Balancing the CEO Branch of Dance Non-For Profits: Executive vs.

Artistic

Often times, the CEO branch of dance non for profits is often split between two leading
roles: the artistic director and the executive director. Often times, the role of the AD is
comparable to a CEO, while the role of ED is comparable to a CFO. This does not have to
mean that two roles work without consideration of the other. While each director works
independently of each other, the more effectively these two roles communicate, the stronger the
CEO branch becomes.

Artistic Director
51% of the responsibility should fall to the artistic director. This is not because the artistic
director is “smarter”, or “better liked”. This is because fundamentally the artistic director is
responsible for more. The artistic director is responsible for more ideas executed on more of a
daily basis. This means that the AD has the most contact with more of the staff than anyone else
in the organization. In successful organizations, the AD interfaces with everybody, all the time.
The AD also touches what businesses call the “consumer”. In this case, this means the
audience members (general and potential contributors) that buy into the organization. In many
cases, the AD makes subjective decisions because art is subjective. The AD produces the art
for the organization, which is then measured (through like or dislike) by the stakeholders (the
public, dancers, board members, donors). Often times, the ADʼs job responsibilities will not be
written out in full. This because a good AD understands that they are measured by their
subjective taste.

As defined by the guidelines of the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) and the National
Association for Regional Ballet (RDA), the artistic director shall have the full responsibility for all
decisions concerning repertory, casting, music, sets, regulations, discipline systems, and
technical training of the company. This includes the following:
• preparation and or supervision of choreography
• preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of lecture demonstrations and small
presentations
• preparation of budgets for productions in conjunction withe the business manager (or
ED) and treasurer for presentation to the Board
• instruction of company class and company affiliated school classes
• participation in the promotion of the company through preparation and presentation of
lectures and program initiatives to the community, press and media interviews, etc.
• have the most say in how the art produced is translated for the general public

Executive Director
The duties and responsibilities of this job role are performed under the general guidance and
stated goals of the Board of Directors. The ED also coordinates with the AD when deemed
appropriate. Periodic written and oral progress reports are made to the Board of Directors, and
any unusual actions of commitment on behalf of the organization are subject to prior approval
from the Board. Continuous coordination is maintained with the AD with a view towards
marketing the product. The ED assures the effective management of all business affairs of the
company, adhering to the governance from the Board, with an understanding that the nucleus of
the organization is based in art. Good EDʼs understand that while they do not create the art,
EDʼs contribute to the management of art to the stake holders and the community.
As defined by the guidelines of the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) and the National
Association for Regional Ballet (RDA), EDʼs generally have most if not all the following
qualifications:
• ability to meet and deal with the public
• ability to exercise tact and discretion in maintaining persuasive discussions
• ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• understanding and appreciation of the growth potential of the ballet company
• previous business experience and/or financial experience within the confines of a dance
company, or equivalent experience in the field of arts management

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Fiscal Control: Participates in the development of the annual budget, as well as periodic
financial/budget meetings. Provides periodic accounting of all income and expenses to the
Board. Implements the approved annual budget with authority to negotiate within itʼs bounds.
Controls the rate of expenditure and income within the context of budgetary projections.
2. Insurance: Arranges for basic and special insurance coverage required by company
operations.
3. Contracts: Develops basic contractual documents, coordinating their approval with the
Board and the AD covering such things as theatre bookings and rentals, guest artists,
choreographers, designers, and paid company dancers. Administers all contractual
agreements, resolves disputes, and assures that all agreed payments are made
4. Advertising and Promotion: Serves as a member of, or coordinates with various
committees, such as a development committee to promote growth of the company.
Coordinates advertising and promotion in the various media in cooperation with outside
public relations firms. Coordinates the preparation of the annual subscription brochure,
periodic newsletters, and any other special promotional literature. Makes arrangements for
or works with various committees in making arrangements for social events related to
fundraising establishing guests lists and providing media coverage. Develops new and/or
expanded mailing lists.
5. Bookings: Initiates and maintains contracts with a variety of organizations and individuals to
develop possibilities for expanded bookings for company productions . Sends letters
announcing planned programs, and inquires as to possible programs or series of programs
that could be established. Negotiates fee schedule and all confirmed bookings.
6. Fundraising: Represents the company in pursuing potential funding sources. Develops all
documentation necessary in support of new funding sources Prepares necessary letters and
forms stating purpose and approximate cost (based on past cost experience, known costs,
and anticipated costs increases) in support of specific requests. Initiates contracts with
various businesses and corporations to solicit gifts, contributions, grants, etc. Follow up with
all previous donors
7. Related Miscellaneous: Assures or oversees the preparation of all necessary
correspondence and the maintenance and the maintenance of supporting files in relation to
the above.