Careers
Career Opportunities
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The Director of Development provides the vision, leadership, strategy, and direction of fundraising to support The Yard’s performances, programs, and operations. The Director is responsible for institutional funding, individual giving, corporate sponsorship, special events, donor communication, and Board fundraising.
A member of the senior management team, reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a high energy, seasoned development professional with a passion for The Yard’s mission, and a proven track record in building strong relationships with current and prospective donors. Working closely with the Executive Director, other senior staff, and the Board, the Director of Development will be the catalyst for helping The Yard achieve its financial goals. They will be an integral part of the management team and a key player in the growth and expansion of The Yard, as it undertakes a major $12M-$16M capital campaign.
Responsibilities
Strategy, Planning & Administration
Conceptualizes, leads, implements, and monitors annual resource development strategy/plan
Creates and monitors annual fundraising income and expense budgets
Constantly evaluates progress toward fundraising goals, and is accountable to and works with the Executive Director to adjust strategies
Develops and implements plans for cultivating, retaining and upgrading donors at all levels
Ensures the integrity of the fundraising database (Spektrix), as well as online giving, gift processing, recording and acknowledgement
Coordinates fiscal management and income tracking with finance and administrative staff
Works with the Executive Director and Programing Director to ensure all teams’ work is coordinated, strategic, and meets donor communication goals
Supervises contract Grant Writer, as well as additional consultants, interns, and volunteers
Messaging & Donor Communication
Thoroughly understands our mission, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, programs and finances and is able to articulate them to diverse audiences
Develops creative strategies for expanding funding base through online campaigns, social media, including peer-to-peer fundraising, and web visibility, working in conjunction with communications and marketing staff
Drafts text for annual reports, direct mail appeals, e-news, and other print and online communications and publications; supervises design and publication of printed fundraising materials, in collaboration with Marketing staff
Institutional Giving
Manages public and foundation giving campaign and relationships with institutional funders, ensuring timely submission of proposals and reports
Works with Executive Director and Grant Writer on proposal design, writing, and reporting
Identifies prospective corporate, foundation and public donors
Individual & Planned Giving
Plans and oversees individual giving program to engage donors at all levels, including monthly giving
Oversees and implements major donor program, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; supports Executive Director in solicitation of major gifts, including meeting preparation and follow-up
Develops and implements strategies to build bequests and increase donor designations
Conducts individual prospect research and ensures donor information storage
Works with senior staff and the Board Development Committee to ensure Board Members succeed in their fundraising responsibilities
Special Events
Plans and manages donor cultivation events, artist events, behind-the-scenes donor experiences, and fundraising events.
Capital Campaign
The Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director to oversee The Yard’s Capital Campaign, to support renovations on our Martha’s Vineyard campus. The first and current phase of the Campaign is estimated at $12.5M, with an additional $4-5M to be raised in future phases. The Director will be responsible for aligning campaign strategies with annual fundraising goals, as well as providing oversight and supervision for campaign staff and consultants, stewardship and support for Campaign Committee and its activities, and other activities.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in multifaceted development work;
An organized and strategic approach to fundraising with experience in managing, developing and coordinating successful fundraising efforts;
Demonstrated success in major gift cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, direct response, foundation, government and corporate funding;
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and describe funding needs in a way that is compelling and comprehensive to the potential donor;
Leadership and strategic qualities to manage volunteers and to direct day-to-day activities and operations;
Experience developing solid working relationships with Board Members and donors;
Demonstrated experience in developing and managing budgets; knowledge of the most up-to-date donor tracking systems;
Inspirational communicator with excellent writing skills;
A track record as an effective communicator who is articulate and persuasive in written and verbal communications; adept at crafting proposals, donor correspondence and other kinds of materials and making presentations to a variety of audiences;
A passion for enriching community through the arts;
A strong commitment to social justice; and,
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university preferred, but not required.
