Job description

Executive Director

The Dance Thing 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

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‍Who we are

The Dance Thing is a volunteer-run, BIPOC- and queer-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Seattle, WA. We’ve been running a 150-person annual Fusion dance event since 2019 and a biweekly Fusion social since 2023.

In addition to our regular events, we’ve also done a lot of quieter, behind-the-scenes work over the last few years in collaboration with other dance organizations in the Pacific Northwest. This has included:

• Fiscal sponsorship of the Myrtlewood Fusion Intensive in their early years, enabling them to receive tax-deductible donations to fund the program
• Grant assistance for Reverie Ballroom, aiding in fundraising for building renovations

We care deeply about nurturing our local dance scene, and work to curate events and support the community in ways that align with our values:

• Giving people the space to creatively play and explore
• Encouraging BIPOC and queer folks to lean into their own self-expression
• Compensating artists fairly
• Keeping Fusion dance accessible 

We’re looking for an Executive Director to lead The Dance Thing into its next chapter, while embracing the qualities that have driven our organization for the past 7 years.

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Who we’re looking for

Ideally you are local to Seattle, and are someone who cares about the Fusion dance community. You are a steady, reliable communicator who builds trust and navigates community dynamics without ego.

You are eager to see more programs and initiatives designed to support Fusion dancers at all stages of their creative journeys. 

You’re excited about being in this for the long haul. You will have a full year of support from our current Executive Director as you are onboarding and integrating with our organization. There will be an initial trial period, with a check-in after our 2027 annual event. Our intention is to have someone in the role for at least three years, with the option to extend further.

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What you’ll be doing

As Executive Director, you’ll manage our annual budget, connect the dots between our teams, build bridges in the community, and plan our future programs. 

We are interested in maintaining our current events, and are looking for someone to lead our growth so we can carry these forward more sustainably and expand our capacity for what we can do.

You will regularly coordinate and work with the lead organizers of our existing events. In addition you’ll be supported by an engaged Board of Directors, consisting of veteran Fusion dancers and non-profit leaders.

Actual tasks will include:

• Admin: Maintain our 501(c)(3) status and other business credentials. Meet with our Board quarterly to report current progress and plan for the future. Act as the bridge between programs, fundraising and finance.
• Telling our story: Use our track record to forge new partnerships, secure additional grants and continue building our credibility.
• Supporting team leads: Assist in planning and execution of our events and programs, as needed.
• Increasing our funding: Identify and secure grant opportunities. Our goal is to have enough recurring revenue and grant funding to support paid hourly staff.
• Planning for the future: Figure out what The Dance Thing looks like in five years.

(Expect to spend roughly 5-10 hours/week on this role, depending on active programs and events.)

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Compensation

The Dance Thing is currently a volunteer-run organization, and the work we’ve done has in large part been a labor of love. The Executive Director position will come with an annual stipend of $5000, intended as a monetary “thank you”, not a reflection of your labor’s worth. However, one of our goals in the coming years is to secure the funding to support this role as a properly salaried position.

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Fill out the application

Fill out this form by November 19th with your resume and some information about who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re interested in this role. We look forward to your application!