JOB TITLE: Manager of Public Programs

DEPARTMENT: Education and Training

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Education

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, exempt

JOB SUMMARY 

Under minimal supervision, the Manager of Public Programs oversees the development, execution, and evaluation of programs and partnerships designed to improve the public’s, SF Ballet patrons’, and SF Ballet donors’ access to and knowledge of ballet as part of an institutional strategy to increase revenue through audience development and retention. Crafts an inclusive and pedagogically sound framework for adult continuing education and lifelong learning and defines innovative strategies for engagement and learning, basing their work on current research and best practices in the fields of dance education, educational psychology, and curriculum design. Directs the strategy, implementation, and evaluation of both broadly accessible and niche audience development events designed to attract and cultivate target audiences. Serves as an advocate for dance literacy within the institution (including SF Ballet staff and SF Ballet School students) and in the wider regional and national dance communities. Participates in crafting educational content for website, publications, and other channels.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Program design, implementation, and evaluation: Conceives programs, schedules events, contracts guest speakers/participants, drafts program descriptions, and oversees logistics of all on-site programs. In close collaboration with the Education team, designs new public programs based on audience interest, data, and emerging topics and fields in dance scholarship and current events. Works with Education team members to create and implement online and event-based educational experiences designed to engage attending audiences as well as SF Ballet’s online communities. Evaluates programs to ensure quality and that they meet SF Ballet’s program goals and organizational mission. Continuing SFB’s commitment to learners of all ages, curates and produces existing programs including:

1. Pre-performance talks (Meet the Artist Conversations and Pointes of View Lectures) in both in-person and digital (video/audio) formats
2. Adult Education classes and events, including Ballet Insights, Exploring Ballet, Ballet Basics, Ballet Chat, and Ballet Book Club
3. Visiting Scholar program
4. Scholar-in-Residence program
5. Themed educational events and symposia

• Participates in the development and implementation of diverse and inclusive programming that welcomes underrepresented groups and patrons of racially and culturally diverse backgrounds and experiences to build a deeper capacity for connecting with the art form. Develops partnerships with peer organizations and adult education programs to develop ballet literacy across SF Bay Area.
• Primary Educator: Serves as primary educator for programs aimed at audience members and donors, including but not limited to delivering lectures on a variety of topics in ballet history, and moderating artist interviews and panel discussions. Participates in cross-functional audience development, engagement, and institutional initiatives, providing adult education content and programming as necessary.
• Special Events and Donor Programs: Together with Individual Giving and Special Events teams, works to design in-person and digital events and membership benefits that help donors more deeply appreciate the art form. Those programs may include Ballet History Lectures, studio rehearsal talkbacks, pre-curtain dinner interviews, and other yet-to-be conceived events aimed at deepening knowledge and engagement.
• Communications: Primary contact for guest speakers, scholars, and participants in programs. Participates in crafting and evaluating educational content designed for the website, apps, and other print and digital channels. Manages marketing and ticketing for public programs in collaboration with Marketing team.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Positions Supervised

• Audience Engagement Coordinator (coordinator position is hourly, part-time, approximately 15 hours per week)

Internal Contacts 

• Education & Training Department, Development Department, Artistic Department, Marketing Department, Ticketing Services, Company dancers, SF Ballet Orchestra members, SF Ballet School students.

External Contacts 

• Visiting Lecturers, Visiting Scholars, Guest Speakers, Peers/Colleagues in the Dance Community

Education Level/Focus 

• MA/MFA in dance or dance education from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience Required 

• Minimum five years of experience in the field of dance education. Satisfactory FBI and California DOJ background check is required

Technical Competencies 

• Serves as an ardent and loyal advocate for the Association and Education programs across the organization, in the community, and throughout the performing art world.
• Rooted in the performing arts, specifically ballet, and has a deep curiosity and extensive experience connecting audiences with dance education programs.
• Minimum of three years of experience working with university and/or adult learners.
• Strong presentation and interview skills to facilitate programs about ballet and ballet history with choreographers, creatives, and artists.
• Familiar with best practices in the field of arts education and general pedagogical theory and practice. Demonstrates a sound understanding of effective curriculum development, program design, and teaching methods for adult learners.
• Demonstrates curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking with regards to strategy and program design.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decision making when managing projects. Utilizes SFB’s mission, vision and core values, to assure project outcomes reflect the needs and best interests of the organization.
• Effectively communicates (in writing and verbally) with parties both internally and externally in a manner that ensures clear and mutual understanding of information.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Collaborates effectively with staff across departments in creating and implementing programs that are of the highest quality.
• Contributes ideas and suggestions that facilitate Department’s revenue generation, advancement and development.
• Faces difficult situations with tenacity and an open and positive attitude toward problem solving.
• Maintains documentation, files and work papers that are readily accessible and understandable by others.
• Gathers and organizes pertinent annual schedule information from participant groups to effectively structure seminars, courses and other activities.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift/carry 30 lbs. Ability to attend offsite events. Ability to climb stairs. Ability to work nights and weekends as needed, especially during the SFB Repertory season.

Special Equipment Used 

• PC and standard office equipment (fax and copier). Working knowledge of Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Tessitura, and other applicable software.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

As America’s oldest professional ballet company and one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States, San Francisco Ballet has enjoyed a long and rich tradition of artistic “firsts” since it was founded in 1933. SF Ballet performed the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as the first production of Coppelia, choreographed by an American choreographer. Guided in its early years by American dance pioneers and brothers Lew, Willam, and Harold Christensen, San Francisco Ballet currently presents more than 100 performances a year locally, nationally, and abroad. Under the direction of Helgi Tomasson, the Company has achieved an international reputation as one of the preeminent ballet companies in the world.

SF Ballet School and education programs directly serve more than 40,000 people annually through training, learning, and performances. SF Ballet School classes and events serve 6,800 individuals. In-school dance education reaches approximately 9,000 students and youth, family, and community engagement programs impact 4,800 individuals. In addition, adult and audience programs engage approximately 22,600 people throughout the region. In 2019, SF Ballet School served approximately 500 adult students and almost 600 non-adult students, with nearly 300 students taking part in summer sessions and intensives. For the 2021-2022 Season, over 70% of SF Ballet company members trained at the School. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, education and training programs have been offered online, both recorded and live, in order to maintain the connection to students and communities. SF Ballet and SF Ballet School recognize that new and innovative strategies are required for these programs, in a COVID and post-COVID world.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

We prefer you apply online

http://sfballet.snaphire.com

NO CALLS, PLEASE

San Francisco Ballet Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to employing a diverse staff.

Qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for the position in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO).