Description:
Connecting Circus Students Around the World (CSAW)
The Executive Director will report directly to the Board Officers of CSAW.
Location: Remote (with occasional travel opportunities)
Commitment: Part-Time and Flexible Hours (Approximately 10 hours/week)
Compensation: $20,000/year (subject to increase when growth targets are met) All applicants will be notified no later than June 30th, 2025. The 2025 salary will be prorated based on date of hire. Payment will be distributed every two weeks.
Additional Benefits: Paid access to select industry events and conferences to be determined between the Board and the ED.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute a clear operational roadmap. The Board of Directors will oversee the activities of the Executive Director (ED), and the ED will report to the Board.
Develop a sustainable growth plan to expand the CSAW team, including both paid and volunteer roles.
Serve as a key ambassador of CSAW’s mission, representing the organization at events, conferences, and in virtual spaces.
Fundraising & Development:
Deepen relationships with existing donors, sponsors, and partners.
Proactively cultivate new funding opportunities through outreach, networking, and donor engagement (fundraising targets are linked to compensation growth.)
Create and update donor materials that clearly communicate CSAW’s impact.
Collaborate with the Board President and Treasurers to design and implement fundraising strategies.
Grant Program Management:
Oversee the monthly administration of CSAW’s grant programs with the assistance of the Board of Directors. Including the Microgrant Program, the Cannonball Grant Program, the Tuition Grant Program and additional grant programs which may be added.
Facilitate selection committees for all grant programs, including finding and onboarding committee members, distributing payments and scheduling and facilitating meetings.
Create compelling graphics and promotional materials for grant announcements and promotion.
Notify applicants and provide transparent communication throughout the grant process.
Non-Grant Program Management:
Manage volunteer resources to maintain and expand CSAW’s circus school resources database and ambassador program.
Collaborate with other organizations to promote the future of International Black and Indigenous Circus Week (IBICW.)
Support other non-grant initiatives that further CSAW’s mission.
Examples of Weekly/Monthly Activities
In this part-time role (approximately 10 hours per week). Your responsibilities will vary quite a bit. Some of your more regular activities include:
Donor and Partner Management:
- Communicate regularly with existing donors and partners to maintain and strengthen relationships.
- Identify and reach out to potential donors and sponsors to expand CSAW’s support network.
- Monitor and respond promptly to all email activities.
Patreon and Fundraising Support:
- Manage and update CSAW’s Patreon to engage supporters and encourage ongoing contributions.
- Collaborate on fundraising initiatives, providing donor updates and assisting with campaigns.
Social Media Management:
- Manage CSAW’s Instagram page, including creating, scheduling, and engaging with content.
- Develop social media content that highlights CSAW’s mission, programs, and impact.
Board Collaboration:
- Work closely with the board to build and implement an operational roadmap.
- Provide updates on progress and adapt plans based on organizational goals.
Grant Management:
- Market CSAW’s grants to increase application numbers and expand reach.
- Coordinate with the grant selection committee to schedule meetings and ensure a smooth review process.
- Communicate with applicants regarding timelines, decisions, and feedback.
Growth and Team Development:
- Collaborate with the board to create a hiring growth strategy.
- Plan for the expansion of CSAW’s team, including onboarding and management of future staff and volunteers.
This role offers flexibility, with tasks shifting based on fundraising events, grant cycles, and organizational priorities. The role will expand and change overtime.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following via the link below:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/connectingcircusstudentsaround/form/JobApplication/formperma/p6I9ufH7teQJ19kBlBSqOjZX0qns8Y4dq4X4mz4zSIk
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Requirements:
Who You Are:
We are looking for a collaborative, creative, driven leader who is passionate about circus arts and committed to creating equitable opportunities in the industry. The ideal candidate will bring:
Leadership and Strategic Vision: Experience creating and executing strategic plans.
Fundraising Expertise: 2+ years of experience in sales, marketing, fundraising, client management, or other non-profit work.
Networking and Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to cultivate and deepen partnerships.
Commitment to Equity: A clear understanding of CSAW’s mission and dedication to increasing accessibility to circus arts and experience with social justice.
Storytelling Ability: Comfort with representing CSAW both in-person and virtually to tell our story and inspire support.
Self-Direction: Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet goals with limited oversight.
Please note that while this is an ideal list, it is not required for application. We welcome all applicants even if you do not meet the above listed criteria.
Please note we can only consider applicants legally able to work in the U.S.
Prepare To Present:
To apply, please prepare:
A current resume
2-3 professional references.
Short responses to the following questions:
Why do you believe CSAW’s work is important?
What is your connection to the circus community?
What's your relationship to circus and why do you care about circus?
What are three ways that you see systemic racism, power dynamics or unconscious biases affecting the US circus industry and/or the arts industry today? *
If you could change one thing about the circus industry, what would it be and why? Please share some actionable ideas around how this thing might be changed.
Please choose 3-5 words to describe yourself. What makes you uniquely you? *
Your availability
Additional Information:
About CSAW
CSAW’s mission is to increase accessibility to circus arts for everyone and actively work to counteract the effects of systemic racism in the circus industry. Through our grant programs, circus school resources, and advocacy, we are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable circus community.
We are seeking a passionate and self-directed Executive Director to lead CSAW into its next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a growing nonprofit, deepen partnerships, expand programs, and drive meaningful change in the circus world.
Application Deadline:
June 01, 2025
Job Start Date:
June 16, 2025
Job Duration:
Open ended
Job/Audition Type:
Part Time
Job Category:
Administrative
Payment status:
Paid
Pay Scale:
From 20000 to 20000 USD/year
United States, New York, Annandale-on-Hudson
