Description
DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Development and Operations Specialist
Reports to: Executive Artistic Director
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay: $25 per hour
HOW TO APPLY
Please email and attach a resume and cover letter as PDFs to Seema Sundaresh at [email protected]. Use the subject line: "2026 Development & Operations Specialist: Last Name, First Name". In your cover letter, briefly include answers to the following:
- What drew you to this position and organization?
- What are your top two values and top three skills, and how do you see them relating to this position?
- What experiences empower you for success at Blue13?
BACKGROUND
Blue13 Dance Company is an American dance theatre ensemble based in Los Angeles. Originally established in 1999 in New York by Achinta S. McDaniel, Blue13 has connected audiences through the power of live aesthetically and culturally daring dance, performing in the U.S. and abroad in its highly energetic and theatrical modern dance style that is inspired in part by the classical and cultural art forms of the Indian subcontinent. Recently, Blue13 has performed at The Ford, The Music Center, Hollywood Bowl, REDCAT, The Wallis, and Disney.
SUMMARY
The Development and Operations Specialist at Blue13 Dance Company will play a crucial role in developing donor relations and fundraising strategies, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of our day-to-day operations. Blue13 Dance Company will provide training in all areas necessary for success in this role. Candidates who meet many, but not all of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
The Development and Operations Specialist is essential to contributing to the growth and success of Blue13. The primary responsibilities of the role are cultivating new donors and maintaining positive relationships with donors, partners, and patrons. Key responsibilities also include managing administrative tasks, overseeing contracts and company engagement coordination (performances, events), and growing partnerships together with the Executive Artistic Director. We are looking for a dedicated and well-connected individual who has a robust network and of course, a love for the performing arts. They must be persuasive and adaptable, maintain a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and have exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan fundraising campaigns, including mailers, emails, fundraising events, etc.
- Donor relationships and Board activation (together with Executive Artistic Director)
- CRM database management (donor, data, communication tracking of fundraising and productions/events)
- Assist Grants and Production Manager with grant writing
- Contracts, Operational Partnerships (site rental, equipment, etc.)
- Engagement coordination with Production Manager
- Front-of-house coordination at live engagements
- Communicate with donors and attendees prior to and post engagements
- Craft and send newsletters through CRM
- Run payroll
- Light accounting and bookkeeping
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- At least three years of relevant experience
- Demonstration of cultural competency
- Passion for the performing arts, arts education, and cultural programming.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, partners, artists, and patrons.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to network, cultivate partnerships, and engage community stakeholders.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team.
- Strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.
- Professional, persuasive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.
- Comfortable learning new software systems and administrative processes.
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends in support of performances, events, and donor engagement activities.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Preferred
- Experience with fundraising, donor cultivation, sales, marketing, community engagement, or relationship management.
- Experience using CRM databases, donor management systems, or similar platforms.
- Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations.
- Familiarity with marketing, newsletter platforms, email marketing tools, and digital communications.
- Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations.
- Experience with bookkeeping, payroll processing, budgeting, or basic accounting practices.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Existing connections within Los Angeles arts, entertainment, philanthropic, or business communities are a plus.
