Artistic Director

The incoming Artistic Director will collaborate closely with the Board of Directors, General Manager, and the artistic team. Together, they’ll ensure Propeller Dance thrives as it launches a new strategic plan and prepares for its 20th anniversary season (2026-27). The new Artistic Director will have a role in shaping the final version of the strategic plan before its public release.

The ideal candidate has:

Lived Experience or Disability Community Involvement: The ideal candidate should either have lived experience as a disabled artist or have worked closely with the disability dance community.

People-First and Kind: They should prioritize people, demonstrate kindness, and approach their work with empathy.

Access Knowledge and Respect: The candidate must understand access needs and requirements, integrating them thoughtfully into artmaking.

Professional Dance Background: Experience within a professional dance environment is essential.

Collaboration and Leadership: They should be skilled at collaborating with other dancers and creatives, leading projects effectively.

Creating Inclusive Spaces: The candidate should foster a safe, inclusive, and compassionate environment for artistic expression.

Adaptability and Positivity: Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and maintain a calm, positive demeanor is crucial.

SALARY AND OTHER INFORMATION

Disability Leadership Commitment: Propeller Dance is committed to developing disability leadership. Propeller Dance will create a support plan for the successful candidate if they are new to executive leadership.

Access Accommodations: Propeller Dance will accommodate any access needs required by the incoming Artistic Director.

Application Details:

• Interested candidates with at least 60% of the listed qualifications and skill set are encouraged to apply.
• The application deadline is August 30, 2024, with a preferred start date of January 1, 2025.
• The position is for three years, renewable once for another three years.
• There is a 6-month probationary period and a 3-month notice period.
• The salary range is $80,000.00 – $85,000.00, depending on experience.
• Benefits include 25 days of paid vacation leave (with additional days based on years served), 10 paid sick days, and health/dental coverage by Manulife.

Work Arrangements:

• Staff work in a hybrid manner from home or Propeller’s office in Ottawa.
• Full-time hours are Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend rehearsals and performances.
• The Artistic Director must live in Ottawa and build relationships with dancers, teachers, parents, volunteers, donors, and community partners.  Over the summer months, they can work outside of Ottawa.
• On-site presence is expected for performances, key events, and occasional classes/rehearsals.
• Representing Propeller at city-wide events and conferences is encouraged.

Relocation Reimbursement: If hiring a candidate from outside Ottawa, Propeller will reimburse relocation costs up to $5,000.00 upon receipt submission

JOB DESCRIPTION + KEY SKILLS

2. Repertoire Selection: Curate the repertoire for the Company by selecting choreographers, dance pieces, and themes that align with the company’s artistic mission and resonate with its dancers and audience.  Plan for the rotation and restaging of existing repertoire during the season.

3. Casting and Rehearsals: Direct casting decisions and lead rehearsals to ensure that dancers understand and execute choreography effectively.  Foster artistic expression and interpretation during rehearsals.  Rehearsal Director for works as required.

4. Collaboration: Collaborate with composers, musicians, costume designers, set designers, and other artists to bring productions to life.  Collaborate with partners engaged in touring and education projects.  Engage artistically with IBPOC partners as part of Propeller’s new Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Framework.

5. Artistic Development: Mentor and coach dancers to help them grow technically, artistically, and professionally. Foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the company.  Build upon and capture Propeller’s dance and access methodology that currently exists within the bodies of founding dance company members.  Develop programs for company members transitioning out of the Company into retirement.

6. Audience and Community Engagement: Engage with audiences through outreach programs, educational initiatives, pre-performance talks, and partnerships with local organizations.  Enhance appreciation for dance and cultivate a broader audience base.

7. Advocacy and Representation: As a leader in the disability dance community, advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and representation, locally, nationally and internationally. Ensure the Company’s work reflects diverse experiences and follows the recommendations of Propeller’s Inclusion, Equity, Diversity and Accessibility Framework.

8. Board Relations:  As the Board’s direct report, the Artistic Director plays a vital role in facilitating communication, ensuring transparency, and fostering a collaborative environment.  The Artistic Director acts as the primary liaison between the Board and the Organization.  The Artistic Director translates the Board’s directives into actionable plans for implementation, aligned with the organization’s mission.  Working closely with the General Manager, the Artistic Director provides the Board with monthly reports and quarterly financial updates.

Staff Management and Administrative Duties:

• Supervise the work of the General Manager, Education Manager, Company Manager, Tour Manager, and Artistic staff.
• Liaise with the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and provide high-level updates in advance of Board meetings.  Attend Board meetings.
• Collaborate closely with the General Manager.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Support grant writing and fundraising, communications as required.  Identifies new funding opportunities to support organizational growth.
• Be a public spokesperson, with senior company dancers and Board, for media and events.

Key Skills

• 5+ years of experience in an artistic position within a cultural or performing arts organization or experience working closely with cultural/performing arts organizations as an invited artist, choreographer or dancer.
• Strong background in contemporary dance and incorporating inclusive design principles.
• Strong leadership skills, with vision and a demonstrated ability to guide the artistic development of a company or project.
• Strong organizational skills, with a participatory and ethical approach and a firm belief in inclusivity.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain partnerships and access a strong network of dance presenters to promote Propeller’s work.
• Experience working with people of different abilities and neurodiversity including physical, developmental, cognitive and psychosocial disabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, and ease presenting to the public.
• Knowledge of French is helpful, but not required.

SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Should I apply?  Am I ready?  If you can check off most of these scenarios, we welcome you to apply.  We encourage people who have not yet held a leadership position to apply and will provide mentorship and support in areas you wish to develop so that you can be successful in this role.

•   I am a disabled dancer and/or have experience working with disabled dancers.
•   I have training and/or experience working within contemporary dance and inclusive dance practices.
•   I have experience choreographing works with 5 to 10 disabled dancers.
•   I have experience producing shows that feature 5 to 10 disabled dancers.
•   I have experience planning and promoting 3 to 4 shows.
•   I have experience collaborating with other professional dancers, choreographers, producers or presenters.
•   I feel ready to take on a leadership role and know I can make a positive contribution to Propeller’s next artistic chapter.
•   I am familiar with inclusive dance practices and access requirements.
•   Other dancers enjoy working with me and feel safe, seen, heard and respected.
•   I have experience teaching and mentoring dancers of all abilities.
•   I have experience working with community partners.
•   I have experience in public-facing roles – talking to audiences or media or donors.

HIRING TIMELINE

HOW TO APPLY

1. Application Materials:
   • Send your resume and cover letter in English to [email protected].
   • Optionally, include a relevant demo reel.
   • Ensure your cover letter is no more than 3 pages and addresses at least 60% of the desired competencies and skills.
   • Explain your leadership experience in the disability dance space or why you’re ready for a leadership role at Propeller Dance.
   • If you don’t have a disability, explain your leadership practices with disabled people and how you contribute to fostering disability leadership.
2. Application Process Accommodations:
   • If needed, request changes to the application process or submit your application as a video or in an alternative format.
3. Questions or Access Needs:
   • For role-related questions or access offers, email [email protected].
4. Interviews and Deadlines:
   • Only selected candidates will receive interview invitations.
   • Application deadline: Friday, August 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
   • Interviews will be online during the weeks of September 16 and September 23, 2024.
   • The contract offer will be communicated by Thursday, October 10, 2024.
   • Ideal start date: Monday, January 6, 2025.
5. Equal Opportunities:
   • Propeller Dance welcomes applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of discrimination (disabled, d/Deaf, neurodivergent, and/or IBPOC).
   • We are offering $75 to candidates selected for interviews.