Location
This is a flexible hybrid position requiring an estimated 8 weeks spent on Martha’s Vineyard for our summer performance season, educational and community engagement programs, and patron events including artist events, behind-the-scenes donor experiences, cultivation, and fundraising events. Many Yard staff members work remotely throughout the rest of the year.
Estimated 15-25% travel time for off-island candidates, including summer residency and work-related travel (primarily, though not exclusively, East Coast). Flexible summer residency options may be considered for the right candidate; however, please note that the majority of Yard donors spend the summer on Martha’s Vineyard and value facetime with staff and artists during performances and events.
Compensation
Annual salary ranges from $90,000-$100,000, based on experience.
The Yard recognizes the challenges of Martha’s Vineyard’s housing market and provides support through shared, seasonal staff housing. Additional benefits include: health and dental insurance; generous paid time off/vacation; retirement plan.
How to Apply
The Yard is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
The Yard supports a culture of learning and professional growth. Those who meet many but not all of the qualifications are still encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: Resumes accepted until position is filled.
Qualified applicants should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@dancetheyard.org. Cover letters should include the website name where you found the posting and be labeled “Last Name – Cover Letter,” and resumes should be labeled “Last Name – Resume”. No phone calls, please.
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT 2025
SUMMER PRODUCTION MANAGER/LIGHTING SUPERVISOR (Seasonal)
Reports To: Programming Director
Employee Class: Full Time Seasonal Position. This is a split position: with part-time, remote work starting in March (est. 8-10 hours/week); and full-time onsite work at The Yard on Martha’s Vineyard from June 15 - August 9, 2025
Work Location: 1 The Yard, Chilmark, MA 02535
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Summer Production Manager (PM) works collaboratively with Yard staff to realize a successful season of dance, live performance, and education events. The Yard’s 2025 Season includes four mainstage dance productions at the 750-seat Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center, as well as community events, site-specific pop-up performances, workshops, and education programs, at The Yard’s main campus in Chilmark and community sites across the island.
The PM oversees all technical aspects of performances and other live events. They oversee two full-time, seasonal Production team members (Sound Supervisor, Production Assistant), and serve as the primary production liaison to all offsite venues for performance and residency activities. As Lighting Supervisor, the PM oversees all aspects of all lighting-related production, including preparing plots and paperwork, leading lighting hang and focus, working with guest designers and creative teams, and assisting in the design of new works.
The Production Manager is an organized, charismatic leader that upholds The Yard’s vision of presenting performances and supporting artists. They should be enthusiastic about collaborating with dance artists in the creation and presentation of new and existing works. This is a very hands-on position.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the planning and successful implementation of all technical aspects of performances and related residency activities. Run and manage all shows and productions.
Serve as primary liaison to offsite venues. Communicate venue rules, regulations, and special requests to Programming Director, staff, and artists
Create and implement production and rehearsal schedules.
Supervise production staff during load ins, technical rehearsals, shows, and load-outs; hire and supervise overhire crew as needed
Advise artistic staff on production needs and requirements, balancing creative vision with budget and organizational capacity
Review, edit, and redline technical riders in collaboration with the Programming Director
Track and forecast all production expenses and cash flow, and manage aspects of The Yard’s production budget. Oversee production purchasing, staying within determined budget parameters.
Manage technical equipment and needs necessary for the successful production of events, including in-house equipment and rentals
Work directly with Yard staff (Programming Director, Company Manager) and artists to coordinate and support residency and rehearsal schedules, travel schedules, itineraries, special requests, hospitality, and other needs pertaining to the venue.
Supervise the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance of The Yard’s Studio and Theater, including schedule and readiness for use by guest artists
Assist in the planning and execution of special events as needed
Oversee Yard technical inventory and equipment, ensuring functionality, proper use and suggest any needed repairs or replacement
As needed, work with the Property Manager and others to ensure overall upkeep and care of The Yard’s campus.
