CO/LAB Theater Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Creative Opportunities without Limits And Boundaries. CO/LAB offers individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater Through our programming, we encourage actors to collaborate as an ensemble and discover their individual voices. CO/LAB creates a safe, judgment-free, and neuro-diverse environment that allows participants the opportunity to express themselves both in class and on stage. We seek to honor and celebrate every individual. CO/LAB aims to offer financially accessible programs to all.

Our organizational core values which guide our daily work:

• All are welcome; CO/LAB fosters a community with open doors that is supportive of people with all abilities, beliefs, and
• CO/LAB honors and celebrates each individual for who they We value everyone’s unique contribution to our ensemble at large.
• We set the bar high, artistically and We are ambitious. We learn, grow, and thoughtfully apply our knowledge.
• At CO/LAB we listen carefully, encourage new ideas, and collaborate with team
• We are determined to have generous, honest, passionate, joyful people leading the organization.

All staff members of CO/LAB participate in deepening the organization’s commitment to becoming an inclusive and equitable organization. Each individual is responsible for conducting their work in an equitable manner and our staff works together to continue to learn about anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-ableism, and/or social

We recommend perusing our website and social media channels to find out more about our team and our work!

History and Mission

CO/LAB (Creative Opportunities without Limits And Boundaries) Theater Group was founded in 2011 by four Syracuse University graduates—Laura Borgwardt, Becky Leifman, Arielle Lever, and Sarah Olbrantz—who participated in a similar program while at Syracuse. Becky Leifman is currently Executive Director and a Teaching Artist. Laura Borgwardt and Arielle Lever are Teaching Artists.

CO/LAB has since expanded from one pilot class of 13 actors to a full schedule of over 7 theater classes per week for individuals with developmental disabilities ages 17+ (no upper age limit). Additional :core programs are geared specifically for younger participants ages 10-16. In its first 10 years, CO/LAB reached over 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities through participation in programs and development of dozens of original musicals and ensemble-created theatrical performances. Through theater training, actors also improve their social and communication skills.

Leadership

Co-Founder Becky Leifman will continue to serve as Executive Director through December 2023. The Search Committee, chaired by the board president, is seeking a new Executive Director to be on board by mid-January 2024.

CO/LAB has an active 10-member national board. 80% of members have been on the board for 5+ years. The Associate Board has 15 members who serve as strong ambassadors for the organization, participate on the fundraising team, and lend their skills, talent, and expertise to CO/LAB’s mission.

Staffing

There are 6 collaborative and creative staff people and close to 30 part-time Teaching Artists. In the fall of 2023, new hires will include a Director of Development and Communications, Program Manager, and Director of Programs.

Volunteers are active at every level in CO/LAB. “Supporting Artists” volunteer to provide assistance in the CO/LAB classroom. They are part of the ensemble and participate in the class just as the actors do, and they also are there to make sure the actors get the support needed to participate in class.

Programs

CO/LAB:core offers weekly classes or single workshops for individuals who identify with having a developmental disability. Classes are held nights and weekends, and are offered free or low cost for all participants. The curriculum is structured to accommodate many types of learning and generally includes a dance party, warm-ups, theater games and exercises, and group work. Each class is staffed with two Teaching Artists and 4-6 Supporting Artists (in-class volunteers), creating a 2:1 participant-to-artist ratio. Classes culminate in 4 public performances each year.

CO/LAB:connect is a partnership program providing high-quality theater programs to existing groups, programs, or locations where individuals with developmental disabilities gather. Throughout a season, CO/LAB typically works with up to 15 program partners. CO/LAB:connect programming features single workshops or longer-term residencies. A tiered pricing structure allows potential partners to apply for the price that matches their budget.

Sharing the Stage is a customized professional development workshop offered to organizations seeking to build teams that are inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming. The workshops inspire participants to question how inclusive their organizational practices and spaces are for people with developmental disabilities. Workshops provide strategies and tools for working with individuals with developmental disabilities in an inviting, safe, creative space. These interactive workshops are facilitated by two CO/LAB Teaching Artists and supported by two CO/LAB:Leaders (experienced CO/LAB actors with developmental disabilities).

CO/LAB:Leaders is our program in which seasoned CO/LAB actors are paid by CO/LAB to develop their leadership, vocational,  and mentorship skills at CO/LAB. Our Leaders are trained by CO/LAB’s program staff and outside experts, and, in turn, mentor classes, represent CO/LAB at community and public events, network with other Disabled theater professionals, co-facilitate Sharing the Stage (a PD workshop), and engage in the long-term planning of CO/LAB’s future.

