Renée Danger-James
Vice President
Executive Search Practice Leader
New York
1040 First Avenue, Suite 352
New York, NY 10022-2991
rdangerjames@ArtsConsulting.com
Tel (888) 234.4236 Ext. 212
Renée Danger-James (she/her/they/them) brings nearly 30 years of experience as a nonprofit administrator and development professional within the arts and culture sector, as well as in higher education. Her vast expertise covers the areas of relationship and consensus building, fundraising, event management, strategic visioning, and business mediation across diverse constituencies. Her creative vision and collaborative approach have consistently inspired positive organizational growth, delivering results that exceed established goals.
Prior to joining ACG, Danger-James served as Senior Director of Development and Major Gift Officer for Warren Wilson College. In these roles, she supported rebranding initiatives under new executive leadership, grew the portfolio of donors, and strengthened relationships with alumni, significantly expanding alumni giving and support for the arts and humanities programs.
“Culture is how we live, and practice, our humanity. Art is the mirror that can inform, inspire, and empower enlightenment and fuel change. This positions our sector to lead with urgency, and commitment, to the transformational power of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.”
“Employing ACG’s proven practice methods in building intentional, inclusive, and collaborative leadership teams and organizations will impact the organization, their communities, and the sector, creating a roadmap for other industries.”
Danger-James previously held the position of Director of Development at Harlem Stage, where she implemented an effective strategic plan that led the organization through a pivotal phase of transformation after the renovation and opening of its new site, The Gatehouse. She structured a $4 million capital campaign for Harlem Stage’s 30th Anniversary that generated much needed creative capital, building, and cash reserve funds, including securing the initial $2 million for the campaign by engaging the support of strategic partners. Danger-James also introduced an innovative business model to ensure long-term financial sustainability and fostered positive advancement of the organization. Previously, Danger-James fulfilled senior leadership positions with The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, securing the organization’s first $1 million grant, as well as at WP Theater. She also served as Director of Operations at The Kitchen, NYC’s acclaimed multidisciplinary organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the works of emerging and established artists in music, dance, performance, video, film, visual art, and literature.
Danger-James holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre management and theatre performance, and a master of arts administration degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Danger-James' professional and client work includes:
- Biggs Museum of American Art
- Cantus Vocal Ensemble
- Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
- College Art Association
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- Harlem Stage
- Jazz House Kids
- The Kitchen
- Levine Museum of the New South
- Museo de Arte de Ponce
- Spruce Peak Arts
- The Orchestra of St. Luke’s
- Vermont Studio Center
- Warren Wilson College
- Wichita Symphony Orchestra
- Windsor Historical Society
- WP Theater
- The Union for Contemporary Art
- The Young People’s Chorus of New York City