3.2 Artistic Director - Job Description and Qualifications

The Principal and Artistic Director will be the co-managers of the school’s performing arts curricula. [Comment 1] The selection of the Artistic Director will be the responsibility of the Board with recommendations from the Principal. The Artistic Director will assist the Principal in ensuring the coordination of the school’s performing arts tracks; ensuring the school curricula meets the requirements of State of Utah; [Comment 2] implementing Board decisions; and promoting the school’s mission, philosophy and goals.

The Artistic Director will be a SLSPA’s liaison with and coordinate between SLSPA, Highland High School, the local arts community, and the Salt Lake City School District. The Artistic Director will be responsible for identifying and applying for grants that will assist the school with its performing arts mission.

SLSPA will seek applicants for the position of Artistic Director who shall possess some or all of the following skills and/or experiences:

• Masters degree or equivalent work experience in the field of performing arts education. [Comment 3]
• Prior teaching experience, especially within the performing arts curriculum emphasis of the school. [Comment 4]
• A demonstrated ability to treat faculty, parents, and students with respect and provide honest communication.
• A demonstrated ability to incorporate our parents, students, board, community, and all interested parties the problem solving and decision making process.
• Experience in managing and monitoring performing arts goals and outcomes.
• Additional certifications, degrees, or training relevant to high school education in performing arts.

SLSCPA will expect its Arts Artistic Director to fulfill the following responsibilities:

Overarching Duties

• Demonstrates a commitment to SLSPA’s vision and mission and communicates that vision and mission to school personnel, the students, and families, and the community.
• Models school values for students, parents, and the Board.
• Functions as a visible leader maintaining frequent contact with students and staff.
• Exercises a participatory management style with staff.
• Communicates effectively by written and oral methods.
• Facilitates activities for families and staff to encourage community involvement and shared purpose.

Specific Educational Leadership Duties

• Assists in planning, evaluation, and setting of priorities of the performing arts programs.
• Coordinates design of the performing arts curricula with Board, staff, and volunteers, [Comment 5] including courses with joint enrollment of Highland and SLSPA students.
• Assists the arts staff faculty in evaluating their methods and instructional materials.
• Designs arts schedules and coordinates with Highland High staff.
• Develops cooperation and teamwork and a sense of shared purpose between the within both Highland and SPA staffs.
• Assists staff in accommodating individual student needs and abilities.
• Provides perspective on performing arts educational issues with the school’s Board on a regular basis.
• Recommends plans for improvement of the school’s arts instruction, school philosophy, and school policies.
• Assists the board in evaluating the school’s progress on established arts priorities.
• Coordinates school performing arts productions with faculty, staff, and Highland High, and Salt Lake City School District personnel.
• Applyies for grants to support the performing arts courses and productions.
• Coordinates the concept, development, and maintenance of physical facilities to support the performing arts coursework and productions.
• Establish and coordinate an Advisory Board of professional performing artists in from the community.

Community Relations Duties

• Promotes and develops a professional relationship with the school’s Board and staff.
• Seeks and considers opinions of others in a timely fashion.
• Provides information to community, media, and interested parties about the school, its programs, and progress made towards published goals achievement.
• Assists in developing printed materials needed for the operation of the school.
• Serves in a liaison capacity with State and District education professionals and Highland High school on performing arts educational matters.
• Assists with the recruiting, scheduling, and training of volunteers within the school.

Managerial Duties

• Assists in delineating responsibilities and authority of the performing arts faculty.
• Develops enthusiasm and promotes positive morale among staff and parents.
• Actively leads and participates in the development of the master performing arts curricula.