Executive Director

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD) is the national charity supporting professional dancers’ progression to meaningful, sustainable careers after leaving the stage. We are here for every dancer – regardless of performance genre, background or UK location – at every career stage.

DCD designs and delivers world-leading development programmes that are dynamic, evidence-based and responsive to the needs of all dancers in exploring and building their post-performance careers, within and beyond the arts sector.

DCD remains focused on bringing our agility and specialist knowledge to support dancers as the dance and general landscapes continue to evolve.

Now DCD is seeking to recruit a new Executive Director to succeed Jennifer Curry who will stand down in early July 2023, after thirteen years with the charity. Jennifer has made an inestimable impact on DCD during her tenure, significantly increasing its reach and impact on its beneficiaries and building a strong and vibrant organisation and team.

The new Executive Director will join DCD at a transformative time in its history, as 2023 marks DCD’s 50th anniversary.

We are looking for someone who connects deeply with DCD values and culture and has a strong commitment to supporting the career development of dance artists from a wide spectrum of dance genres.

The new Executive Director will work with the committed DCD Board, leadership and staff team on implementing the charity’s business plan for 2023-2026 and will play a fundamental role in shaping the charity’s strategic vision for the future.

DCD works in partnerships with six national dance companies whose continued support we are very grateful for. The new Executive Director will work closely with the staff, Chair and Trustees to maintain and strengthen these relationships.

We seek someone with a demonstrable track record of deep commitment to EDI.

During the pandemic DCD continued and rapidly increased our work supporting thousands of freelance and independent artists (over 2,000 during the pandemic alone). Our aim is for this area of our operations to grow with the aid of a significant increase in fundraised income. DCD recently established a new Development Council to enable, expand and solidify its impact on dancers’ lives and its unique place in the dance eco-system.

Working with DCD’s Director of Development and the newly formed Council, the Executive Director will have a critical role in attracting and securing new sources of income.

We want DCD to be a leader in building a positive future for all dancers and are looking for an experienced Executive Director who is ready and able to work with a committed team to make this happen.

‘If you are interested in an informal, confidential conversation about the role please do reach out. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

More information about the role can be found here: thedcd.org.uk/get-to-know-us/opportunities/

Dancers’ Career Development are hiring!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DCD are looking for an experienced Executive Director to lead the charity into and beyond its 50th year. The role will offer the chance to join DCD at a transformational moment in our history, as we support all dancers – from every genre, background, at every career stage, and across the UK.

This is a full-time post advertised at a salary of £60,000

Job Title: Executive Director

Contract: Full time, permanent contract.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Tuesday 11th April 2023.

• First Stage interviews will take place w/c 17th April.
• Second Stage interviews will take place w/c 24th April.

Start Date

As soon as possible. Our current Executive Director, Jennifer Curry, will step down on 7th July 2023. We envisage the opportunity for a significant handover period with the new Executive Director before this date.

Location

DCD has an office in Farringdon, Central London. However, the team are working remotely and we welcome applicants from across the UK. It is expected the candidate will be UK based. Travel within the UK will be required, with regular (at least weekly) travel to London. Infrequent international travel will be required (approximately one trip per year).

Reporting

This position reports to the Board of Trustees and is line managed by the Chair of the Board. At present, there are 6 direct reports, as well as an additional 6 freelance facilitators.
The organisation structure chart is available on request.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday annually plus Bank Holidays
• 7% employer pension contribution
• All DCD staff have the opportunity to access confidential monthly one to one personal and career coaching.
• Mentoring opportunities and CPD budget available.

Person Specification

• Essential Skills and Experience Proven experience of senior leadership within a cultural organisation and/or charity with a record of collaborative working and excellent line management and leadership of teams.
• Proven ability to develop and implement organisational strategies.
• Demonstrable experience in financial management and budgeting relevant to the scale of DCD and its revenue streams.
• Proven track record in fundraising and in developing and managing a complex network of stakeholders and supporters.
• Proven experience of ability to build, manage and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders from across diverse communities including senior leaders at the highest level in the dance sector and beyond.
• Commercial acumen with a strong entrepreneurial ability.
• Flexibility and the ability to multi-task.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Thank you for your interest in this role and in working with Dancers’ Career Development.

For more information and to find details on how to apply, please click the link below to download the full recruitment pack:

thedcd.org.uk/get-to-know-us/opportunities/