Executive Director

Status:         Full time, exempt
Schedule:       40 hours per week, some evenings and weekends
Salary:         $85,000 – $95,000
Reports to:     Board of Directors

Position Summary
CPR – Center for Performance Research supports the development and incubation of new work in dance, performance, and time-based art, and nurtures an expansive approach to performance – encouraging risk, experimentation, and new ideas. CPR’s programs forefront the artistic process and uphold a belief that embodied art forms are vital vessels for creativity, connection, and social change. The Executive Director steers CPR’s mission and values, and oversees CPR’s programs, operations, administration, facilities, communications, finances, and staff.

Schedule
40 hours per week with regular on-site office hours to support staff and programs. Evening and weekend work required per programming schedule. May work remotely when appropriate.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual salary of $85,000–$95,000

  • Health insurance stipend

  • Monthly MTA MetroCard

  • MacBook Pro laptop and office desktop computer

  • Two weeks’ vacation, public holidays, one week summer break for entire organization

Supervision
Supervise three part-time permanent employees: Programs Manager, Production and Facilities Manager, and Rentals Manager. Support hiring of contract Event Managers and Production Coordinators. Main contact for all vendors and contractors.

Responsibilities

Fundraising, Development, and Board Relations

  • Serve as CPR’s primary fundraiser, developing and executing fundraising strategies to support programs and operations, including capital projects.

  • Lead fundraising with foundations and government funders including research, writing proposals, managing grants, and building and maintaining relationships.

  • Cultivate and steward individual donors, including outreach and cultivation events including planning of an annual Spring Benefit. 

  • Build strategic partnerships that increase CPR's visibility, impact, and resources.

  • Maintain relationships with funders, donors, legislators, and peer organizations.

  • Partner with the Board of Directors to realize CPR’s long-term goals and vision, and organize quarterly Board meetings to report on finances, programs, and operations.

  • Help Board of Directors to identify and recruit new members.

Financial Management

  • Develop and manage annual budgets, capital projects, and long-term financial planning.

  • Present budget to the Board, provide regular reports, and recommend revisions.

  • Grow earned income through space rentals and other opportunities.

  • Maintain financial records, prepare monthly reports, and ensure regulatory compliance.

  • Work with outside accountants on annual financial review, IRS 990, and CHAR500.

  • Manage operational cash flow and ensure effective use of CPR's financial resources.

Human Resources and Administration

  • Hire, train, and manage staff and contractors.

  • Review staff performance and provide professional development opportunities and mentorship.

  • Lead weekly staff meetings and conduct weekly one-on-ones.

  • Manage payroll, benefits, insurance, and artist/contractor contracts and payments.          

Program Development

  • Develop programs for artistic development, creative exchange, and community engagement aligned with CPR's mission.

  • Lead artistic residency programs in collaboration with the Programs Manager, including an annual Open Call for a year-long Artist-in-Residence Program and selecting artists for the Technical Residency program.

  • Design annual seasons of Public Programs in collaboration with the Programs Manager, featuring resident artists, guest curators, and other artists, collectives, and partners.

  • Oversee Subsidized Space Rental Program in collaboration with the Rentals Manager including rehearsals, classes, workshops, and 30-40 performances annually as part of the @CPR Performance Series.

  • Plan CPR's program calendar in collaboration with the Programs Manager.

  • Oversee professional support for all participating artists and partners, including production in collaboration with the Production and Facilities Manager.

Facilities Management

  • Develop systems for the safe, efficient use of CPR’s facilities.

  • Ensure facilities and equipment are well-maintained and properly resourced in collaboration with the Production and Facilities Manager.

  • Plan and execute repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements.

  • Ensure facilities are accessible for all artists and audiences.          

Marketing and Communications

  • Oversee marketing, outreach, and audience development including website, e-newsletters, social media, and online advertising.

  • Write press releases and handle institutional PR.

  • Track audience and artist statistics, including analysis of demographic data to ensure diverse participation.

  • Ensure proper documentation and archiving of programs.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of leadership experience at an arts or cultural organization, with a focus in performing arts, contemporary art, or nonprofit arts management.

  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.

  • Strong knowledge of NYC’s contemporary dance and performance community.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising including from foundations, government, and individuals.

  • Experience and interest in cultivating relationships with and working closely with artists across a broad range of artistic practice and discipline to develop and advance their work.

  • Demonstrated commitment to fostering creative community and supporting diverse artistic voices, including a commitment to CPR's values: anti-racist and anti-capitalist principles; BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and disability justice; inclusivity; access; sustainability; and freedom of expression.

  • Strong writing and communication skills, including grant writing experience.

  • Experience in performing arts producing, project management, and live performance production.

  • Experience managing staff and interest in providing mentorship for rising arts administrators.

  • Strong time management, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with humor and grace.

  • Experience with and understanding of nonprofit finance; experience with bookkeeping and QuickBooks preferred.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Gmail, Google Docs.

  • Mailchimp and Squarespace experience a plus.

  • Ability to work some nights and weekends according to CPR’s program calendar.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@cprnyc.org. No phone calls, please.

Applications accepted through June 24, 2025 (deadline was extended from June 20). Initial interviews in late June/early July 2025. Position starts on or before August 1, 2025.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Due to the high volume of applicants, we will not be able to respond to every application. Thank you for your interest in working at CPR.

Equal Opportunity

CPR is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and supportive community for artists and arts workers of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage diverse applicants. We may consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet qualifications.

About CPR

CPR – Center for Performance Research is dedicated to supporting artists in the development of new work in contemporary dance, performance, and time-based art. CPR forefronts the artistic process, and upholds a belief that embodied art forms are vital vessels for creativity, connection, and social change. CPR believes that a just and equal performing arts environment is aesthetically, racially, and ethnically diverse; inclusive of bodies of all backgrounds and abilities; committed to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ justice; and supportive of a broad range of embodied modes of expression. CPR’s programs support artistic creation at all stages of development, and provide artists with a wide range of opportunities for development, experimentation, and exchange. Programs are concentrated in three areas: 1) Artistic residency programs which provide creative and professional development support for a diverse range of artists working across contemporary performance practices; 2) Curated and open call public programs that focus on incubation and research, which expose local audiences and the wider NYC arts field to contemporary performance practice and process; and 3) a Subsidized Space Rental Program which ensures that artists can access affordable space for creation and presentation. To learn more, visit www.cprnyc.org.