New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, New York City Ballet is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. The School of American Ballet is the official training academy of the New York City Ballet.

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Education & Engagement (SDEE) is responsible for providing leadership to and management of the education department to fulfill the Company’s mission to make ballet accessible by engaging current and future audiences through low-cost and free educational programs and events for the widest possible public. These programs annually serve over 20,000 people of all ages and backgrounds. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the SDEE leads a team of five full-time administrative staff and 24 part-time teaching artists in the planning and execution of activities organized into three branches of programming:

School Programs

Through our in-school curricular programs, students and educators learn that ballet is an accessible art form. Based on New York State Learning Standards and New York City Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Dance, three unique multi-week residency programs all promote experiential and interdisciplinary approaches to learning which center on social-emotional development, collaboration, and self-expression. Other programs include theater tours for school groups and a free ticket program for secondary students.

Public Programs

Public programs provide opportunities for people of all ages to interact with members of the Company each year to learn more about the legacy and innovation at NYCB. Dancers, choreographers, educators, and musicians present programs intended to introduce ballet to newcomers and enhance existing audiences’ NYCB experience. On-stage programs include performance-demonstrations for both families and general audiences, in-studio programs include workshops for children, teens and adults. Additionally, similar programs take place offsite and on Company tours.

Access Programs

Access programs include a variety of highly customized events for children, teens, and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, which take place at Lincoln Center and offsite at schools, hospitals, and camps. In addition, NYCB education provides accessible performances onstage for families with children with sensory sensitivities.

The SDEE is an integral member of the senior management team and is the lead contact with members of the board of directors who serve as Education Ambassadors. The SDEE will be an adept strategic thinker who brings energy and a well-rounded array of educational and management competencies to advance the mission, vision, and values of New York City Ballet through its programming.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide leadership in managing existing education programs and in creating and developing new education programs.
Work with department staff to create and implement strategies to increase the volume of program participants and the quality of programs.
Oversee written materials produced by and describing the department’s work including curricula, marketing/media materials, fundraising proposals in conjunction with the development department, season reports, and board reports.
Oversee the department’s budgets and budget tracking.
Manage the work and responsibilities of department staff; support staff as needed.
Collaborate with the development department on fundraising opportunities to help underwrite education programs.
Liaise with the School of American Ballet leadership on joint projects and initiatives.
Represent New York City Ballet to the greater New York City and national dance education community.

Qualifications:

Past leadership and management experience at a senior level is required, preferably in a performing arts institution, with a demonstrated track record of successful and high-quality education programming
Excellent verbal and communication skills
Collegial and collaborative work style
Strong management ability and supervisory experience
Commitment to NYCB’s success and mission
Knowledge of NYCB repertory, aesthetic, history, and mission
Knowledge of New York City performing arts education community

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Statement of Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity. We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to educating, developing, and supporting an organization that embodies diversity in its many forms.  

To apply please visit: https://nycballet.bamboohr.com/careers/84