How to Be Dance Company Business Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 14, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The job of a Dance Company Business Manager is critical to the success of the organization. Their duties involve managing the finances, resources, and personnel of the dance company. By ensuring that funds are properly allocated and tracked, they help the organization stay on budget and maximize its resources.

they play a key role in coordinating and supporting the creative team to create high-quality performances. Furthermore, their ability to effectively manage both the creative and financial aspects of the business can significantly impact the company's success. In turn, this can lead to increased revenue, recognition, and growth for the company.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a dance company business manager is obtaining a bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, or a related field. This degree will provide you with the tools required to understand and manage the financial and managerial aspects of a dance company.
Gain Experience. You should gain experience either in the dance industry or in the business world. This experience will give you an advantage when it comes to understanding the business side of dance companies. Try to find an internship or volunteer opportunity with a local dance company, or seek out an entry-level job in business administration.
Get Certified. Consider getting certified as a Professional Dance Business Manager (PDBM) through the National Dance Association (NDA). This certification will demonstrate your knowledge of the business side of dance and can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Network. Networking is a key component of becoming a successful Dance Company Business Manager. Attend workshops, conferences, and industry events to build relationships with other professionals in the field.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary education, experience, and certification, you can start applying for jobs as a Dance Company Business Manager. Look for openings on job boards, company websites, or through networking contacts.

Successful business management of a dance company requires ideal and competent leadership. To achieve this, the manager must have a clear understanding of the company's mission and goals, a strong commitment to meeting those objectives, and a team that is highly motivated and well-trained. Having a strong organizational structure in place is also essential, as it helps to ensure that tasks are completed on time and that resources are efficiently used for maximum efficiency.

Furthermore, effective communication between team members and the manager is key in order to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the company's progress. Finally, an experienced manager must be able to recognize the changing needs of the dance company and quickly adjust plans to meet them. All of these components combined will lead to successful and efficient business management of a dance company.

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Job Description

Oversee daily operations and financial management of the Dance Company.
Develop, review, and manage annual business plans and budgets.
Monitor and analyze financial performance of the Dance Company.
Negotiate contracts and secure funding sources.
Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure necessary services and supplies.
Oversee payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll taxes.
Manage human resources and employee benefits plans.
Develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Create and implement marketing plans to promote the Dance Companys services and products.
Create and maintain relationships with sponsors, donors, and other stakeholders.
Represent the Dance Company at conferences, meetings, and other events.
Track grant opportunities and apply for grants to secure additional funding.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational and communication skills.
Knowledge of finance and budgeting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other accounting software.
Ability to work with a range of staff, stakeholders, and contractors.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret contracts and negotiate favorable terms.
Experience in planning, scheduling, and executing projects.
Ability to identify and pursue funding sources.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Understanding of marketing strategies and tactics.
Experience in fundraising and grant writing.
Knowledge of copyright law and other regulations for performing arts organizations.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the business operations of dance companies.

Being a successful business manager of a dance company requires many skills and qualities. One of the most important skills is being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Effective communication includes the ability to understand, interpret, and convey information to stakeholders, collaborators, and customers.

It also includes the ability to listen, respond to questions, and provide feedback in a timely manner. strong organizational skills are needed to manage finances, prioritize tasks, and create strategies that will help the dance company reach its goals. A successful business manager must also have an eye for detail and be able to problem solve quickly.

They must be able to think critically, analyze data, and develop plans that will move the company forward. Finally, a successful business manager must have the ability to collaborate with all stakeholders and motivate their team to work together effectively in order to achieve success. By possessing these skills, a business manager can ensure the success of their dance company.

Dance Studio Floor Manager, Dance Company Touring Production Manager, and Dance Production Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the dance industry?
What qualifications do you have in business management?
How comfortable are you working with a budget?
What strategies do you have for marketing a dance company?
What experience do you have in hiring and managing staff?
How would you handle customer complaints or requests?
How would you handle competing businesses or projects?
What systems or processes do you have in place to ensure efficient operations?
How comfortable are you dealing with legal regulations and requirements?
What experience do you have in developing and maintaining relationships with clients or vendors?

Common Tools in Industry

Accounting Software. A software program used to record and analyze financial data such as income statements, balance sheets, and invoices (e. g. QuickBooks).
Scheduling Software. A software program used to manage the time and resources of a business, such as staff scheduling and appointment setting (e. g. Deputy).
Inventory Management Software. A software program used to track inventory levels and orders (e. g. Fishbowl Inventory).
Human Resources Software. A software program used to manage personnel information and payroll, as well as other employee-related tasks (e. g. BambooHR).
Project Management Software. A software program used to plan, organize, and manage projects, tasks, and timelines (e. g. Trello).
Business Intelligence Software. A software program used to analyze data, generate reports, and create dashboards (e. g. Tableau).
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. A software program used to manage customer interactions and sales efforts (e. g. Salesforce).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
Dance/USA
American Association of Community Theatre (AACT)
American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)
The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD)
Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS)
Dance/USA Education and Community Engagement Network (DECA)
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Dance Masters of America (DMA)

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Common Important Terms

Budgeting. The process of creating and managing a financial plan for a business. This includes allocating resources, setting goals, and tracking expenses.
Accounting. The practice of recording financial transactions in order to maintain accurate financial records.
Tax Preparation. The process of preparing and filing taxes for a business or individual. This includes calculating taxes owed and filing forms with the appropriate government agencies.
Bookkeeping. The process of recording financial transactions and maintaining financial records.
Tax Planning. The practice of minimizing taxes owed by taking advantage of available deductions and credits.
Risk Management. The practice of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with a business or organization.
Payroll. The process of paying employees for their work and calculating taxes owed by the employer.
Investment Management. The practice of managing investments in order to maximize returns and minimize risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to be a Dance Company Business Manager?

Generally, Dance Company Business Managers should possess a college degree in business administration, finance, or a related field, as well as experience in financial management, business operations, and customer service.

What is the average salary of a Dance Company Business Manager?

The average salary for a Dance Company Business Manager is around $65,000 per year.

What job duties are associated with being a Dance Company Business Manager?

As a Dance Company Business Manager, some of your job duties may include managing finances, creating budgets, overseeing payrolls, handling customer service inquiries, and maintaining records.

What type of software do Dance Company Business Managers use?

Dance Company Business Managers may use various software programs to complete their job duties, such as accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, and payroll software.

What are some of the challenges associated with being a Dance Company Business Manager?

Some of the challenges associated with being a Dance Company Business Manager include managing tight budgets and staying organized with multiple tasks. Additionally, it is important for Dance Company Business Managers to stay up to date with industry trends and regulations.