Artistic Director, Dance Instructor & Head of Operations

Organization: St. Paul & District Arts Foundation
Location: St. Paul, Alberta
Position Type: Full-Time (Flexible based on candidate)
Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

About Us

The St. Paul & District Arts Foundation is a vibrant community-based organization dedicated to enriching lives through arts, culture, education, and creative expression. We offer programming for children, youth, adults, and seniors while supporting local artists and fostering a thriving arts community in the Lakeland region. Our website is www.artfoundation.ca and you can also find us on FaceBook under the organizations legal name.

We are seeking an energetic, creative, and organized professional to join our team as an Artistic Director, Dance Instructor, and Head of Operations. This unique leadership position combines artistic vision, program development, dance instruction, and operational management.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will lead the artistic direction of the Foundation, oversee daily operations, develop and deliver dance programming, and support the growth of arts and cultural initiatives within our community.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about the arts, enjoys working with people of all ages, and possesses strong leadership and organizational skills.

Key ResponsibilitiesArtistic Leadership

• Develop and implement the artistic vision of the Foundation.
• Plan and coordinate performances, exhibitions, workshops, and special events.
• Build relationships with artists, instructors, community groups, and sponsors.
• Identify new opportunities for arts programming and community engagement.

Dance Instruction

• Teach dance classes for various age groups and skill levels.
• Develop lesson plans and choreography.
• Prepare students for performances and recitals.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Foundation.
• Coordinate program schedules, facility usage, and event logistics.
• Assist with budgeting, grant reporting, and fundraising initiatives.
• Supervise staff, contractors, volunteers, and instructors.
• Support marketing efforts, social media content, and community outreach.
• Ensure programs operate safely and effectively.

Community Engagement

• Represent the Foundation at community events and partnerships.
• Promote arts participation throughout the region.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to support strategic goals.

QualificationsRequired

• Experience teaching dance or movement-based arts programs.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience planning events, programs, or community initiatives.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a volunteer board.

Preferred

• Degree, diploma, or equivalent experience in Fine Arts, Dance, Arts Administration, Education, Recreation, or a related field.
• Experience in nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of grant writing and fundraising.
• Experience managing budgets and operational processes.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Experience working with children and youth.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of arts and culture in our community.
• Creative freedom to develop innovative programming.
• Supportive and passionate Board of Directors.
• Meaningful impact on local artists, youth, and community members.
• Professional development opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Ideally, we are seeking someone who would relocate to the St. Paul area and become part of our community. While there is flexibility within the role, our experience has shown that the organization is strongest when its leadership has a meaningful presence in the community and within the arts centre.

The position combines artistic leadership, dance instruction, and organizational operations. Hours will vary throughout the year. The fall and winter seasons are particularly busy due to our dance programming and annual Nutcracker production, while other periods allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and remote work.

The Board would like the administrative and Head of Operations components of the position to have a regular onsite presence. That said, the role does allow for a combination of onsite and offsite work, and there is flexibility for some work to be completed remotely when appropriate.

In terms of compensation, we recognize that this is a broad and ambitious position. For the right candidate, we would be open to discussing a salaried arrangement in the range of approximately $50,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and the overall fit for the organization.

What we are ultimately offering is more than a job. We are seeking someone who wants to help lead a thriving rural arts organization, contribute to the community, and make St. Paul their home.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Relevant certifications (if applicable)
• Examples of artistic, teaching, or leadership experience

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Join us in inspiring creativity, fostering community, and making the arts accessible to all.

Pay: $50,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person