About Ballet Hispánico

Ballet Hispánico, America's leading Latino dance organization, has been bringing individuals and communities together to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance for nearly 50 years. Whether dancing on stage, in school, or in the street, Ballet Hispánico creates a space where few institutions are breaking ground.

The organization’s founder, National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramirez, sought to give voice to the Hispanic experience and break through stereotypes. Today, Ballet Hispánico is led by Eduardo Vilaro, an acclaimed choreographer and former member of the Company, whose vision of social equity, cultural identity and quality arts education for all drives its programs.

Ballet Hispánico, a role model in and for the Latino community, is inspiring creativity and social awareness in our neighborhoods and across the country by providing access to arts education.

Position Description
The Community Engagement Director is responsible for all artistic and administrative aspects of Ballet Hispánico’s (BH) community programs. This individual is responsible for leading a model community arts partnerships program and developing new avenues of engagement that will build upon BH’s unique space as a community advocate. The Community Engagement Director will help strengthen the brand and influence of BH in New York and throughout the country. BH’s community work spans both coasts and to connects to diverse communities throughout the nation and abroad. The ideal candidate will be able to communicate and engage all community stakeholders, and support BH’s values of social equity, diversity and inclusion. As part of the senior team this position reports to the Artistic Director & CEO (AD & CEO) and oversees a team of two Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) employees.

Core Responsibilities
Programmatic:

- Develop a comprehensive and innovative community engagement strategy that builds upon BH’s established reputation and history
- Design, develop and implement all community arts programming, including K-12 school residencies, after-school programs, professional development workshops, company tour partnerships and teaching artist training
- Support all community engagement activities such as the A La Calle Block Party, Performances for Young People, Diálogos, and our Flamenco Tablao.
- Building on the existing core programs’ successful foundation, strengthen BH’s programs to insure its leadership position in the national education arena.
- Assist in the ongoing implementation of BHs strategic plan goals for BH communities, CAP, and community engagement.
- Manage the creation, in tandem with the AD & CEO, the Director of the School of Dance, and the CAP team, of a strong curriculum design and teaching methodology that is connected to our founding principles
- Oversee the development and management CAP teaching artists training
- Manage and update program materials, including study guides and curriculum design
- Develop evaluation criteria to track the short- and long-term success of the effort
- Cultivate and sustain enduring partnerships with schools, performance venues, cultural organizations and universities

Institutional Responsibilities:

- Build and steward relationships with school administrators, community leaders, public officials, program partners and funders
- Supervise and evaluate CAP team
- Forge a strong working relationship with the senior staff of BH to strengthen all areas of the organization.
- Ensure implementation of BH’s strategic plan’s goals as per the Annual Operating Plan
- Engage local social service organizations and other nonprofit agencies so that BH becomes a vital resource and partner with them in creating a better society
- Engage the internal stakeholders (board, volunteers, senior management, and staff) and external stakeholders (funders, audience members, community leaders, government agencies, etc.) in the community engagement activities of the organization
- Manage departmental budget ensuring fiduciary integrity across all community programs
- Assist with major gift solicitation and foundation grants from local and national foundations and corporations by being available to provide tours for donors and content for grant writers
- Facilitate special events related to outreach and educational programs; collaborate with Marketing and Special Events teams – fundraising events; galas; special cultivation events

Personal Attributes:

- Knowledge of dance gained either as a performer or dance educator
- Possess a vision for community engagement, program development, and expansion
- A reputation for innovation, imagining and implementing new and forward-thinking ideas that break the mold of traditional community engagement programs and could help BH stand out from the field. A passion for community engagement and a deep commitment to the education of children.
- Personal presence and communication style that allows representation of BH to a range of audiences, including professional artists, ticket buyers, donors, educators, other arts and civic leaders, government representatives, volunteers, parents and teachers and children. Of particular importance, is an ability to interact with families who are underserved and receiving support from BH and sensitivity to concerns that might be unique to them
- A profound commitment to Latino culture and a personal understanding of social justice, diversity, race and equity
- Thought leadership in the field, recognized for ideas and accomplishments in the broader field of community engagement, etc.
- Ability to set priorities, develop schedules, and monitor progress toward goals
- Ability to assess situations, identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate solutions
- Proficient use of technology as communication, management reporting, and systems tools
- A strategist, who is able to collaborate successfully; one who listens well, can bend when necessary, and yet be firm and decisive at all levels
- A problem solver with an understanding of motivating and directing a diverse group of personalities. Personable, accessible, gracious and has a good sense of humor
- Excellence in oral and written communication, instruction, is able to multi-task, and work effectively in a highly-collaborative, fast-paced, work environment

Qualifications

- College degree in Dance, Dance Education, Arts Administration and at least three years leadership experience
- A strong background in education and supervision of education programs
- Familiarity with current dance education practices in other communities across the country
- Culturally competent in relating to diverse populations
- Proven success in collaborative work with a team of highly skilled professionals
- Strong knowledge of arts education standards and the New York City Department of Education’s Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts -- Dance preferred.
- Strong understanding of New York City Department of Education contracts, policies and programs
- A command of both the English and the Spanish language is ideal and preferable

Compensation and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. Ballet Hispánico is committed to a competitive salary and benefits plan that provides opportunities for professional development and supports work-life balance. 

How to Apply
If you wish to be considered, please send a cover letter describing your interest in the position and your resume to jpalmer@ballethispanico.org. No phone calls, please.

Ballet Hispánico is an Equal Opportunity Employer.