Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer (Washington)

The National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) is a non-profit organization that supports dance educators in every setting and genre. We are dedicated to advancing dance education for people of all backgrounds. Since 1998, the NDEO has had a direct impact on dance education centered in the arts. We have developed partnerships with the leading dance, arts education, and education policy organizations in the country, affording us a “seat at the table” in national discussions that affect our field. We have developed innovative professional development programs and disseminated vital research that have influenced the way that dance is taught in every sector of the field. Perhaps most importantly, thousands of dance educators have turned to our organization for the resources and support they need to advance their careers and benefit their students.

With its 4,200+ members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 25 countries globally, NDEO remains well-positioned to continue advancing the field and advocating for#DanceEducationforALL . Members include early childhood dance educators, K-12 dance teachers, dance studio owners, college and university dance professors, university students preparing to become dance educators, dance teaching artists, choreographers, dance company directors, and administrators. In addition, through NDEO's National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) program, over 15,000 outstanding dance students have been recognized for their artistic merit, leadership and academic achievements over the past few years ensuring a bright future for our field.

Job Summary

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the organization and works in partnership with the Board of Directors and a team of full-time professional staff members who, together, run the largest organization devoted to the advocacy of dance education in the United States. The Executive Director provides leadership, vision and direction for the organization, implements policies approved by the Board, manages the organization’s programs and operations and, in cooperation with the President, represents the organization at the national level.

Providing ethical, strategic, transparent, and values-centered direction, NDEO’s Executive Director is both an executive and operational leader. The ED reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible to execute the strategic direction, leadership, and day-to-day operations of the association to include advocacy, public relations, as well as community-focused and mission-aligned program development. The position of ED is a critical and visible leadership position requiring strong business (financial, operations), managerial and development experience in the not-for-profit sector.

The NDEO office is currently based in the Washington, D.C. area, but NDEO is open to considering a hybrid/remote work situation. The Executive Director will work with and oversee a full-time staff of seven additional employee, some based in the DC/Maryland area and some remote.

Responsibilities

Value-Centered Leadership:

• Embody NDEO’s mission and core values (read more about it here: ) in prioritizing strategic initiatives, working collaboratively with the Board, staff, and membership to facilitate collective goals and the success of the Association, and the individuals within it.
• Foster an authentic and welcoming work environment that encourages collaboration, trust, transparency, and shared vision, staff accountability and evaluation, staff development and staff satisfaction.
• Display the ability and empathy to address difficult and sensitive issues while demonstrating respect and fostering fair, positive, and productive relationships both internally and externally.

Revenue Expansion:

• Develop and implement strategies to significantly increase revenue streams and build adequate reserve funds that ensure the Association’s sustainability, through fundraising, grant writing and programming.
• Oversee all components of the organization's fiscal management together with the Director of Finance and HR, including but not limited to: development of annual budget; analysis of quarterly reports; presentation of financial reports to the Board; articulation of financial goals and projections, compliance with all funding and business-related requirements (e.g., insurance renewal, etc.) and reporting.
• Preside over the Organization programming, assuming responsibility for the actualization of all programming components, including but not limited to Online Professional Development Instruction (OPDI) courses, annual and special conferences, in collaboration with all staff.
• Develop partnerships with outside organizations as beneficial to the Organization.

Organizational Operations:

• Oversee the Organization’s administrative functions and day-to-day operations together with the Managing Director while ensuring commitment to key priorities and compliance requirements to maintain and protect nonprofit status, including all city, state, and federal filings (taxes, licenses, 990s, etc.)
• Oversee human resources processes for all staff in collaboration with the Director of Finance and HR, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, payroll (benefits, taxes), requisite documentation, and document retention.
• Attend NDEO programming and events, with expected travel 2-3 times per quarter.
• Oversee the marketing efforts of the association together with the Communication Coordinator, including periodic review of development, and production of all marketing and communication materials including social media practices.

Empowering Board Governance:

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, actively participate in creating policies, setting direction, regularly reviewing programs of the Organization for consistency with the mission and core values, and developing and recommending new initiatives and programming to the Board for consideration.
• Support the Board in its duties and responsibilities including conference support, policymaking, fundraising, governance, and community ambassadorship.
• Provide regular communication, information, and strategic updates to the Board to enable all members to exercise their full governance and service potential.
• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, prep for board meetings and facilitate appropriate communication between staff and Board of Directors.
• Assist with the onboarding of Board members.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• A passion and knowledge for dance education at all levels in a multitude of contexts.
• Relevant bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in a leadership position and established networks in dance ((k-12, studio and/or higher education), performing arts, arts administration and/or not-for-profit leadership.
• Demonstrated strategic fundraising abilities and experience with donor relations unique to the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong financial literacy and budget management skills.
• Strong organizational and project/event management skills including planning delegating, facilitation, and assessment.
• Outstanding communication, writing and oral skills.
• Strong problem solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Experience working directly with boards of directors.
• Strong technical and administrative acumen (this position does not come with the support of an executive assistant) and general computer literacy, proficiency in AMS or CRM system, Google Suite and Microsoft Office tools, familiarity with QuickBooks and Zoom.

Preferred:

• Experience as a dance educator and demonstrated experience with and extensive understanding of the structures and/or administrative systems that exist to support dance in a variety of contexts including private studios, K-12 and higher education.
• Possession of the Certified Association Executive credential, or other licenses and leadership certifications.
• NDEO uses Slack, Basecamp, Adobe, Formsite, Constant Contact, Learning Management Systems (LMS). While a prior knowledge of these systems is not required, a disposition to quickly learn these systems is preferred.

Other Information

Benefits Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match

- Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Generous paid time off
- Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Statement

NDEO is an equal opportunity employer, and the position is open to all who meet the qualifications. NDEO is committed to fostering an environment free of discrimination against anyone based on any protected characteristic

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email the following materials to by July 30, 2025:
- Resume
- Cover letter (max three pages), describing your interest and relevant experience
If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact Vilma Rama, Director of Finance HR, .