Job Description:
As a performing arts conservatory, we acknowledge that conservatory education has historically been focused on Western classicism. Boston Conservatory at Berklee is committed to reinventing this educational model through curricular and programmatic innovation that immerses our students in a wide range of artistic and aesthetic languages, engages them in understanding performing arts as cultural documents, and ensures equitable racial, ethnic, gender, and LGBTQ+ representation at every level of our institution. Essential to this vision is a richly diverse educational environment where students engage with and celebrate a plurality of perspectives and experiences. We are committed to removing barriers that may discourage any person from learning, teaching, and working with us. We work to eradicate injustice from our campus and ensure an inclusive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
The Dance Division at Boston Conservatory at Berklee seeks a full time faculty of Commercial Dance to teach multiple studio and academic courses pertaining to all aspects for dance performance for the entertainment industry.
The ideal candidate will be an established dance professional with extensive national and international performance, choreographic and educational experience. He/she will be a motivated and creative professional committed to excellence in education, a demonstrated record of successful collaboration, and possessing an ability to thrive in a workplace that promotes cultural diversity and understanding. Additionally, a strong candidate will have a history of helping students achieve a significant level of mastery and will be committed to establishing a forward-thinking pedagogy for multi-genre performers.
Although most dance faculty members engage with our dance majors and minors, some of our priorities include the following:
Commercial Dance
In September 2022, the Dance Division launched the first 3 year commercial dance BFA degree program. The prolific growth and continued success of this program requires an expansion of our course offerings in academic coursework and studio practice as well as enhanced mentorship to prepare students for a successful career in the commercial dance industry.
Circus Arts
In September 2024, the Dance Division launched the first and only higher-education Cirque/Circus Arts Minor in the country requiring academic coursework, creative processes and experiential skills. In collaboration with the Theater Division, the program offers students the opportunity to study the fundamental aspects of circus including clowning, juggling, acrobatics, masks, pole, Commedia dell’Arte and more; and to investigate circus as a social and historical art form which both reflects and impacts the culture that creates it.
This is a full-time faculty position reporting directly to both the Chair and Dean of Dance. Initial appointment to begin September, 2025 with a renewable contract upon successful evaluation. Rank and salary will be commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Teaching all levels and styles of Commercial Dance to Conservatory dance majors as well as students in various majors at both the Conservatory and the College of Music
Teaching circus arts skills is highly recommended
Teaching dance & technology skills: Motion Capture, CGI, Film, AR/ VR etc, is highly recommended
Teaching academic course(s) pertaining to professional development, dance styles, and/or dance experiences associated with a professional dance career in the entertainment industry
Choreographing for performances and various special events
Performing service to the college, which is project based and negotiated with the Chair
Actively participate and support the goals and mission of the Dance Division, Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Berklee’s Fundamental Values (https://www.berklee.edu/about/berklees-fundamental-values)
Qualifications:
Extensive professional experience performing and choreographing for commercial and circus arts projects
Professional experience with creative direction and artistic development
Bachelor’s degree minimum; MFA preferred; or equivalent professional experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability and willingness to collaborate with other faculty members and other departments at both the Conservatory and the College
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Electronic applications only. Please submit the following application materials in PDF or Word format at berklee.edu/jobs. All materials can be uploaded to the Resume/Cover letter application section. Address your materials to: Dance Division Faculty Search Committee:
Letter of application outlining your teaching experience, artistic and academic qualifications, and reasons for wanting to teach the students at Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Current resume or CV
Names, titles, and contact information for at least three (3) references
Links to reviews, videos or examples of professional accomplishment or creative work are welcomed
APPLICATION REVIEW and DEADLINE
1) For full consideration, applications and supporting materials should be received by January 20, 2025.
2) Incomplete applications will not be considered.
3) The position will remain open for applications until filled.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*