Managing Director
| Organization | NW Dance Project |
| Date Posted | April 27, 2026 |
| City | Portland |
| State | Oregon |
| Location | 100% On-site |
| Type of Position | Full-Time |
| Primary Job Function | Executive Leadership |
| Secondary Job Function | Fundraising |
| Experience Requirement | 5-10 years |
| Salary Range | $80,000 – $90,000 annually |
Description & Details
NW Dance Project seeks a dynamic and relationship-driven Managing Director to serve as the organization’s senior operational and development leader. Working in close partnership with Founder & Artistic Director Sarah Slipper, the Managing Director will lead fundraising, oversee administrative operations, and support board engagement to ensure the long-term sustainability of one of the leading contemporary dance companies in the US.
This is a #2 leadership role in a founder-led organization. The Managing Director serves as the senior administrative leader and strategic partner to the Artistic Director, helping translate artistic vision into sustainable organizational strategy and growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all fundraising and development strategy (individual giving, board activation, sponsors, grants), in partnership with the Artistic Director and Board
- Oversee board operations and governance, including meeting coordination and board engagement
- Provide financial oversight, including budgeting, reporting, and cash flow monitoring
- Supervise administrative staff across marketing, administration, and education
- Support earned revenue strategy in collaboration with the Artistic Director
NWDP currently raises approximately $500,000 annually in contributed revenue, with opportunities for continued growth.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of nonprofit leadership experience
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor cultivation
- Experience working with boards of directors
- Strong financial and organizational management skills
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $80,000-90,000
- Medical and dental benefits, 401(k), and paid time off
Application Instructions
This application requires a resume and cover letter addressing your interest, as well as brief responses to the following two questions:
- What would be your top 2–3 priorities in your first 6 months to sustain and grow NWDP’s contributed revenue?
- What does an effective partnership with a founder/artistic director look like to you? How would you navigate that dynamic?
Please limit your answers to 250 words for each question.
Email your materials (preferably PDF) to greg@nwdanceproject.org by Friday, May 29th.