Dance Instructor

Job Description

The Dance Instructor is a full-time, nine (9)-month salaried faculty position. The instructor leads the curricular dance program, with instructional strengths in modern/contemporary dance and jazz and the ability to teach ballet and other required dance courses. Responsibilities include teaching, curriculum development, assessment, advising, recruitment, and coordination of curricular performances. The instructor collaborates with the extracurricular competitive dance team to support shared students and coordinate schedules and performance activities. The position reports directly to the District Director of Fine Arts Instruction and is in Senatobia on our main campus.

REPORTS TO: District Director of Fine Arts Instruction

CONTRACT TERM: Nine (9) months


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Dance or a closely related field, with graduate preparation for assigned courses.
• Successful dance teaching experience and demonstrated ability to teach modern dance, jazz, and/or beginning/intermediate ballet.
• Successful dance teaching experience in a school, college, conservatory, studio, or comparable setting.
• Professional performance and/or choreography experience.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication, and the ability to coordinate instruction and performances collaboratively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MFA or other terminal degree in Dance or a closely related field.
• Teaching experience in higher education and experience with curriculum development, assessment, or academic program coordination.
• Experience producing student dance performances, recruiting students, and supporting transfer preparation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities include and are not limited to the following:

1. Teach modern dance, jazz, ballet, dance appreciation, improvisation, composition, and other assigned dance courses within the instructor's qualifications. Develop instruction appropriate for students with varied backgrounds and levels of dance experience.
2. Lead curriculum planning and review, develop syllabi and student learning outcomes, assess student achievement, and coordinate course offerings with the District Director of Fine Arts Instruction.
3. Develop student choreography; plan, choreograph, and rehearse curricular dance performances; and collaborate with theatre and music faculty on productions as assigned.
4. Coordinate with the competitive dance team's coach or director on shared students, class and rehearsal schedules, studio and facility use, and performance calendars. Plan joint performances and recruitment activities as appropriate.
5. Advise dance students regarding course selection, academic progress, transfer preparation, and performance opportunities. Maintain scheduled office hours and support student retention.
6. Recruit prospective students and build relationships with area schools, dance studios, and colleges and universities. Collaborate with Fine Arts faculty and the competitive dance team on outreach.
7. Prepare and grade assignments and performance assessments.
8. Maintain accurate attendance, grades, and program assessment records in accordance with College requirements.
9. Promote safe studio practices and appropriate use of instructional spaces and equipment. Participate in departmental activities, committees, and professional development. Evening and weekend rehearsals and performances may be required.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the District Director of Fine Arts.

OTHER RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and support of College policies and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and staff and support students with varied backgrounds and educational goals.
• Experience using instructional technology, including Microsoft 365, Canvas, and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the Instructor is regularly required to do the following:

• Stand for long periods
• Talk, hear, view, and assist students
• Communicate with others in person, telephone, zoom, & live chat
• Sit, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms
• Stand, walk, stoop, or kneel
• Occasionally lift and/or move items of at least 15-20 pounds
• Travel, evening and weekend rehearsals and performances may be required.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Prospective candidates must apply through the NWCC application portal and upload the following files. Applications with missing materials will not be considered for the position.

• Application at
• Cover letter addressing the position's qualifications and responsibilities.
• Resume/Curriculum vitae.
• Transcripts.
• At least three (3) Professional References (Name, Phone Number, and Email).
• File with links to (3) three to five (5) video samples demonstrating ballet instruction, choreography, and performance. Identify the candidate's role in each sample.

About Us

Northwest Mississippi Community College is a two-year, open access public community college primarily serving 11 counties in northwest Mississippi. Our vision states that "Northwest Mississippi Community College transforms our students' lives, enriches our communities, and strives for excellence in our educational programs and services."


Accreditation

Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in career education. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement


Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number View phone number on click.appcast.io, e-mail address View email address on click.appcast.io; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number View phone number on click.appcast.io, e-mail address View email address on click.appcast.io; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number View phone number on click.appcast.io, e-mail address View email address on click.appcast.io or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number View phone number on click.appcast.io, email View email address on click.appcast.io.


Safety Statement

The safety and security of students, faculty, and staff is very important to Northwest Mississippi Community College. A copy of the Annual Security Report, published annually by the Campus Police Department, details Northwest policies and procedures regarding campus safety. A copy of the report, which contains the annual crime statistics report, is available online in the current Northwest Bulletin ( or on the Northwest website ( and in printed form upon request from the Campus Police Office at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Background Check Statement

Northwest Mississippi Community College is committed to providing a safe campus community. NWCC conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a civil check, criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.