Employment

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
 

BALLET WEST, founded in 1963 by Willam Christensen, is one of America’s leading and largest ballet companies. The Company boasts a rich and varied repertoire, elegant and versatile artists and an American style and legacy that is as dynamic, expansive, and unexpected as the Rocky Mountain region it represents. Ballet West has toured the world several times, presenting the very best in American classical ballet. Nearly 100,000 students are served through outreach programs each year, reaching 100% of all Utah school districts. The Company continues to build future ballet artists and audiences by providing classical ballet training through the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy and its four campuses in downtown Salt Lake City, Pleasant Grove (Utah County), and Park City. With nearly 1,000 students, it is the largest ballet and dance school in the Intermountain Region.

Ballet West embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Ballet West is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against due to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Responsibilities

1. Artistic Vision and Leadership
   • Serve as the artistic leader of Ballet West. Develop and articulate a clear artistic vision for Ballet West– a vision that is innovative, inspirational, and engaging.
   • Co-lead the organization with the Executive Director, consistently communicating purpose and vision to the staff and community.
   • Collaborate with Board leadership and senior management to develop plans for achieving artistic and strategic goals. Effectively implement strategic plans adopted by the organization.
   • Direct and lead all the artistic and production aspects of Ballet West, including planning seasons that will advance the organization’s mission and build audiences while maintaining fiscal integrity.
   • Conceive, oversee, and enhance the high quality of Ballet West productions and the level of training of the dancers in all performances in Salt Lake City and on tour, in lecture demonstrations, and in all promotional activities.
   • Select all dancers for the main company, Ballet West II, and the Ballet West Academy Trainee Program; determine retention and non-retention of all dancers in the main company, Ballet West II, and Ballet West Academy Trainee Program.
   • Collaborate on and approve promotional and advertising images of Company artists for marketing, press, and social media.
   • Serve as Artistic Director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, fully aligning its work with Ballet West’s mission, vision, and values.
   • Further diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through all facets of the organization.
   • Oversee the Music Director, collaborating to bring outstanding musical accompaniment to productions featuring the Ballet West Orchestra.
2. Artistic Planning and Administration
   • Supervise and nurture the professional development of dancers, artistic staff, FQL Ballet West Academy School Director, Education and Outreach Director, and leading production personnel in accordance with Ballet West HR policies including annual performance reviews; follow collective bargaining agreements into which Ballet West has entered.
   • Maintain a program plan of no less than three, and ideally five years to assist in planning, budgeting, marketing, and fundraising.
   • Participate in annual budgeting process.
   • Support Ballet West’s external affairs department with campaigns designed to marketing each company season, tours and the FQL Academy.
   • In conformity with Ballet West’s employment and hiring guidelines, goals for increasing diversity, and Board approved budget, oversee and approve the hiring, retention and termination of dancers and other artistic personnel (including, but not limited to, the School Director, Rehearsal Directors, Choreographers, Composers, Conductors, Music Director, FQL Academy faculty, Rehearsal Pianists, Set Designers, Lighting Designers, Costume Designers, etc.)
   • Manage the FQL Ballet West Academy Director, ensuring that training is comported to professional standards and promotes ballet and dance in the community:
     • Develop, collaborate, and oversee curriculum on ongoing basis.
     • Approve teaching methods, syllabus, theory of technique or style of placement.
   • Manage and oversee scheduling of classes, rehearsals, and performances with a focus on dancer health, fitness, and well-being.
   • Approve all sets, costumes, and lighting designs.

3. Advocacy and Relationship Building
   • Act as a face of Ballet West and one of the Ballet’s principal voices in the community.
   • Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to accomplish fund-raising objectives of the Ballet, especially developing and maintaining key donor relationships.
   • Attend all meetings of the Executive Committee of the Board and all meetings of the full Board, reporting on the activities of the Company and, as appropriate, academy and community programs.
   • Participate in fundraising, marketing, and promotional activities as requested.
   • Take a leading role in forging collaborations and partnerships to increase the visibility and importance of Ballet West.
   • In concert with the marketing team, enhance the strength of the Ballet West brand throughout the region.

Education and Experience

Extensive experience in ballet performance and rehearsal skills. Overall knowledge of production requirements in all aspects of bringing large scale productions to performance standards.

• Extensive knowledge of ballet, dance, and ballet technique.
• An understanding and respect for stylistic differences and a flexibility in approach to each unique work.
• Good mentoring skills.
• Basic computer and audio equipment skills.

Requirements

1. Physical Requirements
   • Knowledge of various syllabi, teaching techniques.
   • Abilities - choreography, repetiteur. 
   • Characteristics - patience, intuition, creativity. 
   • Experience- 10 years of performing and teaching.
   • Flexible availability during rehearsal and production periods.
   • Ability to solve problems and deal with student emergencies including, but not limited to, injury and illness.
   • A passion for working with students of all ages.
   • Positive attitude and inspiring presence.
   • Sound interpersonal and team building skills.
   • Ability to work closely with the artistic, production, and management staff.
   • Strong organizational and administrative skills.
2. Physical Requirements 
   • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods of time. 
   • The position may require walking primarily on a level surface for long periods throughout the day and demonstrating/correcting dance steps and choreography.
   • The employee must have visual acuity to read and draft reports, memos, letters, etc.
   • Specific vision and aural abilities required by this job include vision and hearing adequate for the incumbent to perform the responsibilities and functions of the job efficiently.
   • Must be able to speak English and communicate clearly.

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

Interested parties should contact:

Michael M. Kaiser

Chair

DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management

Attention:  AJCohen@devosinstitute.net

Reports to: Primary: Frederick Quinney Lawson Academy Director Secondary: Campus Principals

Staff reporting to this position: None

Major functions: To instruct students in the Academy, assist Director and faculty in syllabus and curriculum development, performance preparation and participation, summer instruction, and administrative work associated with instructions.

General Responsibilities:

Abide by Ballet West policies as explained in the Employee Handbook giving special attention to the Code of Conduct, be on time to work each day as scheduled, and embody the Ballet West values.

Required Performance:

• Teach classes, both on a regular basis and as a substitute
• Respond to Staff requests regarding availability
• Oversee performances of students in collaboration with faculty and leadership
• Choreograph and/or stage repertoire for any and all assigned classes
• Teach warm up classes as needed
• Encourage the emotional well-being, as well as the technical and artistic development of students and their skills, assessing their achievements and weaknesses, and sharing this information with the Student Ballet Mistress and Director of Ballet West Academy
• Ensure the students understand the need for and demonstrate the highest standards of behavior including responding positively and effectively to any problem, query, or complaint
• Teach ballet technique according to Ballet West Principles of Technique in year-round and summer programs as needed
• Prepare classroom curriculum in accordance with syllabus directives
• Teach dance courses conditioning, and the like as needed
• Rehearse academy performance material as needed
• Attend and assist with back stage duties as needed including Spring Performance, Ballet West Gala or other performance as requested
• Conference with parents when necessary
• Maintain roll books and progression sheets
• Prepare evaluations for students’ files, meetings with parents, evaluations and incident reports for inclusion into student files
• Consult with students when needed in conjunction with evaluations
• Serve as a team member in developing performance programing, summer workshop/intensive programing, and policies and procedures as needed
• Attend faculty and staff meetings and in-services when required
• Attend parent/student orientations as requested
• Attend professional development workshops as requested
• Serve as a team member on projects as assigned by Director

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• 5 years of codified dance instruction (performance experience can be considered in calculating experience)
• Basic computer skills
• Proficient in administrative especially Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements

• Knowledge of various syllabi, teaching techniques
• Abilities- choreography, repetiteur
• Other characteristics – patience, intuition, creativity
• Flexible availability during rehearsal and production periods
• Ability to problem solve and deal with student emergencies including, but not limited to, injury and illness
• A passion for working with students of all ages
• Positive attitude and inspiring presence
• Sound interpersonal and team building skills
• Ability to work closely with the artistic, production, and management staff
  • Move freely in an office, studio, parking lot, and performance hall environment; run (move quickly) from an outside post to any part of the assigned area.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach with hands and arms; use hands effectively in order to handle and feel objects and tools that are pertinent to the position; and possess all five senses.
  • Possess visual abilities including color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus; see well at least 500 feet.
  • Be able to lift a student weighing up to 40 pounds under the arms at least 12 inches off the ground.

Preferred Skills
Additional language skills

Attitudes and Aptitudes

• Is honest and embraces Ballet West Academy’s mission and values
• Has energy, confidence, and enthusiasm
• Is friendly and will work patiently with children and other people
• Works as a team member with supervisors and peers
• Possesses a strong work ethic and desire to support Ballet West curriculum and methods

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, compensation history, and compensation requirements to resume@balletwest.org.

Reports to: Primary: Frederick Quinney Lawson Academy Director Secondary: Campus Principals

Staff reporting to this position: None

Major functions: To instruct students in the Academy, assist Director and faculty in syllabus and curriculum development, performance preparation and participation, summer instruction, and administrative work associated with instructions.

General Responsibilities:

Abide by Ballet West policies as explained in the Employee Handbook giving special attention to the Code of Conduct, be on time to work each day as scheduled, and embody the Ballet West values.

Required Performance:

• Teach classes, both on a regular basis and as a substitute
• Respond to Staff requests regarding availability
• Oversee performances of students in collaboration with faculty and leadership
• Choreograph and/or stage repertoire for any and all assigned classes
• Teach warm up classes as needed
• Encourage the emotional well-being, as well as the technical and artistic development of students and their skills, assessing their achievements and weaknesses, and sharing this information with the Student Ballet Mistress and Director of Ballet West Academy
• Ensure the students understand the need for and demonstrate the highest standards of behavior including responding positively and effectively to any problem, query, or complaint
• Teach ballet technique according to Ballet West Principles of Technique in year-round and summer programs as needed
• Prepare classroom curriculum in accordance with syllabus directives
• Teach dance courses conditioning, and the like as needed
• Rehearse academy performance material as needed
• Attend and assist with back stage duties as needed including Spring Performance, Ballet West Gala or other performance as requested
• Conference with parents when necessary
• Maintain roll books and progression sheets
• Prepare evaluations for students’ files, meetings with parents, evaluations and incident reports for inclusion into student files
• Consult with students when needed in conjunction with evaluations
• Serve as a team member in developing performance programing, summer workshop/intensive programing, and policies and procedures as needed
• Attend faculty and staff meetings and in-services when required
• Attend parent/student orientations as requested
• Attend professional development workshops as requested
• Serve as a team member on projects as assigned by Director

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• 5 years of codified dance instruction (performance experience can be considered in calculating experience)
• Basic computer skills
• Proficient in administrative especially Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements

• Knowledge of various syllabi, teaching techniques
• Abilities- choreography, repetiteur
• Other characteristics – patience, intuition, creativity
• Flexible availability during rehearsal and production periods
• Ability to problem solve and deal with student emergencies including, but not limited to, injury and illness
• A passion for working with students of all ages
• Positive attitude and inspiring presence
• Sound interpersonal and team building skills
• Ability to work closely with the artistic, production, and management staff
  • Move freely in an office, studio, parking lot, and performance hall environment; run (move quickly) from an outside post to any part of the assigned area.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach with hands and arms; use hands effectively in order to handle and feel objects and tools that are pertinent to the position; and possess all five senses.
  • Possess visual abilities including color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus; see well at least 500 feet.
  • Be able to lift a student weighing up to 40 pounds under the arms at least 12 inches off the ground.

Preferred Skills
Additional language skills

Attitudes and Aptitudes

• Is honest and embraces Ballet West Academy’s mission and values
• Has energy, confidence, and enthusiasm
• Is friendly and will work patiently with children and other people
• Works as a team member with supervisors and peers
• Possesses a strong work ethic and desire to support Ballet West curriculum and methods

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, compensation history, and compensation requirements to resume@balletwest.org.

MENTORED BY: Data Development Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION: Donor prospect research, research report preparation, research data management

SKILLS LEARNED: Hands on experience in researching donor prospects and building cultivation strategies with the development team.

Internship Responsibilities

• Under the mentorship of the Data Development Manager, learn how to research and identify prospective donors for our annual gifts, project support, and campaign gifts.
• Help identify donor interest with program support and strategize with the development team on the approach.
• Provide weekly written report research findings and update donor database profile.

Qualifications

• Be a “self-starter.”
• Strong communication skills.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.

Term & Compensation

• Unpaid internship
• Part-time; approx.10 hours a week
• 6 months; February – July 17, 2021
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task
• Knowledge of ballet and the arts very helpful

Working Conditions & Expectations

• Flexible hours; Work from home
• Facilitate weekly research meetings
• Prepare weekly status reports
• At all times, uphold the ethical and confidentiality guidelines the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA).

Physical requirements

Nothing extreme; long periods of sitting at a desk.

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, compensation history, and compensation requirements to resume@balletwest.org.

Reports to: Business Operations Manager​

Staff reporting to this position: Volunteers

Major functions: To effectively represent Ballet West in carrying out the mission of the Academy, providing a ​ prestigious level of customer service while overseeing all administrative functions of the assigned campus.

General Responsibilities

Abide by Ballet West policies as explained in the Employee Handbook giving special attention to the Code of Conduct, be on time to work each day as scheduled, and embody the Ballet West values.

Required Performance

• Greet visitors to the campus, respond to clientele with warmth, efficiency, patience, and energy.
• Assist local staff and Campus Principal in the coordination of student performances if needed.
• Help to monitor account balances and financial transactions (e.g., tuition, fees, petty cash, boutique shop, etc.).
• Maintain student attendance, records, and enrollment data for the campus, providing accurate reporting.
• Oversee student and parent volunteers when necessary, by providing tasks to ensure productivity.
• Respond to inquiries from a variety of means by phone, email and/or in-person providing tours, open houses, and assisting in promotional events to encourage enrollment and student retention.
• Maintain and teach the correct use of the Ballet West Academy student management system. Run all reports applicable to students, personnel, and placement (e.g., awards, critical information, etc.).
• In coordination with the Campus Principal and Academy Senior Operations Manager, maintain weekly campus studio schedules with up-to-date staffing, and approved outside rentals.
• Administer first aid and medication to students who are under the direction of health professional to meet immediate health care needs.
• Maintain inventories of supplies and materials (e.g., general supplies, equipment, boutique, facility management, etc. ), while ensuring facility standards according to policy and local laws.
• Complete any other assignments given by supervisor/s.
• Willing to work at our different campus locations, including the Ballet Centre, Trolley Corners, Park City, and Lehi depending on coverage needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma
• 1 year experience in an administrative or customer service role
• Proficient in the Windows environment, especially Microsoft Office Suite

Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work well under deadlines, independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, expressing commitment to the mission.
• Maintain emotional control and stability in all activities of this position for the safety and well-being of students, clientele, and fellow team members.
• The physical demands listed below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Move freely in an office, studio, parking lot, and performance hall environment; run (move quickly) from an outside post to any part of the assigned area.
• Stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; reach with hands and arms; use hands effectively in order to handle and feel objects and tools that are pertinent to the position; and possess all five senses.
• Possess visual abilities including color perception, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus; see well at least 500 feet.
• Be able to lift a student weighing up to 40 pounds under the arms at least 12 inches off the ground.

Preferred Skills

Possess musical, dance, and/or education training; assist in classes and complement staff as necessary.

Attitudes and Aptitudes

• Is honest and embraces Ballet West Academy’s mission and values
• Has energy, confidence, and enthusiasm
• Is friendly and will work patiently with children and other people
• Works as a team member with supervisors and peers
• Possesses a strong work ethic and desire to support Ballet West curriculum and methods

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, compensation history, and compensation requirements to resume@balletwest.org.

Department: Production
Reports to: Director of Production, Artistic Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY:
Coordinates all aspects of production plans and directs activities of stage crew and performers during rehearsals and performances under the direction of the Director of Production and with the assistance of the Stage Manager by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Supervise and “call” all performances and technical rehearsals, at performance venues both in Salt Lake City and on tour (shared responsibility with Stage Manager, as assigned);
• Prepare cue sheets, scores and related documentation (running notes, fly cue sheets, line set schedules, dancer sign in sheets, etc.) for all programs and ballets, and copy and disseminate those items to all necessary personnel;
• Compile and maintain production files and information on all Ballet West repertoire, including detailed active repertory lists and Performance Logs with assistance from Stage Manager;
• Provide video and/or music minidisks or CDs, rehearsal props and audio/video equipment for all rehearsals;
•  Assist the Director of Production with coordination and support for choreographers, designers and resident artistic staff;
• Coordinate the maintenance and replacement of audio /video equipment in Ballet West studios and video viewing areas (production office, artistic offices, Academy, studios);
• Assist the Director of Production with the preparation of the annual stage management budget;
• Control stage management credit card and reconciliation for each program and season;
• Attend production and planning meetings as assigned and/or scheduled;
• Enforce Ballet West policies and procedures for dancers, staff, and guests while in rehearsal and/ or performance, both onstage and backstage.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Produce/ record/ assemble rehearsal and performance music for artistic and Academy staff;
• If needed, give presentations and tours at events and donor functions;
• Interact with co-workers in the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and teamwork;
• Maintain a positive attitude toward change

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervise Stage Manager, and effectively delegate, coach and follow through on personnel management issues. Indirectly supervise all Ballet West production crew and all local theatre crews while in production/ performance.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum five years experience in stage management for an established dance organization; minimum BA degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with personnel management, budgeting and computer skills essential.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Strong oral communication skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages. Understanding of budget preparation practices.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENCES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid Passport and Driver’s License

TECHNICAL/COMPUTER SKILLS

• Ability to follow music, including full orchestra scores
• Knowledge of audio/ video control and recording systems and operations
• Familiarity with cue sheets and scores
• Ability to work within the Windows environment, specifically, Word, Excel, Access (or a familiarity with relational data bases) and Outlook

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Ability to travel locally, nationally and internationally

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The Employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and to use hands to finger, feel, handle and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 75 pounds in weight. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, low light vision, and the ability to adjust and focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of the Production Stage Manager. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working environment may often be considered extreme in regards to; noise, light (bright or dark), and fumes. Because some travel is involved, the employee may be exposed to varying work environments.

TOURING/LAY OFFS
The Production Stage Manager may be required to tour with the Company and travel intermittently throughout the year. During unpaid layoffs, the Production Stage Manager should make the Director of Production aware if they will be out of town or otherwise unavailable should the need arise to call back the Production Stage Manager for work.

SUMMARY STATEMENT:
This position requires that the individual work well within the deadline pressures both as an effective team member and independently on assigned projects.

Background check required after a conditional offer of employment. Ballet West may deny or terminate employment based on background check results, subject to applicable laws.

To apply for this position, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, compensation history, and compensation requirements to resume@balletwest.org.