Education Coordinator

ABOUT DANCE ST. LOUIS

Dance St. Louis (DSL) is dedicated to the enrichment of the cultural landscape and artistic reputation of St. Louis by presenting great dance companies and educational opportunities that make dance accessible to everyone. It is the premier presenter, producer and creator of dance in St. Louis and the Midwest, bringing together dancers, choreographers, musicians and other artists from all over the world in the spirit of collaboration, education, and ongoing artistic innovation.

BRIEF POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Education Coordinator will oversee the execution of DSL’s annual Youth Education Outreach programs, specifically the:

Dance Education Residency Program

The Dance Education Residency program provides in-school arts education to urban, public middle and high schools in the St. Louis area with a 3-week residency each semester led by professional teaching artists from companies being presented in the Dance St. Louis season.

Dance Career Awards

Established in 2011, this mentoring program targets high school students participating in DSL’s in-school Residency program. Exceptionally talented and motivated residency students may, through an application process, receive personal guidance and financial assistance from DSL to pursue pre-professional dance training through high school, and college, conservatory or professional training after high school graduation.

Young People’s Performance

Performed by a professional company presented during Dance St. Louis’ season, Residency students are invited to attend said performances as part of their residency and training.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Youth Guidance/Counseling/Mentoring

• Oversee all aspects of the Dance Career Award Application Process.
• Establish and maintain clear communication and interaction with Dance Career Award students and their parents throughout the year.
• Provide ongoing guidance to Dance Career Award Students and their parents on selecting/auditioning for dance training programs and/or identifying opportunities in higher education.
• Facilitate application and enrollment processes for colleges/conservatories/dance intensives and other student needs such as purchase of appropriate shoes and dance wear.
• Coordinate travel and lodging accommodations for Dance Career Award Students and parents attending out-of-town auditions, summer dance intensives, and college visits.
• Maintain records database on progress and accomplishments of all Dance Career Award Students.

Program Coordination & Evaluation

• Coordinate all logistics for implementing and executing DSL’s Fall and Spring residency programs in 6 St. Louis schools (including but not limited to arranging travel and lodging accommodations for teaching artists, scheduling evaluation procedures, maintaining clear and consistent communication with school teachers, teaching artists and DSL’s Education Committee about the program’s progress.)
• Coordinate with Development, Marketing and other staff as it relates to grants that support the education, outreach, residency and dance career award programs.
• Coordinate all aspects of the Residency Program’s Evaluation Process including:
  • Scheduling Pre- and Post-Residency Technical Skills Assessments of Residency Students
  • Prepare, distribute, and collect all Residency-related evaluation forms.

Research/Writing

• In collaboration with DSL staff and residency teaching artists, lead the research and development of the Cross-Curricular Study Guides that accompany the in-school residencies and the Teacher’s Guide that accompanies the Young People’s Performance.

Board/Volunteer Relations

• Initiate and oversee team of volunteers (e.g. Dance St. Louis Board and Education Committee members) to assist with one-one-one Dance Career Awardee counseling with students and parents.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Education, Dance, or a related field.
• Knowledge of dance and the professional dance world preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of the college and conservatory application and audition processes.
• Experience working with youth in urban communities. Teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with curriculum development related to state and national teaching standards preferred.
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and compassion in counseling students and parents.
• Excellent communication skills, including computer and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage and meet multiple deadlines.
• Driver’s license and access to a car to visit six schools in Residency Program.

HOURS

This is a part-time, 10-month position averaging 20 hours/week starting July 2019 – April 2020. Schedule varies; availability during the school day is a must.

TO APPLY

To be considered, qualified candidates must submit cover letter and resume via e-mail to: Christopher Mohnani, Managing Director, Programs and Community Engagement

Email: cmohnani@dancestlouis.org.