Dances for a Variable Population (DVP) · 3 days ago
Artistic Director
New York, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$80K/yr - $85K/yrDances for a Variable Population (DVP) is a nonprofit organization focused on dance and healthy creative aging in New York City. They are seeking a new Artistic Director to provide vision and leadership, overseeing artistic and educational programs that transform the lives of older adults through dance.
Performing Arts
Hiring Manager
Navarra Novy-Williams
Responsibilities
Articulate and maintain a clear artistic vision for DVP in line with the organization's mission to to transform the lives of older adults through dance, promotinging strong, creative, and healthy movement for older adults of all abilities
Direct programming for DVP in line with the organization's goals to empower individuals to build creativity, improve physical and mental well-being, strengthen social connections, and enhance their overall quality of life
Develop and direct educational curriculums and programs that provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of dance in welcoming and accessible spaces
Develop, implement, maintain, and expand Movement Speaks® curriculum
Stay up to date with the latest research, trends, and best practices in creative aging
Develop and implement creative aging training programs in alignment with our strategic priority to position DVP as the premier place to learn about teaching dance to older adults
Teach classes to remain immersed in pedagogy
Foster relationships within the community and promote engagement through Movement Speaks®, •DFS•, training workshops, performances, public workshops, events, and in each class
Collaborate with other artists, organizations, funders, and partners to enhance the impact and reach of DVP
Create choreography and/or collaborate with Guest Artists to produce innovative and engaging dance performances and public workshops, currently •REVIVAL• and •Dances For Seniors (DFS)•
Oversee the casting process, considering diversity, skills, and experience to create inclusive and dynamic works
Direct and lead rehearsals/Guest Artists when appropriate, guiding dancers and choreographers to ensure the artistic integrity of the performances
Hire artistic staff, including Guest Artists, rehearsal assistants, teachers, and any other personnel involved in the artistic process
Implement feedback procedures for teaching artists
Maintain a positive and collaborative working environment within the artistic team (and within the organization as a whole)
Lead the program evaluations to assess the success of artistic programs and initiatives, gathering feedback from audiences, dancers, Guest Artists, staff, and anyone else involved
Use feedback to continually refine and improve the artistic direction and programming of DVP
Work with the Executive Director to develop budgets, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to support artistic endeavors, including productions, rehearsals, and educational training programs
Work with the Executive Director and development committee to brainstorm fundraising ideas for grants/drives/donors/etc
Attend meetings with funders and funder events when appropriate
Advocate for the importance of dance as a form of expression, community engagement, and physical and mental well-being for the older adult population
Ensure that the programming and artistic direction represent the diversity and values of DVP
Stay informed about current trends and developments in the dance world. Pursue professional development opportunities for artistic staff and self to enhance personal artistic skills and contribute to the growth of DVP
Attend and give presentations (with assistance) at conferences when appropriate for DVP
Qualification
Required
Bring clear artistic experience and vision in past work, and to DVP, in line with the organization's mission and a belief in the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen communities
A career in dance including but not limited to as a dance performer, choreographer, educator, and/or producer, with a strong network of artists in the dance field
Has experience developing and directing educational curricula and programs
Has practiced and is knowledgeable about the latest research, trends, and best practices in creative aging
Past work demonstrates strong commitment to collaboration, fostering relationships, and building community
The ideal candidate will have an in-depth understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by older adults and historically marginalized racial groups in the U.S., particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities, with a comprehensive grasp of institutional and structural racism and its effects on underserved populations
The dexterity to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, build rapport through active listening, and develop relationships with a broad demographic
The capacity to direct a large roster of diverse teaching artists with well-organized implementation plans, while building positive rapport and promoting a healthy, productive work environment
Preferred
A background in choreography with a portfolio of works
Previous experience managing teaching artists and/or dancers in a company
A current and active network of connections in health, and/or healthy aging
Experience managing budgets
Experience in and knowledge of communities across NYC
Benefits
Healthcare stipend
Company
Dances for a Variable Population (DVP)
Dances For A Variable Population promotes dance and creative movement among adults of all ages in New York through lively, fun and free or low-cost classes and performances.
Founded in 2005
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase