All company positions for the 25/26 Season have been filled.

Please check back in the fall for news about our auditions for the 26/27 Season.

Position: Development Director

Location: San Francisco Bay Area; hybrid schedule with time in our San Francisco office and our theaters

Compensation: $115,000 – $135,000

About Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Smuin Contemporary Ballet thrives on diverse views and dance styles to create art that is original, evocative, and entertaining.  By creating a platform for artists to flourish, we foster innovation.  By embracing bold ideals and ideas, we unleash the limitless power of dance.  We are committed to sharing our passion for dance through performances, classes, and community engagement.

About the Position

The Development Director is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s mission and programs. This individual will oversee all aspects of development, including individual giving, institutional support, special events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate will bring creativity, passion for the arts, and a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising. They will report to the Managing Director, and will oversee two full-time and one part-time development team members.  The organizational budget is $5MM with approx. 50% in contributed income.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $115,000 – $135,000. Four weeks paid vacation, plus 9 days of sick time and 9-10 holidays per year. Employer-sponsored health benefits. This position will have a hybrid schedule (3 days on-site) in the San Francisco Bay Area, with our offices located at 1830 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94103. This position will require occasional evenings and weekends during our performance seasons.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the creation and execution of an annual fundraising plan that aligns with Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s contributed revenue goals and institutional priorities.
  • Collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees, Managing Director, and Artistic Director to support and advance both short- and long-term strategic initiatives.
  • Oversee the planning and success of Smuin’s signature annual gala as well as a calendar of impactful donor cultivation and stewardship events.
  • Develop and track key performance indicators for fundraising efforts, evaluating outcomes to ensure continued growth and success.
  • Direct and manage special campaigns, including special funds and program-specific initiatives.
  • Design and implement tailored strategies to steward current donors and engage new supporters, with a focus on long-term relationship-building.
  • Represent Smuin at performances and donor events across the Bay Area to deepen engagement and visibility.
  • Guide and collaborate with the Development Committee to advance stewardship and fundraising initiatives.

Desired Qualifications

  • 8–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, preferably in the performing arts or a related cultural field.
  • A genuine passion for building relationships and connecting with donors in meaningful, mission-aligned ways.
  • Deep interest in the performing arts, especially dance, and an appreciation for Smuin’s unique artistic vision.
  • Proven ability to work effectively with boards, senior leadership, and stakeholders to develop and implement strategic fundraising plans.
  • Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, including cultivating and securing gifts from high-net-worth individuals.
  • Significant experience planning and executing events that support development goals—from intimate donor gatherings to large-scale galas.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with experience hiring, mentoring, and inspiring high-performing teams in a collaborative work environment.
  • Knowledge of database systems, Keela and GiveSmart preferred but not required
  • Articulate and thoughtful communicator, capable of conveying ideas with clarity and purpose across a range of audiences.
  • Strong emotional intelligence

 

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to Lori Laqua, Managing Director, at llaqua@smuinballet.org. Application review will begin immediately and will continue until a great fit is found. Thank you for your consideration!

Position: Production Stage Manager

Compensation: For the 2025 – 2026 season: Guaranteed 40 week seasonal contract. Salary: $1,550/week + basic health benefits

About Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Smuin Contemporary Ballet was founded by Michael Smuin in 1994 and is now led by Artistic Director Amy Seiwert.  Smuin’s annual Bay Area touring model takes the Company to Walnut Creek, Mountain View, and Carmel three times per year in addition to three ‘home’ seasons in San Francisco.  Over the years, Smuin Ballet has commissioned and licensed works by national and international choreographers such as Jennifer Archibald, Matthew Neenan, Trey McIntyre, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, James Kudelka, Helen Pickett and Gina Patterson.  In the coming season, Smuin will be presenting works by Alejandro Cerrudo, Justin Peck, Amy Seiwert, Andrea Schermoly, Kate Skarpetowska, and Michael Smuin. Smuin’s company of 16 dancers average 60+ performances annually with a repertory program in the fall and spring, Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, and events and performances at a variety of venues ranging from wineries to outdoor stages.

About the Position

Smuin Contemporary Ballet is accepting applications for the position of Production Stage Manager.  This position has the potential to assume the role of Production Director in the future.

 

Duties include but are not limited to: 

  • Overseeing all load ins and load outs in all venues
  • Hiring crews for non-union venues and tracking hours for payroll
  • Loading audio files into QLab on show computers and setting levels in venues with house audio
  • Providing event support onsite and off including gala, in-studio, and outdoor performances
  • Learning the season rep and stage managing all rehearsals and performances
  • Maintaining hard copies and scanned copies of all calling books
  • Providing daily support in studio to Artistic Director, Rehearsal Director, and choreographers with setting up and striking rehearsal equipment and props
  • Overseeing maintenance of studio floors(including regular hot mop, alcohol mop, and buffing as needed), measuring and maintaining taped marks for relevant venue stages
  • Maintaining sound equipment in studio and loading audio files onto rehearsal iPads
  • Providing video documentation support for designated rehearsals including upload/download, cataloging and distribution as needed

 

Requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and/or five years’ experience in professional production stage management in union and non-union settings with an organization of similar scope
  • Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Word, Excel)
  • Proficiency with QLab
  • Personal vehicle for errands in the Bay Area directly related to SMUIN
  • Valid Driver’s License

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong collaboration skills
  • Excellent problem solving skills
  • Ability to read sheet music
  • Great sense of humor

 

2025 – 2026 season: Guaranteed 40 week seasonal contract

Salary: $1,550/week + basic health benefits

Application Deadline: Open until filled
Start Date: July 14, 2025

 

If you are interested in applying, please email a cover letter, references and resume to KT Graham at kgraham@smuinballet.org.  No phone calls please.

 

SMUIN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. EOE M/F/D/V

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