Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Organization: Minnesota Dance Theatre & School

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Hybrid)

Reports To: MDT Board of Trustees

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $70 - $80K, Health Benefits. This role is eligible for an annual incentive opportunity based on organizational and individual performance.

Direct Reports: Development and Marketing Director, potential third party vendors as part of the operations team (ie. auditor, grant writer)

MDT Mission: As the cornerstone of classical ballet training in Minnesota, MDT creates and inspires the next generation of classical and contemporary dancers and their enthusiasts through superior and inclusive dance education, performance, and academics.

MDT Values: We value the diversity and talents of the community in which we work, learn and perform. We cultivate a welcoming and inclusive culture that reflects our diverse Twin Cities community, and supports an environment in which students and from all backgrounds can thrive and belong.

Position Summary: The Executive Director (ED) serves as one of two senior leaders  ED is the chief administrative leader responsible for the overall business, financial, and operational success of MDT, working in close partnership with the Artistic Director and the MDT Board of Trustees. The role will have direct oversight of the following: fundraising/development, marketing, finance, operations, and community relations. This role does not oversee the artistic vision and faculty of the school, rather serves as a key operational partner to ensure the vision of the Artistic Director and Board are realized.

The ability to work closely and successfully with the Artistic Director is essential to this position. To support the executive operational functions, pro bono legal services and bookkeeping services are made available to the Executive Director to help carry out their duties. This position reports directly to the MDT Board of Trustees. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, nimble, strategic visionary with an innate collaborative nature.

A proven professional in conflict and stakeholder management. They possess a deep appreciation of the arts and have a proven track record of strong business acumen and operations management.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management:

• Serve as the chief executive responsible for providing strategic business direction and operational oversight for MDT.
• Guide the organization’s day-to-day management with a focus on operational efficiency, development and marketing performance, and mission alignment. Direct and supervise director level, administrative and program staff, ensuring that all direct reports function cohesively and effectively toward shared goals.
• Provide leadership in developing a healthy organizational culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and financial health and excellence.
• Oversee internal operations, including human resources, administrative policies, IT systems, registration, tuition, and internal communications.
• Lead the organization through annual planning cycles, strategic goal setting with the Board, and ensure alignment between short-term operations and long-term strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to define and implement strategic priorities, report on organizational performance, and support board governance and the development committee.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to set meeting agendas, prepare reports, and strengthen board engagement, including recruitment and committee participation.
• Act as a liaison between the board and staff, ensuring clarity, transparency, and responsiveness in all communications and decision-making processes.

Fundraising & Revenue Development:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all fundraising and development efforts to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Supervise and collaborate with the Marketing and Development Director to implement fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, foundation grants, and special events.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
• Supp…