JOBS

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open positions: TWO POSITIONS, 2026 SEPT.

Development and Operations Specialist
Description

Position Title: Development and Operations Specialist

Reports to: Executive Artistic Director

Hours: 40 hours per week

Pay: $25 per hour


Blue13 Background

Blue13 Dance Company is an American dance theatre ensemble based in Los Angeles. Founded by Artistic Director Achinta S. McDaniel, Blue13 has connected audiences through the power of live aesthetically and culturally daring dance, performing in the U.S. and abroad in its highly energetic and theatrical modern dance style that is inspired in part by the classical and cultural art forms of the Indian subcontinent.


summary

The Development and Operations Specialist at Blue13 Dance Company will play a crucial role in developing donor relations and fundraising strategies, as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of our day-to-day operations. Blue13 Dance Company will provide training in all areas necessary for success in this role. Candidates who meet many, but not all of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

 

The Development and Operations Specialist is essential to contributing to the growth and success of Blue13. The primary responsibilities of the role are cultivating new donors and maintaining positive relationships with donors, partners, and patrons. Key responsibilities also include managing administrative tasks, overseeing contracts and company engagement coordination (performances, events), and growing partnerships together with the Executive Artistic Director. We are looking for a dedicated and well-connected individual who has a robust network and of course, a love for the performing arts. They must be persuasive and adaptable, maintain a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and have exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.


essential duties & Responsibilities
  • Plan fundraising campaigns, including mailers, emails, fundraising events, etc.

  • Donor relationships and Board activation (together with Executive Artistic Director)

  • CRM database management (donor, data, communication tracking of fundraising and productions/events)

  • Assist Grants and Production Manager with grant writing

  • Contracts, Operational Partnerships (site rental, equipment, etc.)

  • Engagement coordination with Production Manager

  • Front-of-house coordination at live engagements

  • Communicate with donors and attendees prior to and post engagements

  • Craft and send newsletters through CRM

  • Run payroll

  • Light accounting and bookkeeping

Additional Duties
  • Frequently required to socialize at events for several hours at a time. 
  • Occasional exposure to loud music or sounds, and outdoor exposure during events.
qualifications

Required

  • At least three years of relevant experience

  • Demonstration of cultural competency

  • Passion for the performing arts, arts education, and cultural programming.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, partners, artists, and patrons.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to network, cultivate partnerships, and engage community stakeholders.

  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

  • Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team.

  • Strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking abilities.

  • Professional, persuasive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications.

  • Comfortable learning new software systems and administrative processes.

  • Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends in support of performances, events, and donor engagement activities.

  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred

  • Experience with fundraising, donor cultivation, sales, marketing, community engagement, or relationship management preferred.

  • Experience using CRM databases, donor management systems, or similar platforms preferred.

  • Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

  • Familiarity with marketing, newsletter platforms, email marketing tools, and digital communications preferred.

  • Experience with event coordination or front-of-house operations preferred.

  • Experience with bookkeeping, payroll processing, budgeting, or basic accounting practices preferred.

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.

  • Existing connections within Los Angeles arts, entertainment, philanthropic, or business communities are a plus.

How to apply

Please email and attach a resume and cover letter as PDFs to Seema Sundaresh at info@blue13dance.com. Use the subject line: “2026 Development & Operations Specialist: Last Name, First Name”. In your cover letter, briefly include answers to the following:

  • What drew you to this position and organization? 

  • What are your top two values and top three skills, and how do you see them relating to this position?

  • What experiences empower you for success at Blue13?

equal opportunity Employment
Blue13 does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. South Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Indigenous community members, People/Women of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, and Two Spirit people, and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
COMMUNICATIONS & PRODUCTION INTERN
Description

Position Title: Communications & Production Intern

Reports to: Executive Artistic Director

Hours: 15-20 hours per week

Pay: $18.47 per hour


summary

The Communications and Production Intern will receive hands-on experience developing and implementing marketing strategies, and producing and presenting live performances of dance. The intern will help Blue13 expand American dance to include contemporary, folk, participatory and classical forms of dance from the cultures of the Global Majority. The intern will identify areas of production, marketing, and other administrative aspects of the nonprofit arts world to explore, and will build a personal passion project that will be supported by Blue13’s administrative and creative staff, working 15-20 hours per week, from early Fall through the Winter/early Spring.


QUALIFICATIONS
Blue13 welcomes and encourages applicants from all academic backgrounds. The ideal applicant will have an appreciation for dance with an interest in marketing, social media content creation/management, and production on a professional level. They should be strong writers, proactive, organized, resourceful, and feel comfortable generating and sharing ideas for continual improvement. Knowledge of Google Suite and MS Office are desired, and proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud software including InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator are helpful. Familiarity with current social media platforms including TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook is required. Knowledge of production, events, and dance performances a plus.

Additional Duties
  • Frequently required to work at LA area events for several hours at a time, including set up and strike/tear down. 
  • Occasionally required to photograph and film dancers in rehearsal, in interviews, for social media, and at engagements, requiring movement and standing for extended periods.
  • Occasional exposure to loud music or sounds, and outdoor exposure during events.
  • Occasionally required to assist with and maintain and update the wardrobe and prop storage facility in Pasadena, CA.
  • Frequently required to assist with procurement of production rentals and supplies, help facilitate productions. 
How to apply

Please email and attach a resume and thoughtful cover letter as PDFs to Seema Sundaresh at info@blue13dance.com. In your cover letter, briefly describe what draws you to dance or the arts, and how this internship will support your career goals. Use the subject line: 2026 Intern: (Last Name, First Name).

equal opportunity Employment

Blue13 does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. South Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and Indigenous community members, People/Women of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, transgender, and Two Spirit people, and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.