Assistant Director of Dance - Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts

Join a growing dance program where you can teach, choreograph, and be part of a creative community.

The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is seeking an Assistant Director of Dance for the 2026–2027 academic year. This role is a great fit for a dance educator at any stage of their career who enjoys working with school-aged students and families and is eager to grow within a supportive, community-centered program.

This position offers a balance of teaching and artistic opportunities. The Assistant Director of Dance works closely with the Director of Dance to provide high-quality instruction and contribute to two annual productions, with opportunities for choreography and program development.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in ballet and contemporary dance, along with the ability to teach a variety of styles. MCA values educators who are collaborative, adaptable, and excited to help students develop both technically and creatively.

The schedule typically includes afternoons, evenings, and weekends, with an average workload of approximately 25-30 hours per week and additional hours during production periods. Compensation starts at $25 per hour and increases, depending on experience.

Located in Winona, Minnesota, MCA is part of a vibrant and welcoming arts community, with additional opportunities for artistic and teaching work in the area. Summer teaching opportunities are also available through MCA’s dance intensive and arts camps.

Established in 1973, the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) has provided arts education to Winona and surrounding communities for over 50 years. MCA’s mission is to “Provide quality arts education and performance by nurturing and encouraging artistic expression in children and adults.” MCA is an affiliate program of Cotter Schools but operates with its own mission, budget, and advisory board to ensure equitable public access to arts education.

MCA offers over 150 classes and camps annually in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts through private lessons, group classes, camps, and performance-based learning. Programming occurs 48 weeks per year and is taught by professional working artists and advanced arts students.

For more information about MCA, visit our website at . For questions about the position, reach out to Managing Director, Jacque Paulsen at jpaulsen@cotterschools.org.

Role Purpose:

The Assistant Director of Dance is primarily an instructional position, with additional duties in program support and development. This role works with the Director of Dance and the Managing Director to support the strategic direction, mission, and goals of the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. This in-person position regularly has direct contact with students, families, and faculty members. A majority of the hours for this position are afternoons, evenings and weekends with an average of 25-30 hours weekly (more during productions).

Position Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Managing Director, and the Director of Dance, design and execute high quality year round dance and other arts programming.
• Teach classes during all regular sessions (Fall and Spring Terms) with the option to work during summer sessions.
• Assist with the structure, growth, and curriculum of contemporary and other dance forms.
• Assist with productions as needed.
• Provide creative services as needed. (choreography, restaging, etc.)
• Maintain timely professional communications
• Prepare and document lesson plans for review by the Director of Dance, as requested
• Prepare and document age appropriate music for instruction
• Attend faculty and productions meetings as requested

Essential Functions and Competencies:

• A broad understanding of various forms of dance with significant and documented experience in ballet and contemporary.
• The ability to build positive and supportive relationships with students, families, and coworkers
• Significant and documented choreography experience
• Knowledge and experience in dance production
• Familiarity and comfortability with Google Suite
• Willingness to collaborate with a community of professional of artists
• Reliable attendance and punctuality for assigned duties

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires physical stamina to demonstrate movement (including getting down to, and up from the floor) and includes standing, bending, jumping, and moving for extended periods.

Education and Experience:

• BFA in Dance (Preferred)
• Teaching experience
• Five years, or more, experience in dance technique, pedagogy, dance history, choreography, and repertoire building
• Three years, or more, experience working with school-aged children and families

Required Work Schedule and Benefits:

• This is an hourly position with 18 hours of personal leave annually.
• Scheduled breaks and reduced hours to align with programming needs
• Competitive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life/long-term disability insurance, pension plan contributions, and student tuition discounts.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $35