APAP Career Center

The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University, located on the University’s campus in lower Manhattan, invites applications for the position of Clinical Associate Professor in the BFA in Commercial Dance program. The position reports directly to the Chair of the Commercial Dance and Musical Theatre programs.  All faculty are expected to collaborate with the other Sands College programs and production staff. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities, in collaboration with the Chair: 

• Teach and mentor undergraduates. 

• Foster an environment supporting the creative and scholarly work that faculty and students find meaningful and important to their overall success. 

•  Manage all aspects of the Program’s educational mission (instruction, research, service, planning, scheduling, program assessment, accreditation, and program review).    

• Identify goals and strategies for targeted growth in the program. 

• Work with faculty to develop plans for curricular development and program design. 

• Support the program faculty in their pursuit of excellence in teaching. 

• Possible opportunity to create and choreograph for the semester main stage shows  

• Participation in recruiting events such as Fall Intensive, incoming auditions and possible summer recruiting and other events as assigned by the Chair.  

Teaching load is 24 credits, to be taught during the academic year (September to May). Service is an expected part of the annual workload.   

There is the potential for shared program administrative duties, which would include: 

• Serving as the Commercial Dance Program Head, overseeing faculty, curriculum, schedule, student experience. 

•  Manage all aspects of the program’s educational mission (instruction, research, service, planning, scheduling, department assessment, accreditation, and program review). 

• Uphold all University and Sands College Policies as a representative of the College 

• Deliver all reports and requests for academic planning and production in a timely manner 

• Create faculty assignments and class schedules in collaboration with Chair by the due date 

• Monitor and manage student enrollment in program and student-related issues (recruitment, retention, student organizations, learning outcomes). 

• Oversee, organize, and administer the Los Angeles semester in collaboration with both director of the LA semester, and Chair. 

• Attend, organize, and lead program events and productions 

• Recruit students 

• Build community 

• Uphold our mission of equity and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff at Sands 

• Provide administrative support for the Chair 

• Attend, in person, all full faculty meetings that are scheduled to be in person 

• Attend, or find an appropriate Sands College representative such as the Associate Program Head, to attend planned program events, partnerships, or workshops 

• Carry out other tasks as defined by the Chair of the department 

Please note that Program Head appointments are annual. Reappointment will be based on a mid-year and end-of-year review with the Chair. 

The successful candidate will have a terminal degree in dance and be a dedicated educator with a strong studio practice background, a significant national or international reputation in the arts, and a distinguished record of professional accomplishment. The successful candidate will also be deeply invested in practices and scholarship, with expertise in one or more of the department’s areas of teaching, scholarship, and practice. The ideal candidate is also innovative, inspiring, and committed to Pace’s motto of Opportunitas, with experience in anti-racist teaching, mentoring, and administration as a color-conscious leader who promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and theater. 

Sands College is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity and consent culture are encouraged to address their experiences in these areas  

 Best consideration by December 15, 2024

• MFA and/or PhD in Dance, Dance studies, or allied fields. Emphasis in Jazz dance, theater dance or hip-hop a plus. 

• Professional record of distinguished work in the commercial dance arena.  

• Teaching expertise in technique practice in one or more of the department’s teaching areas with demonstrated evidence of teaching effectiveness in any of these areas: Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Theater Dance, Contemporary. 

• Candidates with experience in both the commercial and concert arenas is a plus, and the candidate should demonstrate an understanding of Commercial dance styles that are relevant to the program offerings. 

• A choreographic portfolio and teaching portfolio that demonstrate a breadth of genre and styles of dance reflective of the commercial dance world.  Evidence of a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with demonstrated ability to lead effective change with a diverse body of students and colleagues. 

• Experience with academic program review processes desirable. 

• Experience with successful collaborations and recruitment initiatives (for example, those with other academic units in and outside of the university, community partners, and professional arts organizations.) 

• Demonstrated experience in leadership and administrative management, including being operationally astute. 

• Ability to interact with faculty as collaborators and organize day-to-day offerings of the dance program.