Photo by Kelly Lynch.
Earlier this month, Outreach Director Erin Stewart left the Fort Wayne Dance Collective to pursue new ventures in Washington, DC. We wish her well, and realized that she left big shoes to fill. After a long search process with many great candidates, the FWDC board decided to hire Alison Eby Gerardot, pictured above.
Alison has been involved in the Fort Wayne dance scene her entire life. She has studied and taught dance at numerous studios around the city and region and has choreographed for shows at IPFW as well as for the Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Along with her knowledge of dance, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English with minors in Dance and Communications as well as her teaching license. Alison not only has a passion for dance but an appreciation for all arts and has close ties with local musicians and artists as well. She looks forward to sharing her love of dance and the arts with the community through her work at FWDC. She first became involved professionally with the Fort Wayne Dance Collective when she conceived of and co-created Eaten Alive: Seven Deadly Sins, featuring the work of seven local choreographers, each creating a dance focusing on a mortal sin. All three shows were sold out, and FWDC now produces a spooky Halloween show each October. Alison will be coordinating outreach bookings and developing the program with FWDC, as well as leading the Indiana Dance Festival steering committee for April 2011.
Next time you’re in FWDC studios, stop by the office and welcome Alison, or drop her an email (alison [at] fwdc [dot] org). We are excited to have her aboard, and want her to meet as many of our friends as possible (although chances are, if you are a dancer, you already know her!).
UPDATE: This position is now closed to new applications. Thank you for your interest!
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is looking for a talented professional to manage and advance our large and diverse outreach program. We need someone who isn’t afraid to network professionally, write detailed grants, follow up with outreach inquiries, manage, nurture and evaluate artists, and even just make coffee now and then.
The applicant chosen for this position will have completed a four-year degree (or commensurate experience), have strong writing and communication skills, possess superior time management and prioritizing abilities, and harbor an interest and appreciation for dance, movement, wellness, and the arts. Previous experience with nonprofit organizations, creative or grant-writing skills, and an understanding of Macintosh computer systems are a plus. The candidate must be flexible, approachable, and easily co-exist with his or her fellow directors.
If selected, you will work in a fun, laid-back, artsy and respectful environment, learn something new every day (anything from hanging stage lights to scrapbooking), hob-knob with internationally-renowned artists from time to time, and have all the dance and wellness classes, and free popcorn you want (there’s an independent movie theatre in the same building).
This position is budgeted for 30 hours-per-week, with a salary of approximately $24,000 a year. Health benefits are included and are employer-paid. Salary is non-negotiable.
Please submit cover letter, resume and at least two professional references to Andy Welfle, Managing Director via email at andy [at] fwdc [dot] org with “Outreach Director Application” in the subject line, no later than Monday, July 26 at 5:00 pm.
Job responsibilities include:
- Seek out new outreach education and performance opportunities including off-site teaching, as well as opportunities for Fort Wayne Taiko and touring company performances.
- Coordinate and produce contracts for outreach services and evaluate the outcomes.
- Assist in the development of outreach marketing activities and strategies.
- Coordinate special projects in conjunction with management staff.
- Manage and negotiate contracts for outreach teachers and outreach sites.
- Assist with long-range planning and annual budget.
- Collaborate with the management staff and outside professionals in securing outreach funds through grant writing, proofing and managing, as well as fundraising.
- Act as staff liaison with the Personnel committee and Education committee.
- Serve on the Artist Panel Committee and the Fund Development Committee.
- Lead the annual Guest Artist Steering Committee.
- Manage the Guest Artist intern.
- Manage on-site volunteers.
- Secure allies in the arts, multi-cultural and disabled communities.
- Submit monthly reports to Board of Directors and participate in board meetings.
- Attend conferences and workshops that relate to the position as determined by management staff.
- Nurture the growth of outreach instructors.
- Assist with hospitality needs for on-site workshops.
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective is funded in part by