Executive Director

Part-Time Executive Director 

Location: Milwaukee, WI (hybrid in-person/remote)

Hours: 20–25 hours per week

Compensation: $35,000 annually

Reports to: Board of Directors

About Signature Dance Company 

Signature Dance Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of girls and women through dance, sisterhood, and ministry. For over 21 years, we’ve used the performing arts to create community, build confidence, and ignite leadership in Black and Brown women and girls. Our programs serve youth and adult dancers alike, blending technical training, spiritual development, and cultural storytelling rooted in faith.

About the Role 

We’re seeking a part-time Executive Director to lead the strategic direction, revenue generation, and operational oversight of the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors and co-founders. This is a pivotal leadership role designed for someone with strong nonprofit management experience, a heart for community building, and the ability to lead with both vision and accountability.

This role is designed for someone who can generate funding, steward key partnerships, and guide our organizational growth, while collaborating with a strong volunteer base and a part-time team.

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Vision 

• Lead the implementation of Signature’s strategic priorities in alignment with our mission and values.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the board, staff, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and faith-aligned organizational culture.

Fund Development & Revenue Generation 

• Develop and execute a fundraising plan that includes individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Steward relationships with existing funders and identify new funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the board to grow major donor relationships and corporate sponsorships.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue goals that offset operating costs and staff salaries.

Board & Governance 

• Partner with the Board Chair to set meeting agendas, provide timely updates, and guide strategic decisions.
• Support board development, onboarding, and governance practices.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and fiduciary responsibilities.

Operations & Oversight

• Supervise part-time staff (e.g., Company Director, Artistic Director, Business Manager) and collaborate with volunteers.
• Oversee financial planning and budgeting with support from the Business Manager and accountant.
• Approve contracts and financial decisions in alignment with policy and board-approved budget.
• Ensure systems and processes support transparency, sustainability, and organizational growth.

Community Engagement & Partnerships 

• Represent Signature in the broader Milwaukee and national dance/faith-based arts community.
• Cultivate partnerships with schools, funders, program collaborators, and media outlets to enhance visibility and impact.

Who You Are 

• A mission-driven, collaborative leader who thrives in dynamic, grassroots environments.
• Proven experience in nonprofit or arts management, fund development, and operations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of implementing new systems and funding strategies.
• Skilled communicator—written, verbal, and relational—with the ability to inspire action and foster partnerships.
• Deeply aligned with our values of faith, empowerment, and artistic expression.
• Comfortable with hybrid leadership (remote + in-person as needed) and resource-limited settings.

Qualifications 

• Minimum of 3 years leadership experience in nonprofit, arts, youth, or faith-based sectors.
• Strong fundraising experience (grants, donors, campaigns).
• Experience managing people and projects.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Proficient in tools such as Google Workspace, project management platforms, and donor databases.

This Role Includes 

• Flexible work hours with core hours for availability
• Leadership opportunities with meaningful impact
• Collaboration with a passionate, mission-aligned team
• Room to grow alongside the organization as new funding emerges

Compensation: Salary listed, Simple IRA, Hybrid Model, Flexible PTO