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Year-Round Employment

Director of Finance

ADF Director of Finance

The American Dance Festival (ADF) is seeking a full-time, on-site Director of Finance to join an energetic and dynamic internationally acclaimed dance festival.

Reports to: Executive Director and Managing Director

Job Summary: The Director of Finance is responsible for all aspects of daily finance, accounting, and reporting activities for a $3.5 million annual operating budget. The Director of Finance will ensure that ADF has appropriate financial systems and procedures in place for effective program implementation and efficient operations. Some of the key duties for the role are described in the bulleted sections below. Among other duties, the Director of Finance will oversee the complete and accurate recording of transactions in the general ledger and prompt reconciliations, monitor pledge and receivable collections, and work with the auditors to ensure overall compliance with accounting/tax requirements. The Director of Finance will supervise the part-time Finance Assistant, as well as seasonal finance intern(s) who may be hired from time to time. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, hands-on, forward-thinking leader who, in partnership with the Executive Director and Managing Director, will have responsibility for developing overall strategy related to the finance functions of the organization. Due to the supervisory and collaborative aspects of the role, the sensitive nature of the information managed, and necessary access to information, equipment, leadership, and stakeholders, the Director of Finance is an on-site role, located at ADF’s main office, currently in Durham, NC, with limited remote work available as described below.

Salary and Benefits: Hiring range is $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt, in-person, 40-hour per week position. Off-season, this position works Monday-Friday, which includes the option to work from home on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. Additional hours, both off and especially on season, may be necessary based on workload. ADF offers an excellent benefits package that includes holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) days (vacation, sick time, and personal time), plus health, long and short-term disability, dental, and life insurance, and a 401K with a 4% match.

The American Dance Festival has been a recognized leader in modern dance since 1934, presenting dance performances and offering educational opportunities and community programs while also maintaining an international reach. ADF ensures that modern dance remains a powerful and universal form of human expression and that this art form is accessible to all, now and for generations to come.

Anticipated start date: early February 2024

To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to adf@americandancefestival.org with Director of Finance in the subject line by Tuesday, January 2. No phone calls, please.

YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE IF YOU:

  • Are a forward-thinking leader and administrator, with the ability to ensure and maintain the accuracy and integrity of ADF’s financial operations while being adaptable and flexible amidst continuous growth and change
  • Are someone with initiative, who enjoys working as a team player to reach shared departmental and organizational goals

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • At least 3-5 years of accounting experience, bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with at least four completed accounting courses or equivalent.
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles pertaining to not-for-profit entities
  • Supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of payroll processing procedures
  • Ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize, to establish timelines for accomplishing organizational goals, and to complete tasks in a timely manner
  • Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
  • Accuracy and rigorous attention to detail
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Word and advanced Excel
  • Knowledge of Quickbooks accounting software

RESPOSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

Finance

  • Manage and oversee all financial operations by evaluating ADF’s performance and potential risks
  • Maintain appropriate internal financial controls and other compliance documents in accordance with timetables that will ensure availability and readiness of such records for scheduled monitoring and audit examinations to safeguard the assets of the organization and ensure the integrity of processes, financial data, and grant reporting
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements, budget status projections, investment reports, short and long-term cash flow projections, and any other financial analyses, as needed, and provide necessary accompanying schedules
  • Act as liaison between Finance/Audit Committee, Managing Director, Executive Director, and Financial Advisor regarding investment account activity
  • Support the timely preparation, review, and submission of financial reporting requirements to government, foundation, and financial institutions
  • Complete annual property tax exemption application
  • Assist Executive Director in developing annual operating budget; work with all department heads to establish accurate forecasts and to monitor variances
  • Prepare and track grant budgets; prepare interim and final financial reports for grants
  • Coordinate and oversee the annual audit and Form 990 tax return preparation with external auditors; prepare or acquire all necessary documentation and support
  • Manage and oversee ADF’s insurance (property, liability, cyber, auto, etc.)
  • Serve as ADF’s notary public; ADF will pay for the course if not already a notary public
  • Evaluate processes and policies to identify inefficiencies and if present, recommend improvements to the Managing Director

Accounting

  • Manage accounting software
  • Advise ADF on finance and accounting protocols
  • Oversee all accounts, ledgers, financial software and reporting systems and ensure that all financial data is recorded in an accurate and timely manner in compliance with GAAP and FASB guidelines; make recommendations regarding recording certain types of entries based on GAAP accounting principles and tax regulations; maintain required accounting controls; uphold financial policies and procedures and ensure staff compliance
  • Review and approve all expenditures, including cash, credit, and check signing
  • Directly supervise part-time Finance Assistant: review and approve all journal entries, vendor payments, receivable entries, credit card reconciliations, and bank reconciliations; monitor performance; delegate and monitor projects and assignments
  • Reconcile monthly balance sheet accounts; maintain appropriate back-up documentation
  • Forecast, monitor, and ensure properly segregated cash balances to meet obligations

    Human Resources

    • Process bi-weekly payroll for full and part-time administrative staff, including seasonal summer staff employees
    • Complete onboarding process for all full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff
    • Manage and administer employee benefits (health insurance, disability, life insurance, 401k, and PTO), including selecting finalists and recommending providers and conducting annual evaluation and renewal of policy plans
    • Maintain knowledge of and be able to effectively communicate information regarding employee benefits programs, including payroll deductions, PTO, health, dental, vision, supplemental insurances, and the retirement plan
    • Approve expenses and -timesheets as assigned
    • Review and ensure state and federal compliance
    • Work with One-Digital regarding health insurance renewal (December) and disability plan and life insurance (May)
    • Facilitate staff background checks and Duke Minors training
    • Track all PTO time

    Seasonal Administration

    • Prepare financial information for teaching faculty and musicians; process summer contractor payments
    • Establish and implement payment schedule and execute payments for summer interns
    • Work with Duke Parking for all summer-related campus parking needs
    • Reconcile Duke University summer bill with support from the Executive Director and the Director of School Administration
    • Hire and supervise seasonal intern; monitor performance; delegate and monitor projects and assignments

     

    ADF prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We strongly encourage all qualified applicants to apply. We welcome people of all races, genders, identities, abilities/disabilities, ethnicities, religions, and other individual characteristics.

    Seasonal Employment

    Festival Company Manager

    ADF Festival Company Manager

    Length of employment February 12 through August 2, 2024

    Reports to: Executive Director

    Job Summary: The Festival Company Manager coordinates all dance company logistics for ADF seasonal performances.

    Preferred Qualifications/Skills: Must have experience with managing events and working with artists, including finalizing contracts, making travel arrangements, booking hotel stays, transporting visiting artists, and serving as liaison for artists and their companies. Supervisory experience is essential. Ability to multitask and handle pressure is a must. Excellent communication skills, an overall willingness to “get the job done,” and being comfortable working as part of a team is essential. During the season, early morning, evening, and weekend work will be required. This position requires a car for the duration of employment.

    Compensation: $900-$1,200 a week depending upon experience. May take one Summer Dance Intensive class and attend drop-in classes and showings if schedule permits. Will receive complimentary performance tickets.

    About the American Dance Festival: Since 1934, the American Dance Festival has been a recognized leader in modern dance, presenting dance performances and offering educational opportunities and community programs while maintaining an international reach. ADF ensures that modern dance remains a powerful and universal form of human expression and that this art form is accessible to all, now and for generations to come.

    ADF prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage all qualified applicants to apply. We welcome people of all races, genders, identities, abilities/disabilities, ethnicities, religions, and other individual characteristics.

    Anticipated start date: February 12, 2024

    To apply: Please email a cover letter, résumé, and three references to adf@americandancefestival.org with Festival Company Manager in the subject line by December 8. No phone calls, please.

    Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

    • Act as primary contact for the managers of all dance companies and with artists in residence.
    • Coordinate all aspects of artists’ stay including housing, transportation, performances, postperformance discussions, master classes, and assist with any community outreach and cultivation events in which they are involved. Once all details are confirmed, produce itineraries for the company and Executive Director.
    • Hire and supervise Costume Designer and 2 summer interns.
    • Work closely with ADF Production Director and presenting partners, preseason and during the summer, to ensure each company’s residency goes smoothly.
    • Work with Cast Dinner Coordinator to plan cast dinners at the homes of community members and with each cast dinner host to ensure a successful event.
    • Request company fees and track expenses that the companies are responsible for covering.
    Festival Services Coordinator

    FESTIVAL SERVICES COORDINATOR

    The Festival Services Coordinator provides coordination of events and hospitality for the ADF community. This position works collaboratively with all departments and reports to the Managing Director.

