Executive Director position Profile
November 4 2024

Please forward all inquiries, candidate referrals, questions, and complete applications (Cover letter and resume)
to AT_EDSearch@kavaconsultancy.com before December 1, 2024.

The Opportunity

Attack Theatre has been a dynamic force in Pittsburgh’s arts community for over 25 years, combining contemporary dance with live music, multimedia, and site-specific performances. The Pittsburgh-based organization extends its reach through commissions, educational programming, and collaborations with national and international artists. Now, Attack Theatre is entering a new phase of growth and leadership, guided by a commitment to artistic excellence and long-term sustainability as it searches for a visionary and highly operational Executive Director that will report to the board of directors.

Founded in 1994 by Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope as a collaboration between two dancers and a city, Attack Theatre fuses modern dance, original live music, and interdisciplinary art forms to create engaging dance performances. Attack Theatre creates work at the intersection of art and community, resulting in productions that are personal, authentic, welcoming, and fearless!

Mission

To explore artistic expression in our commitment to remain curious in our investigation of new ideas; to artistically collaborate through deliberate, interdisciplinary partnerships; to connect with local and global communities to provide accessible, creative learning opportunities.

Vision

Attack Theatre is a movement that exercises an artful expression of life through dance.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Executive Director who believes in the artistry of dance and the importance of learning, collaboration, and personal expression. If you are committed to fostering a “movement” that empowers people of all ages through the performing arts, we invite you to work in partnership with our Co-Founders/Artistic Directors to help lead Attack Theatre into an exciting new future.

  • Fundraising & Development: Collaborate with the Development Team on all fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor stewardship, events, and strategic partnerships. Ensure fundraising efforts are aligned with Attack Theatre’s long-term financial strategy, programmatic goals, and values, and work together to cultivate relationships with individual, corporate and institutional donors.

  • People & Culture: Develop and implement strategies that foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture, ensuring staff development, retention, accountability, and employee success. Collaborate with the Finance Director to align compensation, benefits, and financial strategies with organizational goals.

  • Board Management: In collaboration with the Artistic Director prepare board packets, manage meeting logistics, and provide administrative support to ensure the board has the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions. Act as the key operational liaison between the board and the organization’s leadership.

  • Studio Programs and Tenant Oversight: Oversee in-studio programming, community outreach, and educational offerings to ensure alignment with Attack Theatre's mission and artistic goals. Additionally, manage facilities and relationships with onsite tenants by overseeing rental agreements, vendors, and studio use to optimize revenue streams and ensure smooth operations within the studio and office spaces, in alignment with organizational values.

Qualifications

  • Proven leadership experience in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, with a strong focus on maintaining organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Strong background in nonprofit operations, HR, and financial management, with a demonstrated ability to create and streamline systems and processes.

  • Experience in fundraising and development, including grant management, and cultivating diverse revenue streams.

  • Tech-savvy and comfortable using a variety of software platforms, with a systems-oriented approach to managing and optimizing organizational operations.

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with creative professionals and build and develop high-performing teams.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $90,000, annually. (Depending on Experience.)

Attack Theatre offers a generous benefits package that includes:

  • Unlimited paid time off

  • Health insurance

  • Dental and vision 100% company paid

  • 401K retirement plan with company match

  • Free classes and studio space (when available)

  • Professional development opportunities

While a significant portion of the Executive Director role is in-person and includes some nights and evenings, occasional remote work is possible. In addition, serving as a supportive, engaged, and collaborative hands on leadership presence at season shows, special events, and donor engagement activities is expected.

Application Process

1) Submit a resume and cover letter that outlines the following:

  • Experience in nonprofit management and operational leadership.

  • Evidence of collaborating with creative teams.

  • Skills in strategic planning, development, fundraising, and staff development

  • Your approach to fostering organizational growth and sustainability.

2) Please apply before December 1, 2024. Review of resumes will begin immediately and early applications are encouraged due to the fast pace of the search. Interviews are expected to begin the first week of December but may happen sooner if stellar candidates emerge.

The Search Team

Attack Theatre has partnered with KAVA Consultancy to lead the Executive Director search under the leadership of Lois Mufuka Martin and Rumbidzai Mufuka, PhD. Please forward all inquiries, candidate referrals, questions, and complete applications (Cover letter and resume) to AT_EDSearch@kavaconsultancy.com before December 1, 2024.

Attack Theatre is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. As an organization, we are deeply committed to building a staff and board that reflects the diverse community we serve, while also amplifying our efforts in programming, education, and access to the arts. The Executive Director will continue to champion our ongoing work and ensure that we expand these initiatives, by fostering inclusivity and broader engagement within our community.

We strongly encourage persons with underrepresented identities and varied lived experiences to apply. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship and can only consider candidates with authorization to work within the United States. We recognize that candidates may not have the exact list of skills and experience listed, and we encourage those who meet many of our key needs to apply.

Still not sure? Feel free to reach out and we can talk about how your experience may align with our needs!

Please forward all inquiries, candidate referrals, questions, and complete applications (Cover letter and resume) to AT_EDSearch@kavaconsultancy.com before December 1, 2024.