As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University's eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
To apply
Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.
Position Summary
The purpose of the Director of Dance is to develop, cultivate, and contribute to the consistent growth of a formal dance program under the already established Performing Arts. This role serves as a key liaison between the performance and academic components of the institution, integrating rigorous dance training and dynamic performance opportunities to support student recruitment, retention, and overall program excellence.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Program & Instruction
- Oversee complete programming for all dance ensembles.
- Choreograph and teach a minimum of four (4) non-credit dance classes annually, within area of expertise.
- Schedule all non-credit dance classes for each semester.
- Plan and direct on-and off-campus performances, including: Theme Development, Music Selection, Costuming, Choreography and genres planning, Dress rehearsals and staging.
- Attend all technical rehearsals and performances.
- Attend and evaluate all dance classes each semester.
- Collaborate with the College of Arts and Sciences to assist with the cross-development of an academic program to be integrated with the performance component.
Recruitment & Retention
- Responsible for leading all recruitment and retention efforts for the Dance Department.
- Attend all recruitment/retention meetings, performances, open houses, and required university-related events.
- Schedule and facilitate auditions for new and existing students who want to join dance.
- Recruit and supervise qualified dance instructors.
Professional Development
- Attend dance conventions and expos for continued training and networking.
Administrative & Operational Tasks
- Develop and manage the departmental budget.
- Develop and maintain the Dance Handbook.
- Collaborate with other areas in the performing arts for interdisciplinary initiatives.
- Coordinate and ensure appropriate branding with MarComm including Marketing and promotions, Website maintenance, Collaborate in cross-Departmental communications and public relations.
- Assist in fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
- Master's degree required; Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance or related discipline preferred.
- Proven experience teaching dance in an educational or studio setting.
- Background and experience in various dance genres.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills are required. Must be comfortable in front of groups.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, social media platforms, and web-based tools.
- Demonstrated passion for student development and success.
Unusual Working Conditions
- Ability to work nights and weekends, as necessary.
- Light travel will be expected.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.
