Director of Research

Director of Research

Website: https://www.danceusa.org/

 1029 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20005

 

Title: Director of Research
Location: National; the Dance/USA is headquartered in Washington, DC
Accountable to: Executive Director
Status: Full Time Employee

Established in 1982, Dance/USA is the national service organization for professional dance, serving a broad cross-section of the dance field. Dance/USA is committed to honoring, nurturing, and advancing the dance ecosystem through the lens of equity and inclusion in all aspects of its operations, programming, and services. Dance/USA is continuing to transform itself into an anti-racist, multicultural organization that operates with inclusionary practices at its core and amplifies the voices of individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, Native, and People of Color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities.

Our Vision: Propelled by our belief that dance can inspire a more just and humane world, Dance/USA will amplify the power of dance to inform and inspire a nation where creativity and the field thrive.

Our Mission: Dance/USA champions an inclusive and equitable dance field by leading, convening, advocating, and supporting individuals and organizations. Dance/USA’s core programs are focused in the areas of engagement, advocacy, research, and preservation.

Our Values: Dance/USA’s core values are Connectivity, Creativity, Equity, and Integrity. Read more about our core values here.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Research (DoR) is a full-time (exempt) salaried position that executes all of Dance/USA’s research.

  • Conducting all national field wide research;
  • Managing all member surveys and services;
  • Participating in research efforts associated with special initiatives;
  • Conducting evaluation of Dance/USA’s programs and services in collaboration with other members of the Dance/USA team.

Most research activities require the DoR to be solely responsible for gathering data through the most appropriate methodology, cleaning and maintaining long-term data-sets, and disseminating the resulting information. The DoR also responds to requests from members of the Dance/USA team and member community, as well as the media, peer organizations, students, educators, and the general public.

The DoR works collaboratively with many outside organizations when they require the support and assistance of Dance/USA, such as DataArts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

National field wide research includes maintaining the Ensemble of Non-Profit Dance Companies, which is a listing of all known not-for-profit professional dance companies in the U.S. and preparing an annual Snapshot of the Field.

Annual member surveys include surveys on the finances and operations of dance companies and a bi-annual personnel compensation survey. The DoR also works with the Dance/USA member community to identify areas where research is needed and constructs appropriate projects in response.

Key Areas of Responsibility:
Gathering Data

  • Update and thoughtfully improve our existing survey tools based on changes in the dance ecosystem and feedback from our member community
  • Create surveys on discrete topics as necessary and in collaboration with others
  • Conduct web-based research to gather information about the dance ecosystem and performing arts sector including visiting websites, examining tax returns, making phone calls, and reading field wide publications

Managing Data

  • Compile, clean, verify, tabulate, archive, cross-reference, analyze, and mine data
  • Able to expertly use Microsoft Excel, Alchemer, SPSS, and other software for this purpose and ability to navigate a Salesforce CRM

Disseminating Information

  • Return data results and analysis to survey participants
  • Respond to inquiries from members, funders, the media, students, educators, and the general public
  • Write articles for inclusion in field wide studies and publications
  • Actively update the Dance/USA website with up-to-date information
  • Synthesize and analyze not-for-profit financial and operational data, and clearly articulate and animate the story the data is revealing – verbally and in writing.
  • Provide support and expertise in survey design, data collection mechanisms, and interpretation of survey results for members of the Dance/USA team, Board, member community, and others.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE
Advanced Excel skills and database experience, coupled with an analytical mindset, are essential. In addition, the ideal candidate will also be a self-starter and deeply desire to work collaboratively; have an understanding of social media analytics; an interest in finding creative solutions to data depiction, and have the ability to identify and implement improvements to data and knowledge management systems.

Bachelor’s degree or greater, with 2 or more years work experience in leading research and data analysis. A background in performing arts administration is a plus.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
A successful candidate will possess many of the following:

  • A strong belief in the Vision, Mission and Core Values + Guiding Priorities of Dance/USA with a profound understanding and commitment to combating systemic racism in the dance ecosystem and performing arts sector.
  • A deep desire to collaborate and be a strategic thought partner who can synthesize complex thoughts with clarity and is constantly approaching work creatively.
  • A comfort with change and a willingness to navigate uncertainty in a team setting.
  • Ability to listen deeply and exceptionally; one who is approachable, knowledgeable, and can develop meaningful relationships and sustain existing ones.
  • Able to receive input from many sources and commitment to centering inclusive practices daily.
  • An active, engaged individual in diverse forums and possesses a multiplicity of organizational relationships.
  • Able to travel for business, as needed.

The Director of Research may be an offsite employee of Dance/USA, working anywhere in the U.S. Applicants from geographic areas outside of the Washington, DC area are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
$80,000 plus benefits package, including full medical, 403(b) match, and paid vacation and sick leave.

TO APPLY
Send your resume and cover letter to Casey John McEnelly, Director of Finance and Operations, at cmcenelly@danceusa.org. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide three professional references and work samples in advance of the interview.

Application Due Date: Monday, March 14
Anticipated Start Date: Monday, May 2

Dance/USA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Dance/USA is committed to building a culturally diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, Native, and People of Color.

Job Details (for job postings)

Job Category :

Executive (CEO, Director, President)

Position Type :

Full Time

Experience :

2-5 Years

Education Level :

Bachelor's Degree