Desert Dance Theatre | Board of Directors

Desert Dance Theatre (DDT) seeks passionate, engaged, and community-minded leaders to serve on its Board of Directors. Board Members play a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission through governance, strategic planning, fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement.

As one of Arizona’s longest-running contemporary dance companies, Desert Dance Theatre has spent more than four decades creating impactful performances, educational programs, and cultural storytelling experiences that inspire audiences and strengthen communities. Board Members help steward this legacy while supporting the organization’s continued growth, sustainability, and artistic excellence.

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about the arts, education, community impact, and cultural enrichment and who are committed to helping strengthen the future of dance in Arizona and beyond.

Successful Board Members actively participate in governance, strategic decision-making, fundraising, and community engagement efforts. They serve as ambassadors for Desert Dance Theatre, helping expand awareness, build partnerships, secure resources, and support the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Success in this role includes:

• Regular attendance and participation in board and committee meetings.
• Active support of fundraising, sponsorship, grant, and development initiatives.
• Strategic contributions that help advance organizational goals and artistic growth.
• Advocacy for the value of dance, arts education, and cultural storytelling within the community.
• Meaningful engagement with audiences, donors, artists, educators, and community partners.
• Supporting the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility.

The Board of Directors provides governance, oversight, and strategic leadership for Desert Dance Theatre. Board Members work collaboratively with artistic leadership, staff, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the organization remains financially sustainable, mission-driven, and responsive to the evolving needs of artists, students, audiences, and communities.

Board Members play an essential role in supporting Desert Dance Theatre’s performance season, educational programming, artist residencies, outreach initiatives, and future organizational growth.

• Participate in Board of Directors meetings and contribute to organizational decision-making and strategic planning.
• Provide oversight and guidance related to organizational goals, policies, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
• Uphold fiduciary responsibilities and nonprofit governance best practices.
• Review and support strategic initiatives that advance the mission and impact of Desert Dance Theatre.

• Support fundraising efforts through donor cultivation, sponsorship development, grant opportunities, and community partnerships.
• Assist in identifying potential supporters, funders, and advocates.
• Participate in fundraising campaigns, special events, and development initiatives when appropriate.
• Consider making an annual personal contribution that is meaningful and aligned with individual capacity.

• Serve as a public ambassador for Desert Dance Theatre and its mission.
• Promote performances, educational programs, outreach initiatives, and fundraising efforts through professional and personal networks.
• Build relationships with community leaders, educators, businesses, arts organizations, and cultural institutions.
• Advocate for the value and impact of dance and arts education within Arizona communities.

• Serve on at least one board committee and contribute expertise toward committee goals and projects.
• Support initiatives related to governance, development, marketing, education, outreach, or strategic growth.
• Collaborate with fellow board members and organizational leadership to advance board priorities.

• Support Desert Dance Theatre’s commitment to creating inclusive, accessible, and welcoming arts experiences.
• Promote equitable access to dance education, performances, and cultural programming.
• Contribute ideas and perspectives that help strengthen community engagement and representation.

• Passion for supporting the arts, arts education, cultural storytelling, and community engagement.
• Willingness and availability to actively participate in board meetings, committee work, fundraising efforts, and organizational initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and communities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Interest in serving as an ambassador and advocate for Desert Dance Theatre.
• Commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and nonprofit governance principles.
• Must be located within a reasonable commuting distance of Tempe, Arizona, or demonstrate the ability to consistently participate in required meetings and events.

• Previous nonprofit board, advisory council, committee, or volunteer leadership experience.
• Professional or volunteer experience in dance, performing arts, arts administration, education, or cultural organizations.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
• Fundraising & Development
• Corporate Partnerships
• Finance & Accounting
• Legal & Compliance
• Marketing & Branding
• Grant Writing
• Education & Outreach
• Event Production
• Web Development & Technology
• Board Development & Recruitment
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB/JEDI-B)
• Established connections within Arizona’s arts, education, business, philanthropic, or civic communities.
• Experience supporting community engagement, audience development, or educational programming initiatives.

Board Members are expected to:

• Attend monthly board meetings.
• Participate in committee meetings and organizational initiatives.
• Support fundraising, advocacy, and development activities.
• Attend performances, events, and community engagement opportunities when possible.
• Contribute approximately 2–10 hours per month depending on committee involvement and organizational activities.

Desert Dance Theatre welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, disciplines, cultures, and lived experiences. We believe diverse voices strengthen our leadership, broaden our impact, and help us better serve the communities we engage through dance, education, and cultural storytelling.