Dance University Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Peabody Preparatory is pleased to announce an Associate Chair for Youth Dance position in the Dance Department at the Peabody Preparatory, a division of the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD commencing July 2026.
The Associate Chair's role is to support the daily operations, programming, and artistic initiative of the Dance Department. This role works closely with the Senior Department Chair and Academic Program Coordinator to serve students ages 2 to 18, including Early Childhood, Primary, Pre-Professional, and the Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys. The position requires both administrative and teaching responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will have a background in dance education and strong experience in arts administration. They will be skilled at building relationships with families, dedicated to nurturing the goals of all dancers at all levels, and committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe learning environment for students of all abilities. They will be detail-oriented, responsive, consistent, reliable, and will thrive in a collaborative environment. The successful candidate will engage current best teaching practices, including developing and delivering meaningful and appropriate lesson plans, providing individual feedback and encouragement to all students, and building autonomy in the dancers to develop as artists. The successful candidate will willingly collaborate with the other teachers and the Department Chair to facilitate continued student progress and department wide performances and goals.
Duties:
Department Leadership & Operations

• Collaborate with department leadership to implement strategic priorities and uphold program quality.
• Partner with administration (business office and marketing) to support the program growth and sustainability.
• Initiate and facilitate outreach programs to serve the community.
• Foster the Preparatory's relationship with the Conservatory Dance Program.
• Participate in programming and curriculum development, documentation, and ongoing evaluation.
• Support daily department operations by meeting the demands of working across four campuses, working both in-person and remotely, as the situation requires.

Student, Family, and Faculty Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for families, addressing questions related to curriculum, placements, and student progress.
• Guide prospective and current families through program offerings and the registration process.
• Coordinate and facilitate student placements, including individualized scheduling and follow-up with teaching faculty on recommended placements.
• Work with the Preparatory business office to complete registration.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
• Work closely with faculty to support student development and program consistency.
• Help align classroom experiences with broader department goals and performance outcomes.
• Support department-wide initiatives and maintain strong communication across teams.

Performance & Artistic Programming

• Contribute to the artistic planning and execution of annual performances, including the Student Choreography Showcase, a site-specific winter performance, the Spring Showcase featuring concert length works, and the End-of-Year Ballet for over 150 students in the school.
• Choreograph and rehearse works for each show as needed.
• Communicate with guest artists and facilitate choreographic residencies for upper-level students.
• Develop, communicate, and implement detailed rehearsal and tech schedules.
• Organize production needs, including costuming, music, and program information.
• Track cast attendance and monitor student needs leading up to the performance.
• Provide support during events hosted by the department.
• Take students to community festivals and events as they align with the program's mission and goals.

Teaching

• Required to maintain a modest teaching load of Preparatory dance classes.

Required Skills:

• Passion, knowledge, and proven skills for helping dance students achieve their academic and professional goals.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations and foster an inclusive learning environment.
• Exceptional communication skills in person and virtually, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as needed.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to prioritize work effectively and within established deadlines and timeframes.
• Strong technological skills are essential, along with the ability to learn new software and systems as designated by the school.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, responsive approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT US:
Established in 1894, the Peabody Preparatory boasts a rich history of nurturing artistic talent. With approximately 2,500 students passing through its doors every week, the school is Maryland's premier community school for music and dance.
The Peabody Preparatory welcomes students of all ages and levels of ability, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can discover and develop their musical potential. Offerings range from early childhood classes that spark a lifelong love of music and dance, to programs designed for adults and professional dancers and musicians seeking to hone their skills.
Located in downtown Baltimore and sharing space with the renowned Peabody Conservatory, the Preparatory also extends its reach through satellite campuses in the communities of Towson and Pikesville, Maryland.
The Preparatory's Dance Department, established in 1914, is one of the oldest-continuously operating dance training centers in the United States. Preparatory Dance has pioneered new dance forms throughout its remarkable life span, mounted numerous collaborative projects, partnered with prominent figures in 20th and 21st century American dance, and produced accomplished professional dancers, choreographers, directors, and teachers. Preparatory Dance is keeping in step with the progression of American Dance into the 21st century and remains committed to: offering high-quality dance training for students of all levels age 3 to adult; presenting imaginative professional-level performances; offering pre-professional ballet and modern dance summer intensives; partnering with our community through master classes, seminars, workshops, and other dance events - most offered free of charge; and training and supporting male dancers through the ground-breaking Estelle Dennis/Peabody Dance Training Program for Boys.
Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in dance, choreography, or dance education is required. Master's degree preferred.
• Documented professional experience in dance performance and choreography is required.
• Documented successful teaching experience required. Success in teaching dance in a pre-professional program is preferred.
• Experience in arts administration, program coordination, or a similar leadership role.
• Experience choreographing for and preparing students for performances, including setting and acting as a rehearsal director for repertory pieces required.
• Experience directing performances preferred.

Application Instructions
Applications received before April 30, 2026 will be given preference, but the position remains open until filled.
Completed Applications should include:

• Cover Letter
• CV/Resume
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Link to 5-10 minute teaching sample video

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Johns Hopkins University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.