Assistant Director

JOB OPENING – ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

WILMINGTON BALLET, ACADEMY OF THE DANCE

ORGANIZATION

Wilmington Ballet (WB) is a non-profit dance academy that has been dedicated to excellence in ballet training since 1956.  WB’s annual Nutcracker at the Playhouse Theater provides students of all ages the opportunity to perform on a professional stage with world-class guest artists and live orchestra.  WB serves all members of our surrounding community and has a rapidly growing student body of 200+ ranging in age from 4 – 74! WB engages in community building and fundraising to provide scholarships to those of its students who cannot otherwise afford tuition.  WB’s professionally-experienced faculty helps students achieve whatever dance goals they wish to attain: from recreational enjoyment to high school and college arts programs, to professional companies (esteemed alumni include Susan Stroman, Akua Noni Parker, Lateef Williams, Benjamin Cannon, and others).  WB values its traditions but also seeks to prepare students for the demands of a changing dance world. Every day we witness the transformative experience of high level dance instruction and performing opportunities at WB to develop confidence, discipline, sense of community, life skills, and overall physical and emotional health in our students.  

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Artistic Director (AAD) position provides an exceptional opportunity to help manage all aspects of a beloved Wilmington dance academy.  The AAD has significant artistic responsibility as an instructor, choreographer, and production assistant. In addition, the AAD supports the Director in managing the school and outreach programs.  The AAD position requires a candidate who can take direction and collaborate well with the Director but who can also exercise considerable independence and initiative, manage students of all ages, communicate well (both orally and in writing) with customers and collaborators, establish class and rehearsal schedules, and manage time optimally.  This position offers room for growth and advancement!

Responsibilities and Duties:

Instruction in all levels of ballet technique; prefer candidate who also has a strong background in modern/jazz/contemporary or other styles of dance 

Help manage daily communications with students, customers, alumni, and community partners  

Help build curriculum and programming

Schedule classes and rehearsals

Choreograph and rehearse students for performances (including Nutcracker, Spring show, special events); help manage productions

Oversee wardrobe and props 

Schedule and manage costume fittings and photos sessions

Develop and produce outreach programs and performances

Qualifications:

Professional ballet company experience and/or BFA/MFA from a University Dance Program 

Teaching and choreographic experience 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Creativity and innovation to improve existing processes and define new processes

Strong interpersonal skills 

Computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office software, Google Drive, and music editing a plus!

Detail-oriented and organized

Ideal candidate must demonstrate maturity, have excellent judgment, discretion and problem solving abilities, and be able to handle multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Compensation:  $35,000-$40,000 depending on experience

Hours:  Flexible/Negotiable, but need approximately 40 hours/week, inclusive of Saturdays and evenings during prime production seasons

Benefits:  As a small non-profit, we are unable to offer a health benefits package.  However, we offer generous time off and our employees are welcome to attend any of our dance classes free of charge.  This position also offers room for growth and advancement.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position, please include a cover letter explaining why you wish to work with Wilmington Ballet along with your résumé to the Executive Artistic Director, Wilmington Ballet:info@wilmingtonballet.org