Director (f/m/d)

Dansateliers provides a space for experimentation, research, and development. Exchanging ideas to learn from one another is an integral part of this. The working relationship we build with our dance artists is based on trust and is warm and personal. This allows for a thorough, critical, and reciprocal dialogue. Dansateliers is dedicated to talent development and—in addition to providing a space for dance artists—also fosters support for the talent development of other creative professionals. We start with each person’s individual strengths and build upon the unique perspective that every individual brings to the table.

The collaborations and partnerships we have are solid and productive. They form a rich network for the dance artists and creative professionals who develop their careers at Dansateliers. Conversely, Dansateliers is a reliable partner that is committed across the sector to the development and standing of contemporary dance. Dansateliers is locally rooted and has an international reach through its activities. The organization is housed in the former HBS building on ’s-Gravendijkwal, featuring three studios, a public space, and various office areas. Dansateliers receives structural funding from the City of Rotterdam and the Performing Arts Fund. During the 2021–2024 period, we will be working on a structural basis with associate artists Connor Schumacher, Marta & Kim, and Ingrid Berger Myhre.

Who are we looking for?
You have a deep understanding of the dance (performing arts) field. You are inspiring and proactive, and you bring your own perspective and vision of dance in today’s world to the table. You are a driven professional who—together with the team—sets the course: in terms of content and agenda-setting, but also by anticipating trends and thus being forward-looking. You have proven leadership qualities and thrive in a dynamic work environment. In addition to an artistic vision for the development of dance, you also possess strong business acumen. You enjoy juggling multiple priorities and can easily switch between internal matters and the external requirements needed to address them—or vice versa. You are passionate about the development of dance artists, the art form, and the sector.

As director, you have ultimate responsibility for strategic and artistic policy, financial policy, and human resources policy. You seek to forge connections through strategic partnerships to further shape the mission and vision of the institution. All of this is done in consultation and collaboration with the team, with whom you are also responsible for the selection of dance artists, as well as the mentoring and career development of creators. You live in (or near) Rotterdam.

You’ll enjoy (among other things) and be responsible for:
Strategic

• Initiating new partnerships within and outside the field, and inspiring and maintaining existing ones.
• Project Development Local, National, and International
• Relationship Management with stakeholders (politicians, government agencies, fellow institutions, industry organizations, arts education institutions, creators, and performers)
• Developing Policies for the Future: Locally, Nationally, and Internationally

Organizational

• Leading and inspiring the team (4.2 FTE)
• Writing Grant and Fund Applications, Including Both the Cultural Plan and Project Plans
• Preparing Annual Plans and Annual Reports

Program

• Developing —in consultation with the team—an annual program that includes projects and individual development plans

• Mentoring new creators within DA as they transition to independent professional practice

Please bring:

• Demonstrable experience leading a team and/or a (cultural) organization
• A strong commitment to Dansateliers’ core objectives and the willingness and skills to guide the organization toward a healthy future
• A distinctive and compelling vision of the role of a dance center in fostering development within the arts community
• A commitment to and vision for diversity and inclusive thinking and action
• Knowledge of the political and cultural landscape, including that of cultural policy and arts planning procedures.
• Academic level of thinking and work, with sufficient demonstrable knowledge and experience in production in the performing arts
• An extensive network in the industry, or the ability to build one quickly and effectively
• Experience in working with emerging artists and an innovative and unique approach to mentoring new work and dance artists

Finally,
The size of the organization calls for a hands-on mentality, in which everyone has their own responsibilities, but working together as a team is part of the job—and stepping in to help out now and then is expected as well. As director, you’ll work within a board + executive model with a carefully considered composition of members on a remote board, but with the same hands-on mentality when needed. Our work culture is informal; we operate on the basis of equality and an open, learning-oriented attitude, and we appreciate a sense of humor.

Dansateliers is committed to diversity and strives to be an inclusive organization. We would love to invite you to join us if your experience and/or background allows you to bring a unique perspective to our team.

We offer
In addition to a great workplace with an equally great team, we offera versatile role, in which professional growth and variety take center stage. Every four years, a strategic plan sets out the organization’s goals, activities, decisions, and work processes, but as part of who we are, we continue to reflect on these. After all, the world is changing rapidly, and we want to stay up to date.You can read the current strategic plan (through 2024)here.

The position is for at least 0.8 FTE and is preferably to begin on October 1. 1. Compensation is in accordance with the Theater & Dance Collective Bargaining Agreement (scale X – €4,007 to €5,437)

Are you interested?
Please submit your resume and cover letter via email, letter, video, or podcast addressed to the board chair: Marco Florijn. Please email it by June 6 to our production manager, Sanne,at Jacobs:sanne@dansateliers.nl

Would you like more information? Please let us know in your email. Job interviews will be held during the^2nd and^3rd weeks of June, with a final round, if necessary, in the last week of June.