Artist Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Organization Mission 

National Dance Institute of New Mexico is founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. 

Purpose of The Hiland Assistant Artistic Director 

The Hiland Assistant Artistic Director is responsible to the Hiland Artistic Director to achieve the mission and uphold the policies of NDI New Mexico. This role ensures the quality and success of Hiland After-School programming and serves as a leader in teaching, curriculum implementation, school culture, and performance standards. The Assistant Artistic Director supports both the artistic and administrative success of the Hiland Program and is an integral member of the Artistic Staff 

Primary Responsibilities 

Leadership and Program Development 

The Hiland Assistant Artistic Director is a key partner to the Artistic Director in all aspects of the Hiland After-School Program’s success.  Their leadership supports the achievement of the vision of the program which includes significant expansion of program offerings, student enrollment, and community participation, and high-quality classes and performances in alignment with NDI New Mexico’s Impact Model for Youth and Families.   

• Develop, expand, cultivate, and oversee the growth and operations of the Community Dance Program at The Hiland. This includes all Jr/Sr Division Hip-Hop and Breaking classes, 16+ teen adult classes and teen/pre-teen classes in Ballet, Modern, Jazz & Contemporary.   

• Expand Community track programming to include other discipline areas such as different styles of commercial dance, global dance forms and teen/adult classes, focused on building a robust offering of recreational yet impactful programming for pre-teen and teen youth. The Community Program currently encompasses 16 classes per week and 150-200 students with growth to at least 20 classes per week and 200-300 students for 26/27 season.   

• Drive enrollment of new students and retention of current students and families, through developing, executing, and measuring strategies that promote growth and alignment of the program.   

• Develop curriculum for a robust program that attracts children and teens and is grounded in positive youth and community development.   

• Build and strengthen family engagement to foster a positive school community culture, and encourage family involvement  

• Serve as an advocate for the organization with all stakeholders and the public, and communicate and promote the organization’s vision, mission, and objectives internally and externally.  

• Assist with talent management, including recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing artistic staff.   

• Coach and develop artistic staff to uphold and implement the NDI-NM artistic standards for classes, special events, and performances  

• Participate in artistic management meetings, supporting the creation and measurement of annual goals in relation to Community Programs  

Directing, Teaching & Choreography  

• Teach approximately 8–12 hours per week in both Community Program classes and Junior/Senior Division classes. The role should be a strong leader in teaching, using methodologies that support individual student impact, team-building in classroom, inspiring students to progress in the program, and connect their teaching to the overarching goals and philosophy of the organization and collaborating with their colleagues to build community in studios, hallways, on stage and in the audience.      

• Assist and Support Hiland Artistic Director with the Artistic oversight and execution of the Hiland Jr/Sr Showcases. This includes class visits, giving feedback and direction to teaching artists, and planning, leading and directing aspects of the Hiland showcases in support of ensuring a high level of artistic quality and cohesion that integrates and supports the work of the entire staff and student body   

• Create and direct or co-direct special events and performances for the Community programs  

• Teach, choreograph, and direct as needed Hiland Summer Programs and Spring Break Camps    

• Substitute classes as required  

Administration and Production  

• Produce the Junior and Senior Showcase performances, including coordination of production logistics including but not limited to: Create and maintain production schedules, cast lists, music and costume requirements, and other related tasks; hold team accountable for meeting those schedules and deadlines at the highest level of quality.  

• Collaborate with the Hiland Program Producer, Hiland Artistic Director, and Production Manager to manage timelines for program deliverables. Escalate any issues with schedule and deadlines to Artistic Director & producer in a timely manner.   

• Schedule and invite all participants to start-up and wrap-up meetings, and support cross-team communications and processes.  

• Serve as a liaison between the Artistic Director and After-School families to ensure timely and clear communication, particular to but not limited to, topics around dance education, behavioral or discipline, and dance related opportunities for students. Follow protocol to solve issues and keep the Artistic Director informed of progress and results.  

• Perform front office administrative duties as needed including greeting families, processing payments, and general office tasks.  

General and Other Artistic Duties  

• Maintain regular office hours.  

• Attend staff and artistic meetings as required.  

• Attending all performances and events.  

• Perform other duties as assigned.  

Working Conditions, Environment, and Physical Requirements  

• Duties are performed in various environments, including NDI New Mexico offices, schools, and community locations.  

• Requires reliable transportation and reimbursable in-state travel.  

• Evening and weekend hours are necessary.  

• Requires extensive physical activity, including dance, high energy, and stamina.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Job-Specific Requirements  

• 2–5 years of experience in teaching, choreography, and directing dance programs  

• Professional dance performance experience and/or a bachelor’s degree in a dance-related field.  

• Demonstrated leadership and experience in artistic program development.  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience managing artistic projects and staff.  

• Ability to identify problems, analyze information, generate solutions, make  

Core NDI New Mexico Employee Requirements: 

• Believes in the mission of the organization 

• Strives for excellence in this job with a “Can Do” attitude 

• Ability to work with people of all backgrounds and ages 

• Highly organized, detail-oriented and result driven 

• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task to meet priorities 

• Supports teamwork and collaboration by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills 

• Communicates effectively through clear speaking, writing and effective listening 

• Behaves respectfully, ethically and with personal integrity 

• Operates in a fiscally responsible manner 

• Demonstrates adaptability through a willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency 

• Professional appearance and telephone manner