School Director

POSITION TITLE: Director, Martha Graham School

SUPERVISES: Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance staff and student personnel

REPORTS TO: Executive Director, Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance

LOCATION: New York, NY

THE COMPANY: The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance

Established in 1926 by legendary choreographer Martha Graham, the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance is the world’s foremost center for the study of the Martha Graham Technique. Dancers trained at the School have gone on to distinguished careers as performers with the Martha Graham Dance Company and other groups, and as teachers, choreographers, directors, and dance writers. In addition to the Graham Technique, students study ballet, contemporary technique, composition and choreography, music, dance history, pedagogy, and other related subjects. The School is a 501 c (3) corporation that operates under the umbrella of the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance, also a non-profit organization. It fulfills its mission in conjunction with the Martha Graham Dance Company, the professional performing arm of the Center, and Martha Graham Resources, the archival and repertory licensing department. The Director serves as a leader in a role that requires experience in the administration of educational programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director is responsible for the artistic and fiscal success of the Martha Graham School. They will provide dynamic leadership as the School continues its tradition of excellent training while seeking to grow its student body. The successful candidate will:

• Supervise and participate in the mid- and long-term planning for the School considering such topics as the curriculum and how it serves the evolving needs of the students, facilities, faculty development and financial stability and growth.

• Be a leader in the development of School programs and curriculum, including external education programs.

• Ensure that the School reflects the vision of the Artistic Director of the Martha Graham Center and serve that vision with creativity, intelligence, and humor.

• Supervise and coordinate all school personnel including the Dean of Students, Administrative Assistant, program directors, and Graham 2 director; coordinate teachers and accompanists.

• Work with Center Graham development and marketing staff to promote School programs.

• Be a partner in the continued growth of the Center as a whole and participate in the organization as plans are made and implemented.

• Serve as a teacher in the School in his/her area of expertise, understanding that this may not be in Graham classes; be a model for other teachers and an inspiration for the students.

• Work closely with the Center’s Executive Director and General Manager to develop the School’s annual budget and ensure that the School operates with fiscal prudence.

• Lead the Martha Graham School and help foster cooperation and communication between the School, the Dance Company, and Martha Graham Resources.

• Serve as the School’s representative to external associates, in particular the National Association of Schools of Dance and other professional dance schools. Note that the new Director will lead the next Graham re-accreditation application, due within one-to-two years.

Experience and Qualifications Required:

The Director will have an extensive background in education and the arts, including teaching experience. Experience with the Martha Graham Technique and repertory is desirable but not required. They will have effective experience leading an educational institution. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Senior level experience in leading and administering educational programs.

• Experience teaching in an institution of arts training, and/or secondary or higher education

• An advanced degree in the arts or education; Masters of Arts Administration, Masters of Education, or Master of Fine Arts with administrative experience preferred.

• An abiding passion for the arts and a belief that arts education is an asset to those on the path to a professional career as well as those who have an avocational interest.

• Demonstrated skill supervising and mentoring artists and students.

• Demonstrated skill in managing the logistics of class and facilities schedules.

• Knowledge of the legacy of Martha Graham; an understanding of the tradition of the Martha Graham School and the ability to position it favorably among its peer institutions.

• An awareness of the importance of fiscal responsibility; the willingness and ability to participate in the planning and monitoring of the School budget; skills necessary to maximize earned and contributed income.

• An eagerness to participate in joint projects with the Martha Graham Dance Company and Martha Graham Resources; the ability to help build bridges between the three departments of the Center.

• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Excellent listening skills and a desire to share ideas and learn from others.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with Mind Body software a plus.

• Knowledge of the arts world as a whole.

The Martha Graham Center and School are and anti-racist institutions and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications from populations that have been historically underserved and from those who are aligned with the School’s DEI commitment is strongly encouraged.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Email a cover letter of application and resume to sshin@marthagraham.org, subject—School Director Position. Please note that telephone and mailed inquiries or applications will not be accepted. We are unable to acknowledge all applications but we will reply should next steps be in order.