Artistic Faculty/Exchange Program Manager

Are you passionate about dance and looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and collaborative environment? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the full-time, permanent Exchange Program Manager position. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a dynamic team that supports the transformative power of dance across all ages and abilities.

About Us:
At NBS, you’ll be part of a welcoming community dedicated to the arts and education. We offer a supportive work environment where new ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training, community engagement, and ground-breaking health initiatives. Our collaborative work culture thrives on creativity, passion, and continuous growth. NBS is committed to the goal of being an equity-informed school. We invest heavily in work and practices that foster positive change internally while driving a progressive evolution in the wider sector. We recognize our responsibility as Canada's largest arts training organization and one of its oldest, to address anti-Black racism, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and systemic oppression in Canadian society.

Your Role:
The Artistic Faculty/Exchange Program Manager provides world-class dance training to students and provides direction and instruction appropriate to specified and individual levels, acting as a guide and mentor to aspiring professional artists and contributing to students' holistic well-being. The faculty member must be committed to excellence in teaching and demonstrate a desire to inspire the next generation of dancer artists for the ever-evolving dance industry. The faculty member will fulfill their role as the primary point of contact with its customers by positively implementing the curriculum and demonstrating a concern for all students without favouritism while nurturing the love and appreciation of this art form. A successful faculty member will contribute to building a culture of belonging consistent with the core values of NBS through fostering an inclusive learning environment and holding oneself and the students to the highest expectation to fulfill each student’s individual potential. The Student Exchange Program Manager is responsible for facilitating and administering NBS’ international exchange program, one of the key experiences/privileges for senior students of the Professional Ballet Program (PBP). The role requires both artistic and administrative skills, mentorship of students, coordination with international ballet schools, and the seamless execution of all exchange-related logistics. The Manager of this program must be a member of the full time artistic faculty, working closely with the Artistic Director to ensure exchanges align with each students’ training goals and trajectory.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Artistic Faculty

A work week consists of approximately 35 hours which includes teaching assigned classes, planning, and administrative duties, covering both studio and office hours.

• Teach assigned classes consistent with NBS designed curriculum to deliver the vocabulary, physical, and artistic objectives to enable students to acquire the age and/or grade appropriate dancing skills.
• Participate in the planning and preparation of all student performance opportunities that may include arranging dances, staging, and rehearsing repertoire as needed and assigned.
• Attend all staff meetings to support implementation of both short- and long-term goals in evolution of program delivery.
• Develop individual students’ abilities in collaboration with Artistic Director, Artistic Health team, and colleagues to optimize and meet the needs of every student. In addition, provide direction to Teacher Training Program students assigned to assist classes.
• Prepare written assessments/progress reports documenting development and progress by identifying both strengths and areas of improvement. Communicate prepared feedback to both students’ and families on a regular schedule throughout school year.
• Participate in the National Audition Tour as scheduled and assigned, serving on panel and/or teaching.
• Provide mentorship for graduating seniors when assigned as part of the career planning process. Create classwork and coaching for audition materials, write letters of recommendation, and advise/guide students in their career pursuits both in the dance industry and higher education in collaboration with academic faculty and Artistic Director.
• Maintain personal professional development and learning mindset to advance knowledge of best practices in dance education.
• Perform all other duties appropriate to the full time faculty as requested.

Exchange Program Manager

The Student Exchange Manager role requires 2-10 hours per week in addition to the full time faculty job requirements, depending on the season. The intensity of work ramps up between January and March (finalizing outgoing exchanges and coordinating logistics), and September to October (student consultations and debriefs).

• Mentor senior students as they consider exchange study and recommend placements through understanding their specific training goals and priorities.
• Maintain and develop relationships with partner ballet schools, working with their artistic and administrative teams, serving as main NBS point person for all communications.
• Organize and oversee all logistics related to outgoing student exchanges, including one-on-one student consultations, parent communications, scheduling, and accommodation arrangements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for incoming exchange students, ensuring they integrate smoothly into NBS’ training environment and feel a sense of welcome.
• Handle all related documentation, scheduling, and communication working closely with the Registrar, Residence Team, and Career Planning staff to ensure all aspects of the program run efficiently.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• A recognized internationally accredited Teacher Training program completion is an asset
• 5-10 years as a professional dancer with a mastery of concepts, principles, and practices of classical ballet
• 5-10 years teaching experience in a professionally recognized training program
• An advanced pedagogical understanding of classical ballet
• An understanding of the artistic requirements involved in training future dancers
• An inspired/passionate individual with a strong desire to inspire, mentor, and transfer embodied knowledge to the next generation of dancers ages 11-21
• Strong classroom management skills to meet the developmental needs of individual learning styles
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to relate to a variety of staff, students, and families
• Strong administrative skills necessary for written assessments, writing reference letters, etc.
• Ability to work as a part of a team in a positive manner with a curious and flexible mindset
• Sensitive and caring attitude toward youth/students to help nurture a lifelong love of ballet/dance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Google Sheets
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work pro-actively and independently, while ensuring leadership is informed of key decision making
• Strong mentorship of senior level PBP students and understanding of career goals/needs to enter the ballet industry with current knowledge of the evolving landscape of the broader dance industry

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.

We are committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. Should you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, we ask you to please make your needs/requirements known.

Thank you for considering a career with Canada’s National Ballet School. We look forward to reviewing your application.