Programme Director (Ballet and Dance)

Director of Programme
REPORTS TO
School Director

Job Purpose
To offer expert artistic leadership and support, as part of the School Team at School, delivering a world leading education and training for individuals to realize their potential for excellence as dancers, and in so doing, support an increasingly diverse and innovative, internationally recognised culture of dance.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. To offer an artistic lead at the responding to the modern industry context, and building on the tradition of the Vaganova method.
2. To review, shape and maintain the content and quality of Viva’s ballet programme and complementary training through the effective support, training and management of the dance teaching practitioners.
3. To support and facilitate the delivery of the Ballet Viva tour and other performance and creative project opportunities for Viva’s Higher Education and wider programmes and courses.
4. To be responsible for Viva School of Ballet’s reputation within the dance industry, as both a training/educational organization and a school that places dancers in employment globally.

Artistic leadership and teaching

1. To offer artistic expertise and leadership in ballet and dance training at a senior level reporting to the School Director and working closely with the School and Senior Management Teams.
2. To maintain a strong, outward facing presence in the dance world, connecting to fellow training providers as well as companies and professionals across the dance industry.
3. To proactively champion and develop a strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion in ballet and dance practice, creating appropriate training, project and performance opportunities for young dancers and creative practitioners.
4. To maintain an active teaching practice, taking responsibility for cohorts of students on a regular or occasional basis as required.

Professional dance training

1. To shape and oversee the ballet and complementary dance curriculum and lead studio teaching practice on Viva’s Higher Education and wider dance programmes.
2. To lead on recruitment and auditions, ensuring we reach the most talented candidates, whatever their background or former opportunities.
3. To provide a clear training narrative for students to realize their potential as a classically trained, versatile, ‘thinking dancer’ in the tradition of Vaganova.
4. To be aware of and actively address issues of access and diversity within the content, approach and training that Viva offers.
5. To champion the delivery of an integrated academic approach to practical and critical dance study.
6. To lead on the planning and management of student assessment.
7. To contribute to the periodic review and annual monitoring of course provision.
8. To offer career advice, preparation and support for students, sharing understanding and knowledge of the industry.

Performance

1. To take a strategic lead on the Ballet Viva programme, ensuring it delivers the training needed for our students, as well as exciting experiences for audiences.

Management and support

1. To regularly review the quality of teaching practice, supporting and training teachers in delivering on the Viva curriculum and associated student learning outcomes.
2. To nurture a team culture of good two-way communication, learning, and reflection, allowing for debate and diversity of approach, within a clear training framework and standard.

Student Support

1. To encourage a culture of student feedback and dialogue, and offer support to student groups or individuals as needed through the Support Through Studies process.
2. To liaise with parents and other stakeholders as required.
3. To respond to and resolve any informal issues and complaints, and feed into any formal consultation or complaint processes.

Organizational

1. To take senior responsibility for the development and management of the timetable, working closely with the School Director.
2. To oversee day to day changes, and manage the impacts on the timetable of staff absence etc. as needed.
3. To actively engage with and contribute to Senior Team meetings and discussions, working to a shared agenda under the leadership of the School Director.
4. To work in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support with staff and students across Viva’s activities.

General Accountabilities:

1. To adhere to School policies, procedures and guidelines.
2. To assist, support and attend events/performances as requested.
3. To contribute to the operating values and ethos of the School as determined in its mission statement.
4. To exercise discretion/confidentiality on business matters both internally and externally, particularly regarding press/media and potential competitors.

Person Specification
Essential

1. Expert knowledge of and experience of teaching ballet and dance to young people training for a professional career – with at least five years experience.
2. An understanding of integrated practical and critical dance studies.
3. An understanding and commitment to addressing issues of diversity and inclusion in ballet training and the wider dance industry.
4. Knowledge and experience of the dance sector and an existing or potential network of relationships to support the work of Viva School of Ballet.
5. Experience of working in teams and offering staff supervision, training and support.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Good organizational, planning and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to stay calm under pressure, particularly when dealing with conflicting priorities.
9. Strong administrative skills and excellent IT skills.
10. Numeracy and good written and spoken English.
11. Thorough and conscientious.

Desirable

1. Experience of offering support to individual students facing technical and personal challenges.
2. Personal experience as a dancer in professional performance.

Terms and Conditions

1. The post is being offered on a permanent basis and will be offered with an initial 3 month probationary period (in line with Viva’s policy).
2. The hours of work are 44 hours per week but additional hours may be required including evenings and weekends.