Lighting Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities
Assessing lighting plots and plans for touring productions
Initiate quotes and secure lighting and equipment rentals as needed
Depending on the unique and changing needs of each residency, tour, or program – and the way the PM chooses to structure their team based on skills and expertise – the Lighting Supervisor may be called upon to act as a Lighting Designer, Lighting Director, Master Electrician, Programmer, Board Op, and/or Deck Elec.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
The Yard has a small, dynamic staff and relies on cross-departmental collaboration. All positions are expected to routinely contribute in areas outside of their primary focus to ensure successful programs and operations. Examples include but are not limited to answering the office phone, helping patrons purchase tickets, assisting with campus projects, and providing day-to-day support to artists-in-residence.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
Minimum 3-5 years professional experience with dance, or performing arts production management, and a passion for collaborating with artists at all stages of their careers
Applied experience in theatrical lighting, production, and design
Comfortable working at heights up to 25’
Experience with Google Suite/Enterprise programs, Excel spreadsheets, and ability to learn and master software programs. Demonstrable experience with Vectorworks
Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
Ability to contribute to a respectful and productive work environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with other staff
Highly organized and adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and digital
Familiarity with arts industry technical riders and contracts
Familiarity with residency/retreat style facilities and programming a plus
A valid driver’s license. Please note: Martha’s Vineyard is a large rural island containing 6 towns and measuring 20 miles in length, with limited bus service to Chilmark where The Yard is located. It is recommended that Yard staff bring their own vehicles for both personal and business travel during their employment.
COMPENSATION: Summer Production Manager, $30.52 per hour
Part-time remote work, March - June (8 hrs/week, for 10-11 weeks, start date:TBD)
June 16 - Aug. 9 (8 weeks at 40 hours per week)
Total compensation = $12,000 - $12,600
HOUSING
The Yard recognizes the challenges of Martha’s Vineyard’s housing market and provides support through shared, seasonal staff housing. Seasonal staff housing is available at the rate of $120 per week for a single occupancy room ($960 total for two months), or $60 per week for a shared room ($480 total for two months). This fee covers 20% of The Yard’s total expenses per employee for rent/utilities, wifi, cleaning, trash removal, and other related expenses; with The Yard covering the remaining 80% of costs.
Staff are not required to live in Yard-provided housing but must live full-time on Martha's Vineyard June 15 - August 9. Single and/or double-occupancy rooms are based on availability, and The Yard will do its best to match employees based on seniority, accessibility, and financial need. Please indicate if you will be using Yard housing in your cover letter and preferred accommodations.
TO APPLY:
Email your resume, a brief cover letter, explaining your interest and contact information for 2 professional references to jobs@dancetheyard.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority deadline is March 15, 2025.
If you need assistance or accommodations in applying for this job, please email Yvonne Mendez at yvonnemendez@dancetheyard.org.
The Yard is working toward becoming a more anti-racist and equitable organization, which includes developing a work environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with The Yard’s mission, values, and commitment to anti-racism. -
Job Announcement: COMPANY MANAGER/ARTIST SERVICES, 2025 SUMMER SEASON
Title: Company Manager/Artist Services
Reports To: Programming Director
Employee Class: Full Time Seasonal Position. This is a split position: with part-time, remote work starting in April (est. 8 hours/week); and full-time onsite work at The Yard on Martha’s Vineyard starting June 15 through August 9.
The Company Manager is the Yard’s key artist services staff member for our summer season, serving as the primary liaison to artists and providing logistical and administrative support in the realm of transportation, hospitality, housing, health and safety, residency schedules, and other guest needs. They work with the Director of Programming and other Yard staff to ensure the smooth execution of artist residencies, public performances, educational programs, and other events. The Yard strives to create a people-centered, mindful environment of belonging for all artists, guests and participants. The Company Manager will excel in interpersonal skills and work alongside The Yard’s staff to foster a working environment that is safe, comfortable, welcoming, and inclusive.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead Artists Services for The Yard, working alongside Yard staff to nurture a productive, welcoming environment for all artists and guests.
