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Dance Program Director Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Program Director

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Oversee the full of breadth offered programs to ensure the extremely high standards of The Little ... dance and sports prep, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents' Survival Nights and Awesome ...

Executive Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$115 - $135/hr

... dance company (17th Street Dance), and a youth chorus for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages 13-18 ... Collateral & PR: Oversee all external communications, including print/digital newsletters, program ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dance Program Director information

See Washington, DC salary details

$33.4K

$88.6K

$155.2K

How much do dance program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for dance program director in Washington, DC is $88,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $104,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Dance Program jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Dance Program jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Dance Program Director jobs in Washington, DC? For Dance Program Director jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dance Program Director jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Dance Program Director jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Dance Program Director job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,564 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Program Director

The Little Gym

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


The Little Gym rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 59 rated activity centers and activity clubs


Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Free uniforms
  • Paid time off

Life's too short to not work someplace awesome! If you have tons of energy, love kids, and are looking for a way to give back to your community, you may be the person we are looking for!
Why is The Little Gym a great place to work?
  • Strong sense of fulfillment
  • Keep fit as you work
  • Fun, high-energy work environment
  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive ongoing career training
  • Excellent opportunity for career growth and advancement

Company Overview:
With more than 300 locations across the globe, The Little Gym is the world's premier enrichment and physical development center for kids 4 months through 12 years. For over four decades, The Little Gym has helped millions of kids experience the thrill of achievement, develop new skills, and find new confidence through a variety of gymnastics-based programs. Parent/Child, Pre-K, and Grade School classes are all taught in a clean, fun, safe, and nurturing environment, which encourages children to develop at their own pace.
As a part of The Little Gym team, you will be part of a family dedicated to the growth and development of children all over the globe.
Job Summary:
  • Teach amazing classes based on our proven curriculum and teaching method (don't worry, we'll teach you how!)
  • Provide outstanding customer service and membership experience. We treat our members like family here.
  • Oversee the full of breadth offered programs to ensure the extremely high standards of The Little Gym International are met
  • Oversee training and evaluation of your fellow The Little Gym team members

You'd fit in here if
  • You're totally open to being a goofball and love giving high 5's. (A background in child development, physical education, and/or gymnastics helps as well)
  • You live to serve! Helping others be their best, helps you feel your best
  • Kids really like you, but their parents really like you too
  • You were voted most likely to be in a good mood by your high school classmates
  • You love to have fun but you know when to buckle down and do work

As a part of The Little Gym team, you will be part of a family dedicated to the growth and development of children all over the globe. If this sounds like the job you've been dreaming about, what are you waiting for? We've been waiting for you!
Compensation: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year
When you work somewhere this fun, it doesn't even feel like a job
Want to wake up excited to go to work every morning, confident that you're making a difference while having a blast? You've come to the right place. The Little Gym is the world's premier enrichment and physical development center for children ages 4 months through 12 years. Programs offer children a Springboard to Life's Adventures by using movement-based learning and imaginative play to help build the confidence and skills needed at each stage of childhood.
For over 40 years, our trained instructors have nurtured happy, confident kids through parent/child classes, gymnastics, dance and sports prep, plus enjoyable extras like camps, Parents' Survival Nights and Awesome Birthday Bash parties. As a part of The Little Gym team, you will be part of a family dedicated to the growth and development of children all over the globe. We are looking for fun, outgoing, talented individuals who are looking to make a difference in their community. If this sounds like you, check out our open positions!
All associated locations are independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchise, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of that franchise. All inquiries about employment at this franchise should be made directly to the franchisee, and not to The Little Gym Franchising Corporate.

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