Director of Performing Arts

Company Overview

Full-Time

Permanent

On-Site

The Bishop Strachan School has been a leader in girls’ education since 1867. We help talented girls become fearless women who are able to navigate the world with intellectual curiosity, agility, and compassion. We teach them to find purpose, feel confident, and speak with a strong, independent voice. 

BSS has a long tradition of strong Arts programs and this role supports our whole schools’ strategic plan ambition for excellence in teaching and learning in the arts JK to Grade 12. The Director of Performing Arts will be responsible for setting an inspirational vision to move the School's Performing Arts programs to a new level of excellence and inclusivity. The role will extend the curricular and co-curricular programs across the whole school, through providing curricular and pedagogical leadership, and developing and managing faculty, to build an exceptional continuum of learning and teaching in this field.

 

Job Description

Summary of Position

The Director will create joyful spaces where students and teachers are inspired to cultivate their passions for the Performing Arts, giving all students exposure to, and experiences to develop and showcase their talents. Currently, Performing Arts encompasses curricular and co-curricular Dance, Drama, and Music (with specialization in instrumental, strings, vocal and guitar) across the school. The program will include well-rounded, sequenced and complimentary curricular and co-curricular programs, including; choirs, musical ensembles, Chapels, plays, dance shows, musicals and other arts related events, as stand alone performances and other events. The Director will ensure that there is a strong relationship with the Visual Arts in both curricular learning and co-curricular experiences.

Specific Accountabilities

Leadership

• Leads the Performing Arts faculty and implements programs, initiatives and projects JK-12 that support the School’s Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan

• Provides equity-minded leadership to the Performing Arts Department including hiring, development, evaluating performance, and providing constructive feedback

• Fosters excellence in teaching and learning, and a culture of collaboration by leading regular department meetings, facilitating the sharing of best practices, and enabling peer-to-peer classroom observations and build connections with arts organisations beyond BSS

• Ensures the school’s policies and processes are followed within the department, including championing the importance of risk management policies and procedures; analysing, managing, and informing the risks involved in every experience

• Works with curricular program to ensure the scope and sequence of learning throughout JK to Grade 12 aligns to Ontario Ministry of Education requirements 

• Knowledge of and encouragement of inquiry-based learning, Universal Design for Learning and design thinking as pedagogical tools to enhance the learning experience 

• Collaborates with Performing Arts Department faculty and senior leaders to plan a whole school, varied co-curricular program that allows for a breadth of opportunities, including solo to large groups, such as plays, musicals, dance performances, showcases, etc.

• Enhances the school's Chapel and assemblies with performances, and works closely with the Chaplain for ongoing opportunities.

• Plans, organises and administers logistics for arts events, retreats, day trips and overnight excursions locally, nationally and internationally, including risk management procedures

• Works with Advancement, and Enrolment and Communications teams to communicate and promote the Performing Arts programs at parent meetings, alumnae events, and other events

• Manages theatre rentals and encourages theatre courses/workshops to be offered

• Schedules the Performing Arts spaces in the school:

• Stage management for events

• Manages alumnae requests for using facilities

• Manages performing artist in residence opportunities and programs

• Book external arts educators to run school co-curricular programs

• Embeds diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging into all processes

• Commits to the Faculty Growth and Evaluation Process

• Participates in professional learning and growth 

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• A proven record of leadership in a school arts environment, or equivalent experience in arts or community organisations, and a strong record of teaching and arts research or creative practice

• Strategic planning experience for a robust arts program or a closely related field

• Ontario Teaching Certificate and teaching experience, with a specialisation or expertise in music, drama, or dance

• Performing art events coordination experience, for example theatre, choir, musicals, etc

• Experience managing budgets

• Commitment to participate as a collaborative member in all aspects of in school life

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office 

• Culturally competent with a positive attitude toward cultural uniqueness and a readiness to accept and respect others

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment

• A growth mindset of continuous improvement and learning

 

BSS Values Diversity:

BSS is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and respectful environment. We believe that diversity in our school fosters a rich, inclusive and creative environment. We are actively engaged in building a more diverse school and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. 

 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to careers@bss.on.ca indicating Director of Performing Arts in the subject line. For more information about BSS, please visit our website at www.bss.on.ca 

We are committed to providing an accessible experience and an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact the HR Admin at 416-483-4325, ext. 1691 or by email at hradmin@bss.on.ca . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Please note, we have a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy in place for employees, unless official documentation of a human rights exemption is provided and can be accommodated.

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.