Description:
As director of this grant that supports all forms of dance and circus arts, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of this well-established grant program that has been awarding grants to artists for the past eight years. As the lead for this program, you will work directly with dance and circus artists, manage the application process ensuring a large diverse group of artists applies, select regional panelists, facilitate artist cohort groups, connect the artists with great experts, and negotiate space rentals.
If you are interested in supporting various forms of dance, are proactive, and seek to create significant impact, then this position may be suitable for you.
This is a part-time position with flexible hours. You will be working collaboratively and reporting directly to the funding partners.
Working Environment:
- All administrative management work conducted remotely with support from The Philanthropic Initiative and the Boston Foundation
- Meetings with artists and Funders include a combination of in person and via zoom/phone.
Skills Needed
Dance Knowledge:
- First and foremost – knowledge, understanding and respect for all dance and circus arts genres
- An understanding of the ways that artists in different genres work and readiness to adapt the Next Steps program to fit a wide variety of approaches
- Prefer familiarity with the Boston Dance Community
Facilitation:
- For Artists – ability to lead a group of artists without imposing your viewpoint beyond what is needed to be most effective in creating a cohesive cohort
- For panel meetings – establish clear criteria and create an environment that encourages open sharing of perspectives
Leadership
- Dedication to upholding the mission for Next Steps while identifying when change is the right step
- The ability to discern when to encourage artists to progress and when to allow them space to reflect
- Ease in managing a group of expert panelists
Organization
- Each cycle requires long-range planning for the application process, grantee selection, and leading artist cohorts.
- Panel process comprises multiple tasks including verifying eligibility, assigning reviewers, creating rubrics, organizing outcomes
- Budget – ability to build and manage full program budget
- Experience with multiple software platforms, such as SmartSimple, Submittable, Fondant, used for tracking and scoring applications
- Skills required include writing, promotion for community outreach, hiring expert advisors, and negotiating space rentals.
Attributes
- Love of dance in all its creation stages
- Proactive
- Curious and open to new ideas
- Warm and able to create a safe atmosphere that allows artists to share strengths and challenges
- Adaptable while feeling at ease with stating strong beliefs
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please email a cover letter and resume to nextstepsforbostondance@gmail.com
Job Start: Summer 2025
Salary Range:
$20 – $30,000, Commensurate with experience
About Next Steps for Boston Dance
Designed to support original, innovative, and risk-taking artistic ventures to nurture and grow the careers of choreographers, Next Steps for Boston Dance responds to the needs of dance artists and circus artists working in multiple genres to have the flexibility to push creative boundaries, work in dedicated spaces, and have mentorship and/or skill development opportunities. Since its inception in 2016 56 grants have been awarded along with additional supporting awards to past grantees.
This program is funded through a partnership with the Aliad Fund, Movement Arts Creation Studio, and the Boston Foundation