• Knowledgeable – has a deep-seated knowledge of the dance sector, locally, nationally and internationally

• Collaborative - can work closely as a team with General Manager, staff and Board of Directors

• Strong judgment and prioritization – adept at balancing artistic vision with operational realities. Can navigate competing demands with maturity and make thoughtful, timely decisions. Demonstrates ability to rally teams around priorities and hold space for multiple perspectives without losing focus

• Conflict resolution and emotional intelligence – brings poise, patience, and empathy to challenging conversations. Able to resolve tensions constructively and foster alignment, particularly when working with individuals with divergent viewpoints.

• Pursues continuous development and mentoring of others – develops self and is very interested in developing staff and the dance artists/entities being presented

• Entrepreneurial mindset – has a clear understanding of the risks involved in presenting diverse/experimental/contemporary dance artists and is able to see emerging problems/challenges, marshal resources, and create public value for the work

• Artistic leadership – committed to nurturing and producing innovative dance work and championing artists

• Action oriented – able to execute an artistic vision, plan effectively but also have the flexibility and adaptability to make changes when conditions warrant it. Requires critical thinking and problem solving

• Optimistic and opportunity-driven – identifies ways to advance programming and deepen impact

• Diversity Minded - demonstrated commitment through advocacy or support for projects featuring diverse communities

• Collaborative and self-aware – values teamwork, open dialogue, and constructive feedback; able to work through differing viewpoints with clarity and respect, centering the best interests of the organization

• Skilled communicator and listener – able to facilitate productive discussions, receive and give feedback with professionalism, and support transparent decision-making across teams

• Open Minded - open to challenge, keen to engage with what they do not know, have the self knowledge of where they are situated in their career and willing to engage and listen to others who are also originators of new projects and ideas

• Creative/artist-centered - embraces the creative process and the capacity of artists for surprise and is able to convey this to audiences. Comfortable with the mindset of a creative producer and open to collaborating and bringing together creative people and stakeholders

• Excellent communicator - can effectively communicate DanceWorks’ artistic vision to all its stakeholders including staff, artists, the media, collaborators, funders, sponsors and, most importantly, the audience

• Persistent – doesn’t give up when conditions get difficult – has good understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses

• Specific to DanceWorks - understands where DanceWorks is currently placed in the dance ecology in Toronto and Canada and how the artistic vision can be implemented in that context.

• Awareness of senior leadership accountability - Demonstrates comfort with executive decision-making, especially when prioritizing limited resources or navigating conflicting opinions. Understands the importance of clear communication, transparency, and shared accountability in a collaborative, mission-driven context. Sufficient knowledge of finances, human resources, operations and fundraising and how they all influence and react to the artistic plan

The Executive Artistic Director should demonstrate the following:

• Ability to develop a collaborative, constructive relationship with the General Manager and Board of Directors

• Must demonstrate an understanding of DanceWorks’ unique role in the dance presenting ecology in Toronto and Canada, and be able to position its programming accordingly

• Have a deep-seated understanding of dance across all forms and wide connections within the dance field

• Ability to curate an exciting, inclusive and balanced mix of dance shows. Expertise and a proven track record in dance presentation would be an asset

• Experience in managing the end-to-end process of presenting dance shows – oversee the operations, which include booking artists, ticket sales, fair practices, contracts, etc. as well as any legal aspects involved

• Capacity to embrace and implement DanceWorks’ current artistic vision, clearly articulating that vision to staff, board, funders, audiences and all artists/companies being presented

• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with local and national dance presenting networks as well as attend national and international dance booking events

• Potential to foster a positive culture and work environment that welcomes all voices, creates safe spaces for conversation, and values equity, diversity, inclusion, and access

• An enthusiastic networker who enjoys developing constructive relationships in the dance presenting field and is comfortable in seeking out important community partnerships to establish mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to think strategically while balancing a full portfolio of project tasks.

• In partnership with the General Manager:

• ensuring the financial health of the company: creating and managing budgets, implementing financial plans, grant writing, designing and implementing fundraising strategies to achieve a balanced year-end

• developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, and designing operational strategies to ensure consistent and timely progress for implementation

• administering personnel areas, including hiring as well as managing all program and administrative areas

DanceWorks does not require any specific educational credentials or a set number of years of experience. Qualified candidates should demonstrate skills in artistic leadership, artistic development, programming, and community engagement. They should be very experienced in building relationships with dance artists, companies, dance presenters, as well as audience members, funders, and the media.

DanceWorks is a provincially incorporated non-profit charitable organization founded in 1977 and incorporated in 1981. A leading presenter of individual dance artists and small to mid-sized dance companies, DanceWorks provides exceptional opportunities for professional dance artists. Through its relationships and cooperation with presenters in other cities, DanceWorks assists artists/companies to reach more audiences across Canada and abroad, giving wider exposure and encouraging their growth and recognition.

DanceWorks supports the growth/development of artists and dance artistry through the medium of performance, programming high quality work emerging from different dance traditions, by artists who are making a significant contribution to the discipline. Dedicated to creating a vital and vibrant dance presenting practice, DanceWorks embraces dances that take risks and engage a wide range of audiences.

As a leading presenter of dance in all forms, DanceWorks develops and promotes seasons of high quality, culturally pluralistic dance programming. DanceWorks’ programming supports cross racial solidarity, holding space for IBPOC artists and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIAP+. Work that addresses social justice issues, and challenges racism against Indigenous, Black and Asian peoples is valued and encouraged. DanceWorks advances opportunities for the Disability Community within the dance milieu. DanceWorks cultivates meaningful engagement with dance artists through outreach, education and animation initiatives.

DanceWorks commits to present and support artists/companies well in advance of their performance engagements with the series, and often continues long term relationships with them. Endorsement or commitment from a presenter can assist artists to secure needed resources to achieve their artistic vision. DanceWorks invests in artists’ new creations through commissions, creative and technical residencies, and prior to performance opening, supports community outreach.

DanceWorks is a member and virtual tenant at the Centre for Social Innovation’s Annex location, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON.