Compensation for this full-time position will be $60,000 to $70,000, depending on the
candidate's experience. Position includes health benefits, retirement matching, and a generous
PTO package. Forklift Danceworks is based in Austin, Texas, but this position can be filled by
someone who lives outside of Austin, working remotely with the team and traveling to Austin for
meetings as needed.
Job Overview Approaching its milestone 25th season, Forklift Danceworks is a long-standing international leader in the field of community-based artmaking. The Collaborative Learning Programming (Co-Lab) is Forklift Danceworks’ transformative creative process that uses inquiry and collaboration to deepen connection among a wide range of communities. Co-Lab is an important component of Forklift Danceworks' annual programming and earned income.
As an integral member of the Forklift Danceworks’ staff team, the Collaborative Learning Manager manages and oversees Co-Lab. Success in this position includes growing Co-Lab by building effective relationships with collaborating organizations and clients, designing and implementing Co-Lab programming, managing programmatic staff, and working with the executive leadership team to meet and exceed Co-Lab annual revenue goals. The Collaborative Learning Manager reports to the Artistic Director.
Responsibilities and Duties
As an key member of the Forklift Danceworks team, the Co-Lab Manager will:
Manage and grow Co-Lab; oversee annual program evaluation.
Cultivate and solicit opportunities for Co-Lab— providing communities nationally and internationally with a diverse means of engaging and collaborating with communities following the Forklift method.
Develop strategic partnerships with Co-Lab clients.
Manage messaging of Co-Lab, including presentations to new partners and presence of Co-Lab on Forklift website and in written materials.
Participate in short and long-term organizational planning.
In regards to the finances of Co-Lab, the Director will:
Track Co-Lab revenue, providing monthly financial reports to the executive leadership team.
Ensure Co-Lab contracts are paid in a timely manner.
Oversee program development and personnel management, specifically:
Design and implement Co-Lab programming—including delivering workshops, classes, residencies, talks and presentations. Oversee current educational programming, including Leaps & Bounds.
Manage Forklift staff in the delivery of Co-Lab programming. Build, supervise and evaluate the Co-Lab personnel team.
Qualifications
Demonstrated practice and knowledge of community-based dance and/or theater methods.
Five or more years of professional experience in the field of community-based art making.
Professional experience leading personnel, including hiring, training and overseeing teaching artists.
Professional experience creating and managing budgets, working with clients on contracting and overseeing financial statements.
Collaborative in nature, a great listener, and a demonstrated capacity to work independently while leading a team effectively.
Works well with diverse groups and is comfortable in a variety of community settings.
A strong communicator and writer.
Passionate about the work of Forklift Danceworks and thrilled to lead the organization in the management of Co-Lab.
Masters or Graduate degree preferred. Professional experience may substitute for education.
For over 20 years, Forklift Danceworks has created inclusive, one-of-a-kind performance projects that share stories, build understanding, and create community. With a mission to activate communities through a collaborative creative process, Forklift has reached over 50,000 people with free performances that typically feature the people whose work sustains our everyday lives. Additionally, Forklift Danceworks partners with different communities across the world to train local artists and government staff on the unique Forklift collaborative creative process. Through our artistic programming and coaching, Forklift builds capacity for more informed civic dialogue, greater collaboration between individuals, and stronger connections and leadership across communities.
