About The Joffrey Ballet
Considered one of the premier dance companies performing today, the Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region. The Joffrey expresses an inclusive perspective on dance that reflects the diversity of Chicago through its Company Artists, Academy and Community Engagement programs.
The Joffrey Ballet believes in the positive, transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to promote dance through an unwavering commitment to high-quality performances, education, and innovation. Our commitment to "Joffrey For All" forms pathways for every person to experience the joy of dance.
About The Academy
Founded in 2010, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, provides students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds with a world-class education, built on a foundation of classical ballet.
Based in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower, home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios and facilities. In 2021, The Joffrey Ballet acquired two more state-of-the-art studios in the South Loop of Chicago.
About The Position
The Head of the Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs works closely with the Abbott Academy Director to maintain high standards of artistic excellence and educational programming set by the Abbott Academy Director. This Program Head works closely with Abbott Academy Director and staff to build and create programming to develop and maintain the syllabus and curriculum. The Head of the Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs is responsible for the training and development of students in class, rehearsals, and performances in related programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- With the Abbott Academy Director, hire, maintain, develop, and manage faculty.
- Teach a minimum of 20 – 24 hours a week in full-time training programs during all semesters and summer intensive.
- Attend weekly Administrative team meeting, Artistic team meeting, and meeting with Abbott Academy Director.
- Advise and meet with school faculty from all Divisions and administrative staff for consultation of program management and development.
- Develop curriculum and plan class schedules in coordination with artistic and technical standards as set forth by Abbott Academy Director.
- Teach classes for the Joffrey Academy, primarily in the Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Divisions, but may also teach in other Divisions.
- Work with Abbott Academy Director, and other division heads to ensure consistent and excellent training.
- Plan and attend school auditions; review and assess video auditions as needed; select and recruit students for the Academy.
- Set, stage, and rehearse repertoire works on Children’s Division for Academy performances.
- Complete and review student evaluations each semester.
- Assist in setting policies of new programming with Abbott Academy Director.
- Work closely with Abbott Academy Director on parent and student communications.
- Provide support for special events, performances, and auditions as needed.
- Work with staff in other areas as appropriate to meet departmental strategic goals.
- Demonstrate consistent involvement and a continuous dedication to expanding inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the Joffrey.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
- Significant ballet training experience required, specifically with the toddler to middle school age groups as well as adult students.
- Extensive knowledge of ballet history, styles, and current ballet trends.
- The ability to teach ballet and direct large groups of people, as well as work one-on-one with individuals.
- Comprehensive understanding of the sophisticated management needs of a ballet school of significant scale, including a clear understanding of related financial and budget management needs.
- Deep knowledge of ballet pedagogy across the age and ability spectrum.
- Established track record in recruiting, hiring, supervising, and coaching teachers and staff.
- Proven success in a collaborative work environment with a team of highly skilled professionals.
- Ability to create an environment of both discipline and encouragement for students, faculty, staff, and parents.
- A passionate, approachable, team-oriented individual who is collaborative, diplomatic, and highly self-motivated is preferred.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors, staff, parents, and students.
- A commitment to providing excellence in training to students of all ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to derive deep satisfaction from facilitating the best work of others.
- Deep commitment towards diversity, inclusion, equity, and access is required.
To Apply
Please review the attached job description and submit your resume and a letter of interest along with completing the application.
The Joffrey Ballet offers a unique, robust benefits package to our full-time employees, including premium-free health insurance, free on-site therapy to support mental health, dental and vision coverage, free gym membership to Chicago Athletic Clubs, retirement matching, generous paid time off, complimentary tickets to all Joffrey performances, discounts on Joffrey merchandise, access to industry ticket offers, free adult classes in our Academy of Dance, half-price studio rentals, free household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and much more.
The Joffrey Ballet is an equal opportunity employer, providing opportunities to candidates and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform adequately, national origin citizenship, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by law.
