SKYEDANCE DEVELOPMENT MANGER JOB DESCRIPTION
Skye is an Island on the west coast of Scotland with a population of circa 10,500 people. SkyeDance is a charity that operates within the communities of Skye & Lochalsh and
is a unique dance organisation due to its location, the breadth of its remit and the Highland community it serves. 2014 is SkyeDance’s 10th year in existence. SkyeDance is
based within the Aros Centre which has a purpose-built theatre and operates a wide range of arts activities throughout Skye and beyond. The SkyeDance Manager is paid
through and receives administrative and management support through the Aros Centre. SkyeDance, which currently has 2 members of staff, is also supported by a strong
and active voluntary committee who help to develop the programme of activities and who offer practical and artistic support to the SkyeDance Development Manager.
SkyeDance has a multi-faceted identity. We offer activities that are both recreational for some and which lead to careers in dance for others. Over the years a significant
number of our students have chosen to go on and study dance and that is testament to the dedication of our staff and the high level of attainment our programme has
developed in our students. As a snapshot of what we offer our annual ‘Showcase’ in 2013 had a cast list of 180+ local dancers spanning all ages and styles. We have
successfully run the Dance Leadership Programme and we offer an extensive programme of schools workshops. Our Youth Dance Company is entering its 3rd year and we
have performed at the National Youth Platform event – Destinations – to high critical acclaim. We take dancers to numerous regional and local events and are regularly
commissioned to create work for both small scale and high profile Arts events. We run a full weekly programme of classes, plus workshops and residencies with visiting
artists. We run an annual Summer School and actively promote dance opportunities wherever and wherever we can engage with them. On top of all this the post holder will
need to be administratively able and highly organised. We are looking for a Dance Manger who has the vision and energy to sustain all this whilst being able to ‘bring
something new to the party’.
This post offers the right person a very special creative opportunity. The post of SkyeDance Development Manager is key to the success of the organisation and we are
seeking a truly inspirational leader to further develop its work in the future. There will be opportunity for continuous self-development and skills enhancement.
A clean driving license and access to your own transport is essential for this post. The successful candidate will have to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure prior to
appointment.
Main Duties
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To creatively lead the development of SkyeDance into its 10th year and beyond. To work with Aros and the committee on ambitious strategy and forward planning, contributing ideas
and development plans to enable SkyeDance to reach its full potential. To work with Aros and the committee to source funding opportunities and put together applications as
appropriate.
To manage the weekly programme of dance classes and to direct the time of the SkyeDance Dance Artist and other dance tutors as required. To create, develop and manage a wider
programme of workshops, residencies and courses including the SkyeDance Summer Schools and the annual Showcase event. To manage the administration of all SkyeDance
activities.
To encourage the audience for dance within Skye and Lochalsh. To help deliver effective dance tuition and to stimulate those involved to further develop their skills. To support other
dance groups in the community and involve them in SkyeDance activities. To engage the local community in our work and offer a programme of events to target the widest range of
ages, abilities, styles and interests. To recognise the importance of traditional dance styles to the area’s cultural identity.
To promote the work of SkyeDance by networking and collaborating with artists and organisations within the Scottish dance networks and beyond. To develop the work of our Youth
Dance Company extending its local, regional and national profile.
SKYEDANCE DEVELOPMENT MANGER JOB DESCRIPTION
Key Criteria
Essential
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Teaching qualification.
European Computer Driving License qualification.
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Experience of working as part of a geographically widespread network.
Excellent dancer and choreographer with substantial proven skills.
Experienced dance tutor in a range of dance styles and with the widest range of ages
and abilities.
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to influence and motivate others.
Excellent presentational and written communication skills, including formal papers
and reports.
Ability to contribute to strategic and forward planning.
Experience of making applications to funding bodies.
Experience of managing other dance staff/artists and team working.
Understanding of National Dance Networks and proven involvement in such.
An open and flexible attitude to work with strong self-discipline to be able to work
effectively within a wide geographical area
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Strong dance ability in a contemporary technique.
Strong ballet technique.
Strong choreographic skills.
Interest in the Gaelic language.
Strong computer competence (Word, Excel, Web, email, PowerPoint and graphics).
Comfortable with remote working communications technologies and practices.
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Adept at telephone & video conferencing.
Qualifications and Training;
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Degree/vocational equivalent in a dance/arts discipline .
Work Experience;
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At least 3 years’ experience working as a Dance Artist/Dance Manager in a
professional organisation.
A creative thinker, flexible in their approach, taking dance to the widest possible
audience.
Involved in programming and planning within an arts organisation.
Highly organised and able to put in clear systems and processes to maximise the
smooth running of SkyeDance.
Experience of contributing to dance debate at policy level and within public forums.
Ability to use communication technologies and other practices as well as face to face
communication .
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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities;
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Technical Skills;
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Desirable
Job Circumstances;
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Strong motivation and enthusiasm for the post and the role.
A driver with access to own transport.
An understanding of the issues surrounding a remote working environment.
Able to manage time effectively to suit the activities offered.
Enthusiastic to make the lifestyle changes necessary to live and work on an
island.
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Available to start working in January 2014.