Executive Director

Executive DirectorAbout Us

Kittiwake Ballet is Newfoundland and Labrador’s professional dance performance company.

Our mandate is to cultivate and foster awareness, appreciation and enjoyment of the arts by providing high-quality dance performances and to advance the art of dance by providing instructional workshops, classes and seminars related to dance.

Rooted in St. John’s and aiming to represent the diverse spirit of our entire province, our programming combines the beloved family-friendly productions that have made our company a pillar of performing arts in our region with contemporary ballet productions that will make our mark on the global dance scene. Our productions are inspired by Newfoundland and Labrador culture’s intersections with universality, allowing them to resonate with audiences throughout our province and across the country. We develop and nurture exciting, authentic, and sustainable partnerships with artists of all backgrounds and disciplines.

Kittiwake Ballet’s also has a growing trainee dancer program that encourages creativity, individuality, dedication, hard work and self-discovery, in a community of teachers, choreographers, and staff who are passionate about ballet and the performing arts. Our goal is to create an environment where pre-professional* dancers thrive and to be a bridge for them to a career in professional dance.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, and working in a shared leadership model with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and organizational leadership for Kittiwake Ballet.

The Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s overall administration, financial sustainability, fundraising, marketing, and operations. Working closely with the Artistic Director, the Executive Director ensures that Kittiwake’s artistic vision is supported through strong organizational management and meaningful community relationships.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can strengthen the organization’s capacity, build partnerships, and help guide Kittiwake Ballet through its continued growth as a professional dance company.

Because Kittiwake Ballet is a performing arts organization, the role will occasionally require evening and weekend work to support performances, events, and community activities, with flexibility provided in scheduling where possible.

This is a full-time permanent position based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to support and advance the artistic vision of Kittiwake Ballet
• Work with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and organizational development
• Support a collaborative culture between the artistic and administrative functions of the company

Operations and Administration

• Provide oversight of day-to-day operations
• Supervise administrative staff and contractors
• Oversee production logistics, touring coordination, and project management
• Ensure effective organizational policies and systems are in place

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage organizational budgets
• Monitor financial performance and reporting
• Work with the Board Treasurer and external financial professionals as required

Fundraising and Revenue Development

• Lead fundraising initiatives and sponsorship development
• Prepare and oversee grant applications and reporting
• Develop new revenue streams and partnerships

Marketing and Audience Development

• Oversee marketing, communications, and promotion of Kittiwake’s programming
• Support audience development and community engagement initiatives#
• Represent Kittiwake publicly in media and promotional activities

Community and Sector Engagement

• Build relationships with artists, funders, partners, and stakeholders locally, provincially, and nationally
• Support education, outreach, and community engagement programs
• Represent Kittiwake within the broader arts and cultural community

Desired Competencies

Kittiwake Ballet welcomes applications from individuals with a passion for the performing arts and strong organizational leadership skills. While candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, the following competencies are considered valuable:

• Demonstrated leadership experience within arts, cultural, or non-profit organizations
• Experience working with or reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors
• Strong fundraising, sponsorship, and grant writing experience
• Financial management and budgeting expertise
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively within a shared leadership model
• Experience with marketing, public relations, and audience development
• Innovative thinking and the ability to identify new opportunities for organizational growth
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts

Education and Experience

Advanced education in arts administration, business administration, nonprofit management, performing arts, cultural management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Location

This position is based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, a city known for its vibrant arts community and collaborative cultural sector.

Compensation

The salary range for this position will be competitive and reflective of experience. Specific figures will be discussed during the selection process to ensure a fair and attractive offer is extended.

In addition to a competitive salary, Kittiwake Dance Theatre offers the following benefits:

• Generous paid annual leave, scaled according to experience, to support work-life balance.
• A relocation allowance for candidates moving to the area, ensuring a smooth transition to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• An opportunity to opt into a health insurance plan, with premiums partially subsidized by Kittiwake.

This comprehensive compensation package is designed to attract and retain the highest caliber of leadership, reflecting our dedication to excellence and the well-being of our staff.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit:

• A cover letter outlining their interest in the role
• A resume or CV detailing relevant experience

Applications and inquiries can be sent in confidence to: ***email_hidden***

Deadline for applications is Friday, June 26 at 5pm NDT.

Kittiwake Ballet welcomes applications from all qualified candidates and encourages applications from individuals from equity-deserving communities.