Interim Artistic Director

National Guild for Community Arts Education; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Memphis seeks an Interim Artistic Director to lead its artistic vision, encompassing choreography, educational oversight, and community engagement. This position emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders to promote dance education and artistic excellence, with the potential for a permanent role after evaluations.

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience as a ballet dancer and teacher.
• Proven leadership experience in an artistic or educational setting.
• Demonstrated success in choreography and performance production.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the artistic vision and programming for the organization.
• Choreograph original works and stage existing ballets.
• Oversee casting and development of dancers.

Skills

Leadership

Choreography

Communication

Mentoring

Community Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Dance or related field

Job description

New Ballet Ensemble &School is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional-
standard dance training to children and youth, regardless of their ability to pay. Serving over 400
students weekly and reaching more than 13,000 Memphis-Shelby County Schools students
annually, New Ballet emphasizes artistic excellence, community engagement, and inclusivity.

Job Summary

The Interim Artistic Director will lead the artistic vision and direction of New Ballet Ensemble
&School, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values. This role encompasses
leadership in choreography, instruction, performance programming, teaching artist development,
and community outreach. The Artistic Director will collaborate closely with administrative staff,
faculty, and community partners to foster an environment of artistic excellence and inclusivity.
Interim would be strongly considered for permanent position after performance reviews in
December and March.

Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the artistic vision and programming for the organization, including season planning, rehearsal schedules, and repertoire selection.
• Choreograph original works and/or stage existing ballets for performances and community events.
• Oversee the casting, coaching, and development of dancers across all levels.
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure high-quality performances.
• Lead ballet classes across the company and the school as principal instructor

Educational Oversight:

• Design and supervise the curriculum for studio dance programs, ensuring a comprehensive and progressive training structure.
• Mentor and evaluate teaching artists, providing professional development opportunities.
• Lead master classes and workshops to enhance student learning experiences.
• Provide oversight and direction for ballet classes in public school Pathways programs

Community Engagement:

• Represent New Ballet in the broader community, building relationships with schools, arts organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and participate in outreach programs that promote dance education and appreciation.
• Collaborate with the development team to support fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• Coordinate with peer organizations (i.e., Opera Memphis, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Jazz Workshop, etc.) to produce projects as needed
• Work in partnership with the Executive Director and administrative staff to align artistic goals with organizational strategy.
• Participate in budget planning and ensure fiscal responsibility within the artistic department.
• Contribute to marketing and public relations efforts to promote performances and programs.

Job Qualifications & Requirements

• Extensive professional experience as a ballet dancer and teacher, with a strong foundation in classical ballet and contemporary dance forms.
• Proven leadership experience in an artistic or educational setting, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated success in choreography and performance production.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor dancers and faculty.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance education.
• Bachelor’s degree in Dance or related field or commensurate professional experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and alignment with New Ballet'smission.
• Links to video samples of choreographic work (if available).
• Contact information for three professional references.

Please send application materials to: [e-mail]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.