Careers at the Joffrey

The Head of the Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs works closely with the Abbott Academy Director to maintain high standards of artistic excellence and educational programming set by the Abbott Academy Director. This Program Head works closely with Abbott Academy Director and staff to build and create programming to develop and maintain the syllabus and curriculum. The Head of the Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs is responsible for the training and development of students in class, rehearsals, and performances in related programs. 

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.

The Joffrey’s Major and Planned Gifts team works to secure leadership and estate gifts for the Joffrey, and has an annual goal exceeding $3 million, as well as fundraising for special campaigns, events, and capital gifts. The Major & Planned Gifts Manager supports the Director of Major Gifts and Associate Director of Major Gifts in each step of the major and planned gift donor cycles, including identification and research of prospects, cultivation efforts, assisting with proposals, acknowledgement letters, and other stewardship initiatives. The scope of this role includes assisting both individual donors and prospects as well as institutional donors and prospects at the major gift level ($25,000 and above). Additionally, this role serves as a liaison to the Executive Suite to provide a continuous, informed circle of communication as it relates to Major & Planned Gifts activities. 

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.

The Director of Development is a member of the Joffrey's senior leadership team responsible for raising funds in support of the Joffrey's short and long-term artistic programming, Community Engagement and Academy educational programs, students, artists and projects.  

The Director of Development ensures contributed revenue goals are met, nurtures a philanthropic culture, and manages fund development in support of the Joffrey's mission and the Artistic Director's vision. This position implements strategies to grow donor pipeline and contributions, maintains systems for fundraising, and oversees volunteer and donor relations. The Director of Development oversees direct fundraising and programs, and manages a dynamic contributed revenue team. The Director of Development builds relationships to support the Joffrey’s commitment to diversity, accessibility, and artistic excellence.  

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.

The Joffrey Ballet is seeking Teaching Artists to join our Community Engagement team. Community Engagement Teaching Artists (TAs) are independent contractors who teach exceptional arts education classes for Chicago Public Schools through in-school programming in multiple styles of dance including African, ballet, hip hop, jazz, and Latin. TAs offer highly structured dance experiences, encouraging students to develop technique, creativity, and life skills. Programs often last the full school year, though shorter residencies occur.

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.

The Joffrey Academy of Dance Teaching Artist (TA) is an independent contractor who teaches exceptional arts education classes for the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. We are looking for TAs who are adaptable, demonstrate knowledge and preparedness, care about all students, create a joyful atmosphere, and are experts in their style(s) of dance. TAs provide instruction in one or more of the many styles of dance taught at the Joffrey Academy including, but not limited to ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, character, hip hop, jazz, Pilates, and West African, as well as adaptive classes for neurodiverse students. TAs offer highly structured dance experiences, encouraging students to develop technique, creativity, artistry, confidence, discipline, and life skills. Programs run throughout the academic year from fall through spring, with separate programs offered in the summer months. Our student body includes individuals from early childhood to senior adults.

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.

Please note that we are regularly looking for Teaching Artists to join our Academy. When you submit your materials, we may not reach out to you right away. That said, if there is alignment with your skills and experience and the classes we are looking to fill, we will reach out to you. 

We receive and review audition material throughout the year.  If you wish to be considered for a possible position with the Joffrey Ballet Artistic Team, please complete this form and include your CV, photographs and headshot, and artistic reel.  The Joffrey no longer accepts auditions submitted by postal service or courier delivery.

The Joffrey’s Company Pianist collaborates with the General Manager, Artistic Director, and Music Director to support the Music Department. The Company Pianist prepares and performs music for daily classes, rehearsals, and performances, ensuring all sessions are covered. This role also participates in tours and special events, helps maintain the music library, and provides musical expertise for planning and special projects.

TO APPLY: please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your application materials.