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

Proviso Township High Schools

Dance Assistant

Hillside, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

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 ...

Proviso Township High Schools

Dance Assistant

Maywood, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

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 ...

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All JobsDance Program JobsDance Program Director JobsDance Program Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

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:

Dance Program Director jobs near you
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.

Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Theatre and Dance

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.

To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.  

The School of Theatre and Dance offers courses in disciplines including Acting, Comedy Writing and Performance, Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre History and Analysis, Theatre Design and Technology, Devising and Collaborative Performance, Hip-Hop Studies, Playwriting, Stage Combat, and Theatre Directing. 

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date. 

Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information. 

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. 

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence. 

Additional Information:

  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.  
  • This position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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