    Qualifications/experience:

    • Management experience in the hospitality industry or events
    • Arts administration experience or coursework
    • Excellent customer service and organizational skills
    • Strong leadership skills, self-motivation, and professionalism
    • Ability to multitask and delegate in a fast-paced environment
    • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
    • Strong Google Workspace and Microsoft Office skills
    • Experience managing or overseeing a team preferred

    Primary responsibilities:

    • Coordinate all housing, dining, ID cards, keys, and maintenance for students, faculty, staff, and guests in partnership with Duke University
    • Provide hospitality and on-call assistance to students, faculty, staff, and guests
    • Oversee Festival Services storage, inventory, and supplies
    • Plan and implement key school events and activities
    • Provide festival-wide event support in coordination with the development team
    • Assist with student check-ins and orientations
    • Supervise one intern and multiple work-study students

    Details and compensation:

    • Dates of position: May 13–July 31, 2024
    • Compensation: $400/weekly
    • Take one Summer Dance Intensive class, attend drop-in classes and showings
    • Receive complimentary performance tickets

    This position must be able to work independently with minimal oversight as well as part of a team and handle concurrent tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This position involves physical labor. Early morning, evening, and weekend work required. A car is required for this position.

    To be considered for any summer staff position, please submit the following by February 1 to adf@americandancefestival.org with the job title in the subject line.

    • Cover letter
    • Résumé with relevant experience highlighted
    • One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak directly about your qualifications
    • Three references

     

    Program & Administrative Coordinator

    PROGRAM & ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

    The Program & Administrative Coordinator provides coordination and administrative support to all school programs and faculty, with a focus on supporting the Dance Professional Workshops (DPW) and Pre-Professional Dance Intensive (PDI). This position works collaboratively with the entire ADF School team and reports to the Director of Education.

    Qualifications/experience:

    • Experience and/or interest in educational/festival programming.
    • Excellent customer service and organizational skills
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Strong leadership skills, self-motivation, and professionalism
    • Ability to multitask, delegate, and be proactive in a fast-paced environment
    • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
    • Strong Google Workspace and Microsoft Office skills
    • Experience managing or overseeing a team-preferred

    Primary responsibilities:

    • Coordinate support, needs, and communication for all school program faculty
    • Act as school staff liaison for school program musicians
    • Provide program coordination and support for DPW and PDI
    • Provide logistical and administrative support for school opening weekends, auditions, orientations, and check-ins
    • Assist with school program events and activities, including Teaching Tribute and Student Concerts.
    • Manage all teaching assistants’ drop-in classes and provide class attendance reports to the ADF School.
    • Provide general administrative and organizational support to the Director of Education, Director of School Administration, and School Assistant
    • Supervise one intern and multiple work-study students.

    Details and compensation:

    • Dates of position: May 13–July 31, 2024
    • Compensation: $400/weekly
    • Take one Summer Dance Intensive class, attend drop-in classes and showings
    • Receive complimentary performance tickets

    This position must be able to work independently with minimal oversight as well as part of a team and handle concurrent tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. This position involves physical labor. Early morning, evening, and weekend work required. A car is required for this position.

    To be considered for any summer staff position, please submit the following by February 1 to adf@americandancefestival.org with the job title in the subject line.

    • Cover letter
    • Résumé with relevant experience highlighted
    • One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak directly about your qualifications
    • Three references

     

    School Operations Coordinator

    SCHOOL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

    The School Operations Coordinator provides coordination of studio, transportation, equipment, and technical needs for the ADF community. This position works collaboratively with the entire ADF School team and reports to the Director of School Administration.

    Qualifications/experience:

    • Experience in dance production, facilities, and/or event planning
    • Experience with basic audio/visual and other technical equipment
    • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Excellent customer service and organizational skills
    • Strong leadership skills, self-motivation, and professionalism
    • Ability to multitask, delegate, and be proactive in a fast-paced environment
    • Strong Google Workspace and Microsoft Office skills
    • Experience managing or overseeing a team-preferred

    Primary responsibilities:

    • Oversee and manage studio reservations and space calendars for students, faculty, and visiting companies.
    • Manage transportation schedule for all intensives (i.e., airport transportation and weekly bus schedules)
    • Create weekly schedules and spreadsheets for upcoming events and projects
    • Coordinate studio set-up, upkeep/cleaning, and breakdown
    • Act as Technical Director for all ADF School classes, rehearsals, showings, and events
    • Oversee School Operations storage, inventory, and supplies
    • Supervise one intern and 1-2 work-study students

    Details and compensation:

    • Dates of position: May 13–July 31, 2024
    • Compensation: $400/weekly
    • Take one Summer Dance Intensive class, attend drop-in classes and showings
    • Receive complimentary performance tickets

    This position must be able to work independently with minimal oversight as well as part of a team and handle concurrent tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Early morning, evening, and weekend work is required. A car is required for this position.

    To be considered for any summer staff position, please submit the following by February 1 to adf@americandancefestival.org with the job title in the subject line.

    • Cover letter
    • Résumé with relevant experience highlighted
    • One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak directly about your qualifications
    • Three references

     

    Pre-Professional Dance Intensive Dorm Counselors

    PRE-PROFESSIONAL DANCE INTENSIVE DORM COUNSELOR

    Each year, the American Dance Festival builds a team of five dorm counselors for its Pre-Professional Dance Intensive (PDI). PDI is a two-week, audition-based program for dancers ages 13–17 that provides rigorous dancing with a focus on community-building to develop the artistic voice. Counselors play a critical role as mentors and gain experience supporting dancers’ training in the classroom and through constructing a healthy, fun, and inclusive residential living experience. This position works collaboratively with the entire ADF School team and reports to the Director of Education and Director of School Administration.

    Primary responsibilities:

    • Provide daily schedule oversight and accompany students to all classes, meals, activities, and performances
    • Plan and implement activities with students’ input
    • Cultivate a trusting community that continues outside of the classroom and in the residential hall
    • Model best practices in how to take classes and manage the stresses of an intense training experience
    • Serve as a mentor and provide support to students for emotional and physical issues
    • Act as a mediator with any roommate or peer conflict that may arise with the support of ADF School staff
    • Enforce ADF and Duke University guidelines and policies

    Qualifications/experience:

    • Prior experience working with students as a residence life assistant, camp counselor, or equivalent role, preferably with youth ages 13–17
    • Strong leadership skills, self-motivation, and professionalism
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
    • Conflict resolution skills and ability to negotiate sensitive situations with integrity and maturity
    • Ability to balance responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
    • Knowledge of or familiarity with best practices for creating an inclusive community for students of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities

    Details and compensation:

    • Dates of position: July 10–28, 2024
    • Compensation: $850 stipend
    • Dorm counselors are provided housing and three meals a day on Duke University’s East Campus
    • Dorm counselors take classes and attend performances with PDI students
    • ADF provides dorm counselors with three days of training, team building, and planning sessions prior to student arrival. Training dates are July 1012, 2024. Dorm counselors will need to arrive on the morning of July 10th.

    Dorm counselors have a great deal of responsibility and are intensively engaged with program participants every day. Dorm counselors get one designated day off per week. Applicants must be 21 or older. Some dorm counselors will be asked to have a car with them at the festival. All dorm counselors must pass a background check and complete online training on policies and issues relating to interactions with minors as coordinated by Duke University.

    To be considered for a Dorm Counselor position, please submit the following to adf@americandancefestival.org with Dorm Counselor in the subject line.

    • Cover letter
    • Résumé with relevant dorm counselor or equivalent experience highlighted
    • One letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak directly about your qualifications
    • Three references
    Production Positions

    2024 Production Positions

    Organization: American Dance Festival
    Job Location: Durham, North Carolina
    Website: www.americandancefestival.org
    Application Deadline: February 1, 2023 or until positions are filled.

    Start Date: June 4, 2024
    End Date: July 31, 2024

    Available positions for 18-plus performance schedule:

    • Technical Director / Carpenter
    • Sound Technician
    • Production Stage Manager
    • Master Electrician

    Please include a cover letter, résumé, and the names and phone numbers of three references. To apply, please send materials to:
    American Dance Festival
    Box 90772
    Durham, NC 27708
    OR
    adf@americandancefestival.org

    An ADF intern works with a lighting rig on a large stage

    Summer Internships

    Each summer, ADF offers internships in all areas of arts administration and production. Administrative internships provide hands-on experience for those interested in arts management. Production interns work on the crew for the summer performances.

    All interns work in an invigorating arts environment, as an integral part of the ADF staff. Each intern plays an important role in carrying out ADF’s mission to serve dance, dancers, choreographers, and artists in related fields.

    Teaching Opportunities

    ADF School Intensives
    As a general rule, the ADF School does not accept unsolicited teaching inquiries. We take the selection of faculty seriously and are constantly examining the dance landscape for exemplary educators.

    ADF Samuel H. Scripps Studios
    If you are interested in teaching a weekly class or a special workshop at ADF’s Studios, please send your performance/teaching resume and proposed class description to studios@americandancefestival.org. We offer a variety of classes for all ages and levels. Typically, the weekly class schedule is set several months in advance, and special workshops are scheduled on an ongoing basis.

     

    ADF prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

    Volunteer at ADF

    Over the years, ADF Volunteers have proven to be an invaluable part of our community. From distributing marketing materials to hosting faculty members, your help is immeasurable. We invite you to join us and support one of North Carolina’s cultural gems.

    Benefits of being an ADF Volunteer:

    • Experience ADF as an insider and discover the behind-the-scenes.
    • Meet fellow dance artists and enthusiasts from around the world.
    • Share your passion for modern dance by utilizing your skills.
    • Enjoy complimentary perks as a token of our thanks!

     

    Volunteer Opportunities

    ADF Office/Events Volunteers

    Year-round opportunities. Different opportunities will require different amounts of time and hours,  possibly including short training sessions.
    Ideal volunteers will be personable, dependable, detail-oriented, and modern dance enthusiasts.

    Responsibilities may include:

    • Administration
      Answer and transfer incoming phone calls, sort and distribute incoming mail, file documents, prepare large mailings, and assist specific departments as needed. Operation of office machines such as computers, printers, and scanners may be needed.
    • Special Events
      Assist ADF staff with special dinners, events, and parties. Volunteers may help with decorations, set-up and break down, sending invitations, food service, and more.
    • Language Translation
      Translate written materials as well as interpret at tech rehearsals, in press interviews, for the school office, and more. Various languages may be needed.
    • Promotion
      Distribute promotional materials (season brochures, posters, postcards, etc.) to local merchants, libraries, bars, restaurants, public bulletin boards, and more.
    • Ushering
      Hand out programs, show patrons to seats, and assist with front-of-house activities before and after performances at various venues. 
    • Store
      Sell ADF merchandise at theaters before performances and during intermission. All proceeds support ADF tuition scholarships.
    • Driving
      Pick up and drop off faculty, choreographers, performers, and VIPS at the airport and transport them to Duke’s East Campus.

    To become an ADF Volunteer, fill out this brief questionnaire.

    Please contact Becca Gargiulo at becca@americandancefestival.org with any questions.

    4 hours = 1 complimentary ticket

    ADF Scripps Studios Work/Study
    Year-round. Once a week. 2-5 hour shifts.

    Ideal volunteers will be personable, dependable, and modern dance enthusiasts.

    Responsibilities may include:

    • Help set up and break down for informal showings.
    • Run check-in for adult and youth classes.
    • Perform simple office tasks.
    • Clean lights.
    • Water plants.
    • Assist Studio Manager as needed.

    To become an ADF Studios Work/Study, please complete this form.

    Please contact Jennifer Scully-Thurston at jscullythurston@americandancefestival.org with any questions.

    ADF Studios Work/Study receive free studio drop-in classes and studio space in exchange for their work.

    ADF Faculty Member Hosts

    Summer: 2-4 weeks in June and July

    ADF brings in over 50 faculty members and musicians each summer to teach in our world-renowned school, creating a large demand for temporary summer housing. Please consider hosting (free of charge) one of our dedicated faculty members!

    To become an ADF Faculty Member Host, please complete this form.

    Please contact school@americandancefestival.org with any questions.

    Hosts receive 4 complimentary festival tickets of your choosing to ADF’s performances in Page Auditorium or Reynolds Industries Theater for summer 2024.