POSITION OPEN: Artistic Director/CEO at Dancehouse
17 Oct 2019
Dancehouse is looking for a new Artistic Director. As Angela Conquet is finishing her mandate with us next April, we are looking for a visionary leader to lead us through the next phase of our development as Australia's premiere centre of independentdance. Apply before Nov 6.
Artistic Director/CEO Dancehouse
- Opportunity to lead Australia's premiere centre of independent dance
- Create your artistic vision
- Attractive Melbourne northside location
About Us
Dancehouse holds a unique place in Australian contemporary dance as it supports the development of independent artists outside company structures and links them to other artists, practices and organisations across Australia and internationally. We are the only presenter dedicated solely to contemporary dance in Australia and from our base in Melbourne, our reputation and influence has crossed state boundaries to shape the artform nationally.
About the role
The Artistic Director/CEO provides artistic vision, leadership and strategic management for Dancehouse. The role is responsible for the planning, development and delivery of a sustainable creative program and suite of activities that meet with the vision and direction of the organisation.
Managing a small committed team and casual contract staff and reporting to the Board this role will oversee the day to day management of Dancehouse programs and venue and be responsible for ensuring all key business milestones are met.
It is expected that this position will maintain and build contacts and networks within the dance profession on a local, national and international level including the tertiary dance sector to support and enhance the artistic program and positioning of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide artistic vision and strategic leadership for the organisation including the creation of an on-going Artistic Program within the goals and scope for the long- term vision of the organisation that supports the independent contemporary dance sector and grows the profile of Dancehouse.
- Implement and oversee working systems that mesh with the Artistic Program and the broader organisation activities including: production management; facility management contracts; funding; marketing; publicity; budgeting; administration.
- Direct and manage the Dancehouse staff and contractors to deliver a quality annual program, including curated seasons and community programs, that services the independent dance sector and provide a collegiate environment that supports skills development for staff.
- Develop annual program budgets and develop and implement income strategies that maximise income, through box office, classes and studio hire and through government and other funding sources.
- Build strategic alliances with other arts organisations and community partners in order to strengthen Dancehouse's position
- Introduce Dancehouse to new audiences who are already interested in performing arts. Including developing opportunities for partnerships and shared funding arrangements to support the program.
- Collate data and feedback to allow review and evaluation of programs and provide strategic input in to the development and delivery of the artistic and service programs including the upkeep of production facilities, resources and ensuring organisation wide standards are met.
- Actively advocate for the organisation, independent dance and performance artists and the contemporary dance form and offer ongoing advice and feedback to a range of dance artists.
- Direct the development of audio-visual archives and promotional materials that represent the work of the Dancehouse community
About you
- Previous experience as an Artistic Director of a small arts organisation or a senior leadership or senior creative position within an arts organisation or company.
- Proven skills in successful and sustainable creative artistic programming
- Demonstrated project management skills including ability to manage staffing and other resources to achieve goals, consult with a range of professionals and deliver key results within budget and timeline parameters.
- Highly developed written and oral communication and interpersonal skills particularly in the provision of authoritative advice and in the development of partnerships and networks together with sound negotiation skills.
- In depth knowledge of the contemporary dance scene nationally and internationally with strong networks in the broader arts and education sector including International networks.
- Knowledge of the new technologies in relation to contemporary dance.
Highly desirable:
- Appropriate tertiary qualifications
- Familiarity with Apple operating environment
To apply:
Download the full position description
Please send a detailed resume along with a covering letter that outlines your suitability for the role by addressing each of the key responsibilities with your relevant experience.
Send your application or any queries to Dancehouse HR Consultant, Angela Kelly, at board@dancehouse.com.au
Subject to agreed timelines, the successful applicant would start in the role by April 2020.
Applications close Wednesday 6 November 2019
Image credit: Jill Orr, 'Dark Night,' Dance Massive 2019. Photo by Gregory Lorenzutti for Dancehouse.
