Nw Dance Project

Artistic Associate

NW Dance Project

Portland Oregon

NW Dance Project is seeking an experienced Artistic Associate for immediate hire to join our dynamic team. Working collaboratively with the Artistic Director, the Artistic Associate will play a key role in the successful coordination and execution of artistic rehearsal, production, schedule and company rehearsal needs as well as leading, teaching, and mentorship in our educational programming.

The Artistic Associate will have a solid understanding of and experience with a professional resident and touring company or other performing arts organization. Particular focus will be given to interpersonal skills in working with a variety of collaborators including artists, choreographers, students, designers, administrative personnel, and our diverse constituencies and patrons.

Roles and Relationships

• Is an ambassador, representative and spokesperson for the company and its artistic objectives, and, at all times, acts in the best interest of the company.
• Maintains a strong collaborative artistic partnership with the Artistic Director, guest choreographers, dancers, teachers, and all members of the artistic team.
• Fosters communication and positive relationships with the local, national, and international communities and with the community at large.

Key responsibilities

• Demonstrates strong artistic leadership.
• Creates and fosters a creative, collaborative, and open ambience in the studio.
• Leads, inspires, motivates and engages NW Dance Project dancers.
• Teaches company and educational classes on a regular basis.
• Acts as rehearsal director during the rehearsal of repertoire in studios and assists guest choreographers as necessary.
• Potential development and interest to choreograph and produce creative experiences in the community.
• Coordinates, teaches, choreographs, coaches, set repertoire with ANNEX and Summer training programs.
• Advises the Artistic Director on the development, promotion and implementation of policies and procedures that promote the health and welfare of dancers.
• Produces, circulates and posts the daily rehearsal schedule and casting for works.
• Coordinates the rehearsal activities of guest choreographers and other artists working with the dancers.
• Maintains artistic records and documentation of all works that enter the repertoire.
• Maintains dancer records of overtime, meal breaks, and changes to the dancer’s work weeks and changes to days off.
• Tracks studio hours month to month.
• Coordinate Audition Tour Logistics, advertising, venue procurement, scheduling, travel, attend the tour; retain and catalogue dancer resumes and videos, prepare letters of response.
• Assists Artistic Director with all aspects of dancer and education auditions.
• Assists in recruiting dancers as required.
• Coordinates aspects of community outreach and advancement.
• Works with artistic team on the scheduling of fittings and costume needs.
• Attends production meetings.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working in a progressive collaborative contemporary dance environment, performing arts company or equivalent preferred.
• High level training and experience in classical ballet and contemporary dance.
• Extensive experience teaching professional classically-trained dancers in a contemporary environment.
• Extensive experience teaching and rehearsing contemporary dance repertoire.
• Experience assisting choreographers in the studio during the creation process.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, multi-task, work independently with minimal direction, problem solve, take initiative, anticipate potential problems/conflicts and take appropriate actions, organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability in time management skills and with the ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes.
• Ability to work in cooperation with others within a team environment.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic and inspiring presence.
• Knowledge of the local, national and international dance scenes.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English with additional languages an asset.
• Demonstrated ability in handling and disclosing of sensitive or confidential information.

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive and the Artistic Associate will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position. All members of NW Dance Project are required to be professional, co-operative and flexible in line with the needs of the organization.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $55,000 to $65,000 Commensurate with experience
• Full Health Benefits (medical, vision, dental)
• 401K with employee match
• Paid time off plus holiday closures
• Opportunities for professional development

About NW Dance Project

NW Dance Project is an award-winning, internationally recognized contemporary dance company based in Portland, Oregon. Known for its innovative choreography, international collaborations, and commitment to developing new dance work, NW Dance Project brings world-class contemporary dance to audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The company’s programming includes professional performances, professional training programs, year-round and summer educational curriculums for youth and adults, and opportunities to make dance accessible with underserved populations and engaging its community at large.