[4] Until 1997 Baff was the director of education and community programming at Cal Performances, an arts organization at the University of California, Berkeley.

[3] Starting in 1998, Baff was the executive and artistic director of Jacob's Pillow,[6][7] a 225-acre historic site that encompasses an international dance festival, professional school, archives, exhibits, artist residencies, public venues, and education and community programs.Under her leadership, the organization was designated a National Historic Landmark.

[8] In her role of executive director, she traveled to international locations scouting talent for the dance festival.

[9][10] During Baff's time at Jacob's Pillow the group saw increased ticket sales and a new endowment campaign.

[22] In 2011 Baff accepted the National Medal of Arts from Barack Obama on behalf of the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.