The Artistic Director of Ballet Lubbock is a visionary leader responsible for the artistic and educational integrity of the organization’s school and performance programming. This professional-level leadership position is responsible for overseeing the school’s curriculum, artistic programming, performance planning, and faculty development. In close partnership with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director ensures that the mission, values, and artistic excellence of Ballet Lubbock are upheld in every facet of its work—from the classroom to the stage, and from internal operations to external partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
Set and execute the organization’s long-range artistic goals in alignment with its strategic plan.
Oversee the creative direction, choreography, and quality of all productions and educational programs.
Curate performance seasons, including The Nutcracker each December, various community performances and appearances, pieces for Ballet Lubbock’s annual gala, a mixed repertoire or classical ballet each April, and School Performance each May.
Serve as lead choreographer or engage guest choreographers as appropriate.
Direct auditions, casting, and rehearsals for all Ballet Lubbock productions in close partnership with the Production Manager.
Curriculum and Educational Oversight
Design and implement a cohesive, progressive curriculum for Levels 1–8 and ancillary programs as appropriate.
Ensure curriculum reflects best practices in classical ballet education while incorporating diverse movement styles and inclusive practices.
Evaluate and support the continued development of faculty instructional skills, encouraging professional growth through workshops and conferences.
Conduct or assign evaluations of student progress, including written assessments and in-person conferences.
Instruction and Mentorship
Teach regularly within the school year, ensuring direct engagement with all levels of students (Levels 1–8).
Provide ongoing mentorship to pre-professional dancers, including guidance for auditions, summer intensives, and post-secondary opportunities.
Act as a liaison between students, families, and faculty, cultivating strong relationships and clear lines of communication.
Faculty and Staff Management
Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all artistic faculty and staff.
Set class schedules, teaching schedules, class assignments, and substitute coverage plans.
Lead level planning meetings and establish clear expectations for classroom standards.
Production Oversight
Work in collaboration with the Production Manager to ensure smooth execution of performances and events, including timelines, budgets, staffing, and logistics.
Ensure all productions reflect artistic excellence and educational value.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Serve as a visible representative of Ballet Lubbock in the broader community.
Develop and nurture relationships with school districts, community organizations, universities, and local arts partners.
Support marketing and development initiatives through public speaking, donor engagement, and event participation.
Administrative Collaboration
Collaborate with the Executive Director on annual budgets for artistic programming, staffing, and needs.
Contribute to grant applications and reporting, particularly for education and performance-related funding.
Prepare monthly Artistic Director reports for the Board of Directors and attend board meetings.
Additional Duties
Coordinate summer intensives and masterclass programs, including faculty engagement and student recruitment.
Oversee student placement processes and facilitate transitions between levels.
Participate in all outreach events and represent Ballet Lubbock at community performances, lecture demonstrations, and festivals.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Theatre, Arts Education, or related field (Master’s preferred) OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5–10 years of professional experience in classical ballet instruction, choreography, and performance leadership.
Proven experience managing artistic and instructional staff.
Deep knowledge of classical ballet technique and pedagogy, with working knowledge of modern, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Demonstrated success in choreographing full-length and mixed-bill productions.
Skills and Attributes
Visionary artistic leadership grounded in a commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to interact with diverse groups and personalities, and thrive in a collaborative, team-focused environment.
Strong time-management, organizational, and planning abilities with attention to detail.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Professional demeanor and collaborative spirit with students, families, staff, and the community.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and Dropbox.
Physical Requirements
Ability to demonstrate dance technique and conduct physically active instruction and rehearsals.
Must be available to work nights, weekends, and some special events.
Must be able to lift, bend, stoop, and move production materials as necessary.
Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation range is $90,000+ and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Ballet Lubbock offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development support.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Executive Director Helen Duncum at helen@balletlubbock.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Ballet Lubbock provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.