Serve as the point person for artists-in-residence, educators, and guests
Provide logistical and administrative support, including performances, public programs, and special events (receptions, master classes, artist talks, donor events, etc.), in collaboration with Yard staff and volunteers.
Coordinate and manage artist residency, rehearsal, and technical schedules, in collaboration with the Production Manager and Programming Director
Book artist and guest travel, ground transportation, accommodations, and hospitality/meals.
Greet artists on arrival on Martha’s Vineyard; coordinate ground transportation schedules; drive and/or escort artists to events and rehearsals as needed.
Serve as liaison between off-site housing venues, The Yard, and visiting artists, ensuring provision of clean & safe accommodations, and adherence to housing policies & procedures
Ensure fulfillment of visiting artist hospitality riders; submit artist payment and reimbursement requests; manage company information and contact sheets.
Manage the logistics budget. Track and forecast all expenses within determined budget parameters. Adhere to Yard administrative and bookkeeping policies, procedures, and systems. Submit spending updates and reports to the Programming Director.
Manage and productively sustain relationships with Yard community partners; employ and manage third party vendors (including caterers, taxis, local business, etc)
Along with Yard staff, the Company Manager will enforce Yard campus and off-site venue rules and promote health and safety protocols with all artists and guests.
Oversee Yard Housing inventories and equipment (with The Yard’s General Manager), ensuring functionality, suggesting needed repairs or replacement. As needed, work with the Property Manager, General Manager and others to ensure overall upkeep and care of The Yard’s campus, studio/theater, and facilities.
Contribute to creation and execution of emergency preparedness plans, in collaboration with Yard staff
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
The Yard has a small, dynamic staff and relies on cross-departmental collaboration. All positions are expected to routinely contribute in areas outside of their primary focus to ensure successful programs and operations. Examples include but are not limited to answering the office phone, assisting with campus projects, and helping set up for and strike performances and events.
Required Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
A passion for the performing arts and a strong desire to collaborate with artists
Professional experience in dance, theater, or other live event production in a managerial or supervisory capacity
Familiarity with performing arts production, dance production, residency, and touring programs
A valid driver’s license. Note: Martha’s Vineyard is a large rural island containing 6 towns and measuring 20 miles in length, with limited bus service to Chilmark where The Yard is located. It is recommended that Yard staff bring their own vehicles for both personal and business travel during their employment.
Familiarity with arts industry technical riders and contracts
Experience with Google Suite and Office programs
Experience with Excel spreadsheets and ability to learn and master software programs
Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
Ability to contribute to a respectful and productive work environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively with other staff. Teamwork is an important part of our work at The Yard.
Highly organized and adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and digital.
Familiarity with residency/retreat style facilities and programming
COMPENSATION: Company Manager, $22.11 per hour
April 7 - June 13 (10 weeks part-time at 8 hrs/week)
June 15 - Aug. 8 (8 weeks full-time at 40 hrs/wk)
Total Salary = $8,844
HOUSING
The Yard recognizes the challenges of Martha’s Vineyard’s housing market and provides support through shared, seasonal staff housing. Seasonal staff housing is available at the rate of $120 per week for a single occupancy room ($960 total for two months), or $60 per week for a shared room ($480 total for two months). This fee covers 20% of The Yard’s total expenses per employee for rent/utilities, wifi, cleaning, trash removal, and other related expenses; with The Yard covering the remaining 80% of costs.
Staff are not required to live in Yard-provided housing but must live full-time on Martha's Vineyard June 15 - August 9. Single and/or double-occupancy rooms are based on availability, and The Yard will do its best to match employees based on seniority, accessibility, and financial need. Please indicate if you will be using Yard housing in your cover letter and preferred accommodations.