Currently led by Program Manager Maddie Rostami, the Leaders meet regularly to discuss ways in which they can lead at CO/LAB on a deeper organizational level. They also discuss leadership strategies and goals that they can bring back to their CO/LAB:core classes and use in their home and work environments outside of CO/LAB.

Location

CO/LAB staff share a hybrid workspace in Manhattan. CO/LAB:core programs are typically held at ART/NY Studios in two locations: Midtown Manhattan and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. CO/LAB’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan includes a goal to identify and lease or purchase a long-term central hub that is a welcoming, radically-inclusive space for CO/LAB community.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

CO/LAB Theater Group seeks an Executive Director to steer the organization through its next phase of growth. This role focuses on financial and fundraising strategy, management of the administrative team, operations, and public presence. In addition, the Executive Director works alongside our CO/LAB community members to increase the inclusion and visibility of individuals with developmental disabilities in the performing arts. The person in this role must prioritize the interests and wishes of CO/LAB’s actors with developmental disabilities.

This team member is expected to be onboard with CO/LAB no later than mid-January 2024.

CO/LAB Theater Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our organizational values state “All Are Welcome” at CO/LAB—applicants of all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages, or disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team and we aim to include new voices and experiences to our work. Neurodivergent and/or disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN JUMP ON BOARD AND:

Develop and Execute Organizational Strategy and Management

• Define and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the company
• Plan alongside the Board to ensure organizational and fiscal sustainability
• Spearhead production & documentation of Strategic Planning Process (next one to occur in 2026)
• Measure success of strategic plan and impact measures, report to staff & Board
• Ensure organization compliance with federal and state laws/regulations
• Seek, create, and cultivate relationships with prospective individual, institutional and government donors, and organizational partners

Fundraise

• In partnership with Director of Communications and Development, create an annual fundraising plan for the organization; align with organizational and strategic plan goals, Board, and Associate Board activities
• Seek, create, and cultivate relationships with prospective individual, institutional and government donors
• Diversify and develop funding streams
• Oversee submission of grant reports and applications
• Contribute to special event organization as needed by Development Manager & team

Board

• Partner with Board to accomplish strategic vision
• Plan and execute quarterly Board meetings, recruitment and nomination process
• Liaison between staff and Board
• Create, update, and track agreements, pledge forms, and signed paperwork.
• Seek Professional Development opportunities
• Support committees/task forces as needed

Associate Board

• Act as liaison between Associate Board and staff
• Work alongside chairs to develop group’s annual work plan
• Spearhead nomination efforts & recruitment process

Finance

• Run finance committee meetings
• Propose changes in budget to finance committee
• Prepare financial reports for staff meetings, board meetings, and grants
• Oversee annual budget, including budget changes throughout the year
• Maintain and/or outsource current & accurate bookkeeping
• Run and manage payroll for administrative staff and TAs, including developing payroll systems and processes

Compliance

• Manage all insurance policies and update as needed
• Review any new internal legal documents and external contracts, solicit approval from Board if necessary.
• Liaise with legal team to create and revise necessary documents

Staff

• Preside over staff meetings
• Final decision regarding hiring and firing employees
• Directly manage Director of Communications and Development, and Director of Programs
• Oversee performance management process
• Support creation of fundraising plan

Human Resources

• Oversee Professional Development opportunities (full staff engagements)
• Oversee productivity tools
• Update and maintain employee handbook
• Track Signed Paperwork from employees inclusive of:
  • background checks
  • waivers / liability
•  Liaise with PEO: JustWorks
• Execute performance management process execution (alongside GPM committee)
• Manage Hiring and Onboarding process; manage off-boarding strategy & processes

Qualified candidates should send resume or work history and cover letter in confidence to:
careers@colabtheatergroup.com by October 15, 2023.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email
careers@colabtheatergroup.com or call 301-693-7371

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• CO/LAB is proud to offer a generous vacation policy for our administrative staff.
• CO/LAB will provide access to the appropriate technology needed to carry out the responsibilities of this position.
• CO/LAB believes in creating a work environment where employees are nurtured and supported. We provide an annual professional development stipend, take extreme care in our performance management systems, and have multiple full-team outings and office closures per year.