Conga Kids is hiring: Dancer/Teaching Artist - NonProfit in Los Angeles

ORGANIZATION & MISSION SUMMARY

Conga Kids' mission is to promote social-and-emotional well-being through social dance. We believe that magic is created at the intersection of community, dance, and music - and harnessing that magic can transform lives. Our in-school residency programs work with 4th and 5th grade students to provide a celebratory introduction to social dance forms of the African Diaspora and the social-and-emotional lessons that can be learned from them. Our diverse dance curriculum includes explorations of styles like Merengue, Cumbia, Samba, Rumba, Danzón, Salsa, Vernacular Jazz, and various Street/ Hip Hop styles. Conga Kids works at school sites throughout greater Los Angeles County.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Teaching Artist (TA) is a leader for Conga Kids Programs during our in-school program residencies, assuming a variety of responsibilities including dance teacher, performance coordinator, and program spokesperson. TAs should have established experience in dance and movement disciplines and be passionate about teaching dance to public school children throughout Los Angeles County including, but not limited to:

• Anaheim, Claremont, Pomona, Diamond Bar, Baldwin Park, Hacienda Heights, City of Industry, West Covina, North Long Beach, Compton, Lynwood, and Los Angeles, South Los Angeles, Jurupa Unified, South Park, Vermont Square, Historic South Central, University Park, South El Monte, El Monte, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Downtown, and neighboring.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver and follow Conga Kids’ program services as stated in lesson plans, consistent with program goals and descriptions

• Establish and maintain excellent classroom management to include a positive and nurturing learning environment for all participants

• Support students’ social and emotional development through in-person instruction

• Travel to different school sites each week

• Assign and collect homework assignments

• Plan, coordinate and collaborate with schools to produce full grade-level culminating events to highlight student growth

• Work at assigned Conga Kids community events including but not limited to student performances and regional dance competitions

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Conga Kids organization in order to effectively represent the program to various stakeholders, including school leaders and educators

• Attend and participate in regular staff/departmental meetings and professional development trainings

• Communicate and maintain healthy relationships with school partners (teachers, principals, district office officials, etc.)

• Reports any incidents or problems to Conga Kids leadership and any relevant school administrators

• Communicate efficiently with Residency Supervisors regarding program needs, (specifically to try and avoid any scheduling conflicts,) provide weekly updates reporting on the successes and challenges of the program, give other relevant feedback, and respond to all Conga Kids communications within 24 hours

• Submit all required residency paperwork to Program Supervisor in a timely and organized manner

• Work cooperatively with other departments to effectively facilitate the delivery of programs needs

• Adhere to all Conga Kids policies and guidelines as well as policies of all school and district partners

• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 5 years dance training/experience (multiple dance disciplines preferred)

• Previous experience working with children (teaching artist or similar role preferred)

• Experience with public speaking and presentations

• Desire and cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

• Ability to work independently, be flexible, manage multiple priorities, and accept constructive feedback from senior faculty

• Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders

• Experience using Google Workspace

• Positivity, resiliency, and desire for personal and professional growth

• Dance therapy and/ or knowledge of social-and-emotional learning practices (preferred)

• ¡Y damos preferencia a los maestros y artistas que hablan español!

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have Driver's License

• Must have access to reliable transportation with appropriate auto insurance coverage

• Must have COVID-19 vaccination

• Must obtain TB test clearance

• Must obtain LiveScan clearance

• Must be able to comfortably teach on your feet for up to 6 hours with short breaks only

• Must be able to lift 30 pounds

• Must be flexible in a fast-paced, non-profit environment

• Must use cell phone to clock in and out through Paychex

• Must be willing to use personal equipment such as cell phone and/or laptop/tablet when working remotely

EEOC POLICY:

Conga Kids is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with protected class backgrounds to apply. We value the individuals we hire and look forward to creating a positive, diverse work environment for all identities.