Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) seeks a dynamic, creative and knowledgeable theatre professional to lead programs and services that enable the organization to contribute meaningfully to the future of the American theater. As the nonprofit, charitable affiliate of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), the Foundation is dedicated to fostering the craft, careers, and community of directors and choreographers across the country. The SDCF Board seeks to bring the new leadership on board in Summer 2025.

The Foundation Director plays a vital role in shaping access, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for both emerging and established artists. Through dynamic programs, fellowships, and educational initiatives, the Foundation cultivates the next generation of creative leaders while preserving and honoring the legacy of those who have transformed the field. Current programs include: the Professional Development Program offering fellowships and observerships as well as awards and public programs.

Working closely with a Board of Trustees composed of some of the most celebrated directors, choreographers and leaders in the industry, the Foundation Director identifies needs and opportunities to support the development of artists throughout their careers. The Foundation Director is responsible for organizational and financial management, programming, and fundraising at SDCF. It’s an inspiring environment for those with a deep passion for theater and a drive to support the voices that bring bold, diverse stories to the stage.

The SDCF Foundation Director position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to grow professionally, expand professional networks, and make a compelling impact on the American theater landscape, in a collaborative and rewarding environment.

IN ITS NEXT DIRECTOR, SDCF IS LOOKING FOR:

An experienced arts manager with a track record of initiative and inventiveness, the capacity to collaborate and build consensus, and a desire to advocate on behalf of directors and choreographers;
A professional who has deep knowledge of the field and the needs of stage directors and choreographers in particular;
The drive to design and implement valuable programs, including seminars and discussions as well as meaningful mentoring opportunities such as fellowships and observerships;
The entrepreneurial skill and fundraising savvy to grow the base of contributed income and financial resources necessary to sustain and fortify these important programs;
Strategic communication and public speaking skills to heighten the profile of SDCF, its programs, and the needs of directors and choreographers.
SDCF’s Director reports to an engaged Board of Trustees, dedicated to advocating on behalf of the directors and choreographers the organization serves, who are prepared to collaborate in meaningful ways with the new Director.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Description of PROGRAMMING functions:

Oversee all SDCF programs, developing specific goals and objectives for annual programming and developing ideas for new initiatives by continually evaluating current programs, assessing available resources, surveying the needs of practitioners, and ensuring all programming aligns with SDCF’s mission.
Develop an annual production schedule for all programming
Represent SDCF at special events and external industry events
Recruit experienced artists to participate in selection committees, act as ambassadors for outreach, and serve as mentors
Create program-specific partnerships with appropriate organizations for mutual benefit
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with SDC Members, program participants, and key industry personnel and organizations

Description of ORGANIZATION AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT functions:

Staff the Board of Trustees and its committees, set agendas, as well as prepare and manage meetings
Hire and supervise a Program Manager, contractors, and interns as needed and as approved by the Board of Trustees
Develop annual and long-range plans
Create and manage the budget along with the Finance and Fundraising committees
Work with SDC Deputy Director and SDC Finance Associate to manage SDCF’s accounting, operational, and human resource support, in kind and otherwise
Manage relationship with investment advisor and auditor, including preparation of necessary documents for audits, year-end filings, reports to donors when required
Execute letters of agreement and contracts with program participants as necessary, seeking legal counsel when necessary
Work with SDC’s leadership and staff to find opportunities for synergy and collaboration to amplify the work of SDCF and SDC
Ensure consistency in the overarching look, feel, and integrity of the SDCF brand in all aspects of communication, including the content of the SDCF website, the writing of press releases, the printing of all SDCF brochures and collateral, and SDCF’s presence on social media

Description of FUNDRAISING functions:

Prepare and manage comprehensive fundraising plan including annual fundraising, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, and planned giving
Support the fundraising committee and all potential solicitors for SDCF, identify and research new prospects, create collateral and provide support to solicitors
Write grant proposals with fundraising consultant and file final reports on completed grants
In collaboration with SDC, produce SDCF’s annual fundraising event
Manage relationships with current funders
Execute end of year fundraising campaign
Ensure that all contributors are properly thanked and recognized and that all donor benefits are fulfilled

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Proficient knowledge of the industry, with particular knowledge of and interest in directors and choreographers, and artists both in New York and throughout the U.S.
Deep interest in helping others to transform their careers, improve their artistry, and gain career knowledge
Demonstrated success in developing and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate and foundation grant makers, and government funders
Proven experience in developing and implementing a strategic vision
Proven experience of implementing new ideas or programming at an organization with measured success
Strong understanding of financial statements and budgeting

SKILLS REQUIRED

Exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style, integrity, and the ability to communicate effectively and manage at all levels with staff, Board, Members, artists, and external stakeholders
Creative and critical thinking and fluency with collaboration
Ability to see multiple projects through simultaneously from conception to execution to evaluation and to be able to work autonomously as well as collectively
Professional written and verbal communication skills with a strong sense of diplomacy and an ability to synthesize information and communicate efficiently

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

An ideal candidate has spent at least at least 5-7 years within the professional theatrical community or its equivalent, and had exposure to its key stakeholders (artists, producers, general managers, services organizations, etc.)

Application Instructions

The position is full-time and requires that the employee be physically present in the workplace with the occasional weekend and evening hours. SDCF is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $100,000–110,000

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, please email a cover letter and resume with references in PDF format to jobs@SDCFoundation.org, using “Foundation Director Application” in the subject line. Application received by June 27 will receive priority. References will be held in confidence until later in the hiring process.