 concert performances and 45 residencies annually has
made them one of the most sought after modern companies in the United
States. 

The original mission of PHILADANCO, “to present the highest quality of
professional dance performance, and to provide exceptional training for the
improvement of skills for emerging professional dancers and choreographers
in a nurturing environment while increasing the appreciation of dance among
its many communities” has withstood time, budget cuts and the passage of 38
years.  

Developing and piloting new programs and initiatives is nothing new to
PHILADANCO. In 2000, the company along with eight other cultural
organizations received permanent residency at The Kimmel Center for the
Performing Arts in Philadelphia.  We performed there for the first time
before a sold-out audience on January 17, 2002. In 1981 the company was one
of only 15 organizations awarded the prestigious National Choreography
Planning Grant. We organized the historic first two International
Conferences for Black Dance Companies with over 75 representatives convening
in Philadelphia. For the past 15 years, more than 600 people have assembled
annually for the International Conference on Black Dance; headed by the
International Association of Blacks in Dance, which was also founded and now
chaired by Joan Myers Brown.  

PHILADANCO was the first to be included in the CETA Pilot Program for
Instruction and Training some 20 years ago.  In 1981, the company was the
first area dance organization to purchase its own corporate headquarters and
studio facility.  In 1986, the company created the first artist-housing
program in the City for its principal dancers.  And, in 1997, PHILADANCO was
one of 31 national organizations to receive a Philip Morris New Work Fund
Award.

PHILADANCO just recently returned from an extensive European Tour;
performances in Germany, Austria, Netherlands and Budapest, Hungary drew
thunderous applause and too many encores to count. It was the second such
tour for the company with many in the audience requesting a return
engagement. BRAVO, ‘DANCO!!

PHILADANCO believes in and continues to provide quality arts instruction to
young people with authentic learning experiences that engage their minds,
hearts, and bodies. And after 38 years, the PHILADANCO building continues to
be an oasis in its community and a welcoming refuge for all those who enter,
knowing the arts will change their lives. In 2010, PHILADANCO will celebrate
its 40th Anniversary. Clearly, we are the Company of choice for dancers,
choreographers and audiences alike.  In short, PHILADANCO is an
international treasure! 


THE  PHILADELPHIA METROPOLITAN AREA
PHILADANCO is based in West Philadelphia, a community centrally located near
main business districts and amidst several top universities.  The building,
at #9 Philadanco Way (N. Preston Street), is just a few train stops away
from the bustle of Centre City and the thriving Philadelphia theatre
district. 
 The Philadelphia Metropolitan area, also known as the Delaware Valley
(because of its proximity to the Delaware River), encompasses several
counties and boosts a total population of about 5.5 million people.  Known
for its diverse and rich cultural landscape, Philadelphia is centrally
located between two other major metro areas, New York City (90 miles north)
and Washington D.C. (140 miles south).  For more information on
Philadelphia, please go to www.phila.gov.       


POSITION SUMMARY
In order to support the significant ongoing growth of the organization,
PHILADANCO is currently seeking a talented and dynamic Director of
Operations to set up and implement best practices for operations, human
resources, and financial management. Based in Philadelphia, PA, the Director
will serve as a partner to the Executive Artistic Director and Board of
Directors in developing organizational strategy and helping PHILADANCO
realize financial sustainability, and expand its visibility nationally and
internationally.  The Director will also supervise an Operations Associate
and Financial Team to build, implement and maintain systems to ensure
organizational effectiveness in support of the artistic mission.  This is a
unique opportunity with exceptional growth potential to join an established
cultural organization as it celebrates its 40th year of presenting
excellence in dance performance and its signature training programs.  


RESPONSIBILITIES: 	For the position include but are not limited to the
following: 
Operations
•	Collaborate with Executive Artistic Team to develop and implement an
effective organizational growth strategy, taking the lead in all areas
related to operations and finance 
•	Create and Implement New Programs 
•	Participate in Development and Fundraising Initiatives
•	Build systems to support effective communication across the
organization
•	Develop effective tracking, information management and customer
relations systems, and oversee their effective utilization 
•	Support  relationship between PHILADANCO and its Board, including
coordinating annual Board meetings, preparing quarterly reports, and
ensuring regular communications 
•	Manage contract review and negotiation, media rights and clearances
issues, privacy policies and other legal issues* (under the advice of
company’s attorney)*    
•	Liaise with vendors, service providers, developing effective
partnerships 
•	Supervise and mentor Operations Associate 
Human Resources
•	Develop organizational Human Resources strategies 
•	Lead recruitment process for new staff and interns 
•	Update new-employee policies and orientation 
•	Manage relationships with benefits vendors, including coordinating
annual renewals and troubleshooting for staff as needed
Financial Management 
•	Provide strategic oversight and planning for financial management
function, including leading the annual budget process, managing the annual
audit, and ensuring effective reporting to the Board and Funders   
•	Oversight of financial team that will include a Fiscal Manager, an
Operations Associate and a CPA Consultant to create and analyze reports
focusing on budgetary needs and cash flow 
•	Supervise Bookkeeper in accounting and financial management tasks 

QUALIFICATIONS: 	To be considered for this position, the ideal
candidate must have:  
•	A Bachelor’s Degree in business or arts administration is required;
MBA preferred 
•	10+ years of related professional experience with increasing levels
of responsibility; experience in a non-profit and/or high growth environment
preferred
•	Passion for the Arts, and demonstrated cultural understanding 
•	Proven success building operational and financial management
systems; knowledge of non-profit accounting, finance and grants management
preferred 
•	Excellent team building and people management skills 
•	An independent, creative thinker, who is self-motivated and
energetic 
•	Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels, and
build and maintain relationships and networks 
•	Exceptional multi-tasking and prioritization skills 
•	Organized and highly detail-oriented, with flexibility and a sense
of humor 
COMMITMENT
This is a full-time position, with yearly contract renewal options upon
review of PHILADANCO’s Board of Directors. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 
Salary and Benefits will be commensurate with the level of skill and
experience. 
       
APPLICATION AND INQUIRIES 
Send letter and résumé with demonstrable accomplishments to: 
Joan Myers Brown, Executive Artistic Director
PHILADANCO
9 North Preston Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2210 

Tel (215) 387-8200	Fax (215) 387-8203 
Email jmb at philadanco.org

The Philadelphia Dance Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.