A Place Called Home has a great opportunity for a passionate and dedicated Dance Program Manager to explore and implement creative ways to deliver programming that will shape the future of the youth participating in our programs.

ABOUT US

A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance and art classes, fitness and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue higher education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive change in the world in which they live.

Our commitment to our staff wellness, development and experience:

A Place Called Home is committed to supporting our hard working staff by creating a work environment that builds relationships, careers and experiences through collaboration and transparent communication. We don’t just talk the talk but we walk the walk. Below are just some ways in which we support our staff:

Health and Wellness

• HMO & PPO Medical and Dental Plans with APCH covering the majority of the group costs

• 25K Basic & Accidental Life Insurance-no cost to the employee

• FSA, DFSA and Supplemental Insurance to support your out of pocket costs

• 401K Retirement Plan with employer match

• Generous Time-off: Paid winter break, 2 wellness days, 13 holidays, 2 weeks+ vacation, 88 hours for sick days, Incentive time off opportunities

• Assistance and funds for emergencies

• Employee Assistance program to support your work life balance

Professional Development

• Gallup's Strengths Assessment for all employees

• Quarterly Employee Training

• Specialized Manager Training

• Leadership Training through our Leaders In Training Program (LIT)

• Professional development support and financial assistance

• CPR & First Aid Training certification

Collaboration 

• Employee Engagement Committees: employee recognition, new hire experience, supporting community organizations, creating fun staff events, justice, equity, diversity & inclusion and wellness.

• Monthly Employee Acknowledgment by Colleagues and Supervisors

• Employee Portal - Staff Communication & Resources available at any time

• TouchPoint-Monthly all staff meetings

Job Title: Dance Program Manager

Department: Dance 

Reports to: Associate Director of Arts and Creative Expressions                         

FLSA Status/Hours: Non-Exempt/ 40 Hours per week Monday-Fridays, some Saturdays

Direct Reports: Dance Coordinator

The dance program at A Place Called Home was originally founded by Jasmine Guy and her sister Monica Guy with the vision of providing dance education to those who did not have access or resources to attend traditional dance studios. Through the rigorous training of dance, APCH serves to expose its members to the art form while supporting those who have a desire to develop more. Although we are not a conservatory, we know that dance is an excellent path to youth development.

The Dance Program Manager is creative and thinks outside the box of a traditional dance studio, while innovating the current program. They collaborate with the Dance Coordinator and the entire Arts and Creative Expression team on projects, and they also prepare the APCH Dance Company for fundraising events and other ambassadorship opportunities. In addition, the Dance program Manager will advise the Associate Director of Arts and leadership on new practices in the field, and will keep the dance program current with changes that happen in the dance community. This individual is connected to the larger Los Angeles dance community and finds unique ways to promote and bring visibility to the APCH Dance program.

Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Arts and Creative Expression the Dance Program Manager develops, plans, organizes, and implements the artistic vision and mission of the dance department. In addition, administers, instructs and supervises dance activities for APCH members, while leading and choreographing the APCH DANCE COMPANY. They oversee and implement all administrative activities related to the program including budget, independent contractors, field trips, and other programmatic needs and requests. The Dance Program Manager is also the liaison between all other APCH programs, and works with the Development department on fundraising, grant applications and with donors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Youth Engagement & Development 

• Creates an environment of youth development through the practice of dance

• Builds and maintains a multi level program which exposes the novice, and challenges those who are more experienced, to the joy of dance

• Teach classes that are dance based while being sensitive to the social/emotional needs of its members

• Create a system of dance assessment for current members and dance instructors

• Establish, maintain and create partnerships with other dance organizations

• Supervise students at all times (studying, check dressing rooms, etc.)

• Be able to assist and mentor members who are interested in pursuing dance after high school, in college, and/or professionally

• Understand the application process and culture of performing arts high schools and be able to assist members who are interested in attending

Creative Direction

• Leads the APCH dance program and studio while bringing innovation and creative direction

• Creates and develops the weekly schedule, introducing various styles of dance, including finding independent contractors who can instruct the class

• Reimagine the APCH dance company, choreograph, recruit and prepare dance company for two major fundraising events and other performances that are affiliated with the agency, ie: providing entertainment and support for APCH partners and donors who request the dance company

• Oversees any other performances that the dance company may be invited to perform for events on or off campus

• Identify and invite facilitators to conduct one-day workshops that support the APCH mission and Dance Department mission

• Coordinate performances (gathering permission slips, coordinating dancers, supervising, etc.)

