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Dance Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Alma Dance School is under the direction of two Cuban principal dancers and award-winning coaches ... Bring deficiency of information to the attention of the directors and staff members. - Track and ...

Alma Dance School is under the direction of two Cuban principal dancers and award-winning coaches ... Bring deficiency of information to the attention of the directors and staff members. - Track and ...

Director of Athletics and Activities; Activities Facilitator; Building Principal or Designee ... Use feedback and participation data to inform program decisions, continuously striving to improve ...

Dance

Maywood, IL · On-site

Director of Athletics and Activities; Activities Facilitator; Building Principal or Designee ... program decisions, continuously striving to improve the quality and impact of the club or activity ...

Director of Athletics and Activities; Activities Facilitator; Building Principal or Designee ... Use feedback and participation data to inform program decisions, continuously striving to improve ...

Director of Athletics and Activities; Activities Facilitator; Building Principal or Designee ... program decisions, continuously striving to improve the quality and impact of the club or activity ...

Expressive Therapist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Complete requests time off in a timely through the Program Director * Represent the agency with ... Minimum requirement of a master's degree in art therapy, dance movement therapy, Social Work ...

Complete requests time off in a timely through the Program Director * Represent the agency with ... Minimum requirement of a master's degree in art therapy, dance movement therapy, Social Work ...

Showing results 21-40

Dance Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.1K

How much do dance program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for dance program director in Chicago, IL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dance program director do?

A Dance Program Director oversees the planning, development, and management of dance programs at institutions such as schools, studios, or community organizations. Their responsibilities include designing curriculum, hiring and supervising instructors, organizing performances, and ensuring the quality and safety of dance instruction. They often manage budgets, coordinate schedules, and serve as a liaison between students, parents, and staff. The role requires a blend of artistic vision, administrative skills, and a passion for dance education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dance program director?

To thrive as a Dance Program Director, you need expertise in dance education, curriculum development, and program management, often supported by a degree in dance or arts administration. Familiarity with scheduling software, budgeting tools, and compliance with safety and educational standards is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for inspiring staff, engaging students, and building community partnerships. These capabilities ensure the effective delivery and growth of dance programs while maintaining a positive and productive learning environment.

What are some common challenges a dance program director faces in balancing artistic vision with administrative responsibilities?

As a Dance Program Director, one of the main challenges is ensuring the program maintains a high artistic standard while effectively handling administrative tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and staff management. Directors often need to juggle creative planning—like designing curricula and selecting repertoire—with operational duties, which can require strong organizational and communication skills. Collaboration with faculty, guest artists, and administrative staff is essential to keep the program running smoothly and aligned with institutional goals. Staying adaptable and maintaining open lines of communication helps address these challenges and fosters both artistic growth and program stability.

What is the difference between Dance Program Director vs Dance Instructor?

AspectDance Program DirectorDance Instructor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in dance, arts administration, or related field; certifications may varyOften requires dance training, certifications, or teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple classes or programs, manages staff, and plans curriculum at dance schools or community centersTeaches individual or group dance classes, often in studios or schools
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff management, budgeting, and curriculum developmentTeaching dance techniques, guiding students, and assessing progress

The main difference is that a Dance Program Director manages the overall dance program, including staff and curriculum, while a Dance Instructor focuses on teaching dance classes directly to students. The Director has broader administrative responsibilities, whereas the Instructor concentrates on instruction and student development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dance Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Dance Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Dance Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Dance Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dance Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Dance Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Dance Program Director jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Dance Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Dance Program Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,553 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview

Dance Therapist -  Full Time

At Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, our mission is to create a welcoming and safe therapeutic environment where our patients feel encouraged and supported as they receive treatment for behavioral health concerns. We support each person with empathy and compassion throughout their treatment journey. We empower our patients to play an active role in their treatment process and to engage in clinical decisions that lead to positive transformations so that they can thrive once their time in treatment comes to an end. 

We are seeking a full time Dance Therapist to join our team to plan, direct and implement art activity therapy programs as a component of the patient's treatment plan.

Fulltime days with rotatng weekends

Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services across the United States. Acadia operates a growing network of 253 plus behavioral healthcare facilities with approximately 11,200 beds in 38 states and Puerto Rico. With more than 23,500 employees serving approximately 75,000 patients daily, Acadia is the largest stand-alone behavioral health company in the U.S.

Acadia Healthcare's purpose is to Lead Care With Light and our mission is to be a world-class organization that sets the standard for excellence in the treatment of mental health and addiction concerns. We strive to maintain our standing as a thought leader in the behavioral healthcare industry, providing treatment that is synonymous with compassion and innovation. 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Complete activity assessment through patient observation and patient/family interview, obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Plan, organize, direct and implement the activities within the treatment program to facility patient progress with treatment goals.
  • Plan and implement an activities program including but not limited to therapeutic leisure skills and activities, leisure education and leisure awareness.
  • Facilitate and lead activity sessions to improve patient mental and physical well-being.
  • Instruct patients in activities and techniques, such are sports, dance, music, art or relaxation techniques designed to meet their specific needs.
  • Develop treatment plans and implement activity interventions that meet patient needs and interests and helps the patient achieve his/her treatment goals.
  • Engage patients in therapeutic activities, such as exercise, games and community outings.
  • Help patients learn social skills needed to become or remain independent.
  • Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreational Therapy or related field required.   
  • Master's degree preferred.  
  • Three or more years' experience in recreation in a healthcare setting with knowledge of patient population served by the facility required. 
  • Previous experience in recreation in a healthcare setting is preferred. 

 

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) or currently in the process of obtaining national certification; OR certified in the area of specialty (Art, Dance, Music, etc.) OR clinical professional licensure (LCPC, LPC, etc.) with certification in expressive therapy area required.
  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME