FlyCo Director
Holistic oversight and leadership for the FlyCo Pre-professional Training Company, a training company within A-WOL Dance Collective in Portland, Oregon, USA.
About A-WOL Dance Collective
A-WOL Dance Collective is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to embody the notion of “aerial without limits” through the presentation of world-class performances and educational opportunities that defy expectation, ignite inspiration and foster creativity.
FlyCo Director Position
The FlyCo Director oversees this dynamic program and must be a multifaceted, high-level coach in a variety of circus disciplines. As well as being the head coach, the director is also a mentor, choreographer, creative director, and an organized manager of staff and schedules. The Director should have appropriate certifications/education or alternatively at least 10 years of coaching experience as well as professional-level performance experience. This role requires strong leadership skills with the ability to connect and build trusting relationships with students while still having the capacity to hold boundaries and manage expectations. Needs to be able to receive and incorporate feedback to continually improve programming, as well as give honest feedback to both students and staff.
This position will have the support of a team of head coaches as well as the education director, operations manager, and executive director. There will be times that are largely self-directed and require confidence in making decisions, identifying what needs to be done, and addressing issues quickly and effectively. Must be able to work independently, structure their schedule, create program timelines, and work within the deadlines set by the rest of the company.
This is an hourly part-time position with separate pay rates for administration, group classes, and private lessons. Must be available to work weekend and evening hours for classes, performances, and special events. Admin hours are variable ranging from 8-10 hours per week, coaching will be a set schedule that the Director creates and could range from 2-6 hours per week, private lessons are also variable ranging from 0-8 hours per week. The FlyCo program currently runs annually mid-September through the end of June.
Additional information and schedule for the FlyCo Program can be found at: https://www.awoldance.org/professional-training-program
Responsibilities Include:
- Administration Responsibilities
- Manage annual calendar
- Manage and evaluate annual budget with the executive director, ability to think creatively and work frugally with a tight budget
- Update and improve the FlyCo tuition contract and handbook
- Manage the annual audition process and candidate selection
- Create/update audition dates, format, and criteria
- Advertise and promote auditions on social media and through personal networking
- Staff auditions with the education director
- Review and accept/decline applicants, send acceptance and rejection letters
- Interview applicants and hold contract informational sessions
- Collect signed contracts and work with A-WOL administrator to set up tuition etc
- Manage staffing of FlyCo rehearsals, private lessons and trainings with the support of the education director and operations manager
- Organize year-end photoshoot
- Create and maintain Facebook Group for each year
- Maintain and post opportunities to Alumni Facebook group
- Manage a student social media volunteer for Instagram account
- Be available to provide emotional support, advice and guidance as requested by students and staff
- Coaching Responsibilities
- Arrange professionalism & professional development workshops to occur throughout the year from guests as well as teaching some of them
- Ie. auditioning skills, costuming, act development, resumes, how to book a photoshoot, how to negotiate contracts, future in circus, makeup, professional etiquette, promoting yourself, rigging 101, injury prevention, & sports nutrition.
- Coach private lessons
- Coach technique classes
- Curricula development
- Create and tailor curricula for self-taught courses
- Direct general requirements for the curricula of courses taught by staff
- Conduct physical evaluations at 1 month, 4 months and 10 months
- Conduct verbal evaluation meetings mid-year and exit interviews
- Directing Responsibilities
- Direct one group piece for A-WOL’s annual gala in December
- FlyCo will perform one work in progress piece for student showcase in May
- Direct Annual Open Air show in early June: 30 min outdoor ensemble performance
- Coordinate theme
- Oversee student production jobs
- Choreograph 1-3 acts for show
- Coordinate with other coaches/choreographers the remaining acts for the show
- Run logistics for show production in partnership with Aeros Youth Company Director
- Coordinate and organize Capstone Solos to be performed at the end of June
- Assist with apparatus selection
- Assist with private lesson coach assignments
- Create production calendar with deadlines
- Run logistics for show production: lighting, videographer, music, show order, space setup, etc
- Invite guest panelists to give feedback
Compensation
- Compensation for this position is broken into two job descriptions
- FlyCo Director/Admin – $20 / hour (may be adjusted based on experience)
- 8-10 hours per week, 4 hours can be remote, 4 hours need to be on-site at a regular weekly time
- These hours can fluctuate depending on the needs of the program
- Aerial Coach – $30 / hour
- Weekly hours vary and are dependent on the number of classes taught. A-WOL may have additional aerial coaching hours within our recreational and youth programs
- Private Lesson Coach – $45 / hour
- Weekly hours vary and are dependent on the number of private lessons scheduled
To Apply
- Please provide a resume and cover letter describing your interest in this position and the experience that you are able to bring to the position.
- All applications and/or inquiries should be sent to Rachel Belling at education@awoldance.org
- Subject Line: FlyCo Director Application (all files should include applicant’s last name)
- Closing Date: May 10, 2024
A-WOL Dance Collective is an equal opportunity organization committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. A-WOL does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or disability in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarships, programs and activities. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