• Produces the Annual Spring Dance Concert and works with the Dance Coordinator with preparations (invitations, selling tickets, locating performance location, scheduling, promotion, etc.)

• Works with outside partners to bring new ideas and projects for members to participate in

Programming, Management, Administrative Duties

• Manage, organize, and maintain a HIGH quality dance program which can compete with other nonprofits and private dance studios in the LA area

• Develops all facets of artistic planning and programming for APCH dance department.

• Has ultimate oversight over shows and works with individual departments as needed.

• Identify field trips that are appropriate for members and support the APCH mission and APCH Dance Dept mission.

• Create partnerships that can help support APCH dance members with education, career, and unique opportunities.

• Manage staff including the dance coordinator, iterns, and volunteers

• Oversee the budgeting process for Dance Department

• Attend all required program meetings (Department, Check in with Supervisor, Supervisors meetings, etc.)

• Maintain and submit all paperwork in a timely manner (Monthly reports, assessments, etc.)

• Recruit, train, and supervise skilled program staff and dance independent contractors ensuring  sensitivity to the needs of the program and the  community it serves

• Set dance schedules of instructors and dance department staff

• Track attendance (maintain accurate rosters)

• Follow-up with parents (absent students, reminder calls, etc.)

• Assist with fundraising efforts for the program and the agency.

• Support other team members in carrying out the agency philosophy

• Mentor through actions and behavior in observing dress code, language, and team support

• Establish, maintain and create opportunities with local donors for the department i.e., dance apparel, goods, etc. that may help the department

Dance Studio Facilities  

• Ensure that the dance studio, dressing room and closets are clean and up to standard

• Open, clean, and monitor dressing rooms, studio, and offices when necessary

• Prepare and maintain dance lobby for parents and visitors

• Enforce APCH Dance policies and procedures in conjunction with overall APCH policies and procedures

• Responsible for new student enrollment and recruitment of APCH members for participation in dance classes

• Issue dance clothing and shoes, keeping inventory, cleaning/maintaining the dance closet, APCH Dance Company costumes, and all costumes 

• Other duties may be assigned

·    

Other Non-Essential Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision of members during program hours, special events and field trips

• Serve as a mentor and role model for members

• Attend all required program meetings and events

• Perform other tasks as assigned

• Be willing to grow with the needs of the department and its members.

Qualifications

The ideal Dance Program Manager will be an individual who carries high personal and professional standards, is high energy by nature, and enjoys partnering with others to achieve successful outcomes. To be successful in this role the Dance Program Manager candidate will focus on achieving excellence of service and performance in the five core competencies identified by the agency: integrity & trust, adaptability, accountability, learning and development and compassion.  As a Dance Program Manager the candidate will also be expected to excel in the five Art and Creative Expressions competencies of: creativity, flexibility, strategy, and organization. The candidate will embrace the APCH culture of a learning organization and strive to constantly improve upon systems and services for the benefit of our employees and our constituents; and will be demonstrably committed to their own ongoing personal and professional development. Our culture encourages individuals to speak up, we respect diversity of thought, and we look to our staff to be candid with concerns and constructive suggestions. Together, we can continue to take APCH to even higher levels of excellence and service to the community.

Technical and Performance Skills 

• Excellent Communication Skills        

• Professionalism

• Customer Service      

• Time Management

• Ability to Multitask      

• Flexibility

• Mission-Driven           

• Dedicated to excellence

• Detail-Oriented           

• Strong Organizational Skills

• Microsoft Office Skills

• Google Workplace Skills

• Some Adobe Proficiency 

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in the Dance Field

• 3-5 Years experience working with young children or teens

• Knowledge and background in various dance disciplines (Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, World, etc.)

Physical and Mental Demands

• Able to work in a dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center

• Walking, standing required on daily basis

• Able to work in a accelerated work environment

• Sitting and use of hands/vision for computer work for extended periods of time

• Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally

Additional Information

• Able to work well with diverse populations of employees and clients

• Able to work some evenings and/or weekends for department and/or agency events

• Solution-oriented team player who both promotes and practices a growth mindset

• Provides exemplary customer service and welcoming hospitality

• Temporary Telecommuting due to COVID-19

A Place Called Home provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation, military and veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, A Place Called Home complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Background screening required.