TO APPLY:
Email your resume, a brief cover letter, explaining your interest and contact information for 2 professional references to jobs@dancetheyard.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you need assistance or accommodations in applying for this job, please email Yvonne Mendez at yvonnemendez@dancetheyard.org.
The Yard is working toward becoming a more anti-racist and equitable organization, which includes developing a work environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with The Yard’s mission, values, and commitment to anti-racism.
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2025 Production Assistant
Job Description
Reports To: Summer Production Manager and Programming Director
Employee Class: Full Time Seasonal Position. Onsite work at The Yard on Martha’s Vineyard starting June 15 through August 9.
Work Location: 1 The Yard, Chilmark, MA 02535 on Martha’s Vineyard
The Production Assistant serves as a part of the dynamic Yard production team. They will directly assist the Production Manager with all aspects of tech and production at The Yard, will assist with lighting needs including preparing plots and paperwork, assisting with lighting hang and focus, working with guest designers and creative teams, and assisting in the design of new works. The Production Assistant works side by side with the Production team to oversee the operations and upkeep of The Yard’s studio and theater, as well as all related technical production equipment. At times, the Production Assistant will be called upon to work with and supervise the summer Production Intern and reports to the Production Manager.
The Production Assistant has experience in theatrical lighting production and design, knowledge of sound design & production and is interested in dance and dance design. They excel at working both solo and collaboratively with a production team, are excited about having responsibility to steward The Yard’s studio and theater, and enjoy wearing multiple hats. This is a very hands-on position.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Actively assist other production staff and artist resident companies during load ins, technical rehearsals, shows, workshops and load-outs
- Assist in running all shows and productions
- Assist with hang and focus, sound and/or backline setup for all productions
- Assist the Production Manager in assessing lighting plots and plans for touring productions
- Assist the Production Manager in quoting and securing lighting and equipment rentals as needed
- Assist with top-of-season equipment maintenance and purchasing
- Assist with lighting paperwork, including plot and hookup, for all tours and residencies
- Assist with lighting hang and focus for all productions
- Assist with programming The Yard’s lighting console (ETC Nomad) for all productions
- Assist in the day-to-day upkeep and maintenance of The Yard’s Studio and Theater
- Assist with the upkeep and maintenance of The Yard’s physical facilities as it pertains to lighting, as well as all lighting-related production equipment
- Assist with the upkeep of all production equipment
- Work Special Events as needed
- This position often requires long work days and sometimes physically demanding work conditions.Other Duties and Responsibilities:
The Yard has a small, dynamic staff and relies on cross-departmental collaboration. All positions are expected to routinely contribute in areas outside of their primary focus to ensure successful programs and operations. Examples include but are not limited to answering the office phone, helping and directing patrons onsite, assisting with campus projects, and providing day-to-day support to artists-in-residence.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- An interest in dance and the performing arts and a desire to collaborate with artists
- Professional experience in lighting production and design, with an emphasis on dance, festival-style production, or residencies and the creation of new works
- Experience with repertory-style lighting plots and designs
- Proficiency with Vectorworks and Lightwright
- Proficiency with ETC Eos family consoles
- Comfortable working at heights up to 25’ and ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
- Experience with Google Suite/Enterprise programs
- Experience with Sheets/Excel
- Highly organized and adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently or collaboratively with other staff
- Ability to contribute to a respectful and productive work environment
- Superb communication skills, both verbal and digital
- Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
- Interest in working with interns in a teaching environment, as a mentor and collaborator
- A valid driver’s licenseTO APPLY:
Email your resume, a brief cover letter, explaining your interest and contact information for 2 professional references to jobs@dancetheyard.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you need assistance or accommodations in applying for this job, please email Yvonne Mendez at yvonnemendez@dancetheyard.org.The Yard is working toward becoming a more anti-racist and equitable organization, which includes developing a work environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. Applicants from all populations and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with The Yard’s mission, values, and commitment to anti-racism.