Position Title
Circus Arts Programs Coordinator (new position)
About Madison Circus Space
Madison Circus Space (MCS) is a nonprofit organization and dedicated circus facility. MCS provides key infrastructure, including studio space, mats, equipment, rigging, procedures, and policies to ensure that those in our community who want to learn circus can do so in a safe way. MCS hosts high-quality teachers who lead robust circus education programs. MCS brings people from different backgrounds together and fosters connection.
Position Summary
This dedicated point person will coordinate community partnerships, support creating additional classes that serve youth, and streamline and energize an existing volunteer base to assist with this growth. This position means that there will be more opportunities for the community to safely participate in activities at a space specifically built for circus and movement arts. This position will help share MCS’s resources with the community by expanding our reach.
Position Type: Part-Time Hourly, 20 hours/week
Position Salary/Wage $23/hour = $23,920 annually
Membership benefit: In addition to the hourly compensation noted above, the person in this position will be eligible for a no-cost MCS membership. If this person participates in activities that require additional approval (e.g. aerial activities), they will be required to successfully complete the additional application process. Full membership information available here.
How to apply: Fill out the online application: https://forms.gle/HjDAtiGw7Ase7pSq9
Position Description
MCS has reached the capacity of what a volunteer board can achieve in terms of programming, outreach, and volunteer management. This Circus Arts Program Coordinator will be MCS’s first staff position. This position, by design, will generate revenue for the organization, expediting our pandemic recovery efforts and exponentially increasing programs at Madison Circus Space. Since we opened in 2013, we’ve watched clubs inspire classes, classes inspire shows, shows create interest in clubs and classes, new people become members, volunteer energy increase, and the cycle of circus enthusiasm grow! We know that this position, supported by our strong volunteer base, will infuse this cycle.
We are excited to offer more programming, which means more opportunities for the community. Many of the classes currently offered sell out with minimal advertising, especially youth classes. We hope that with a dedicated role, we will be able to expand class offerings and include movement practices that aren’t currently offered at MCS.
Position Roles and Responsibilities
The Madison Circus Space Circus Arts Programs Coordinator will generate revenue for the organization by supporting three key functions: supporting partnerships for diverse programming, expanding youth programming, and managing volunteers.
- Support partnerships for diverse programming – MCS is a facility designed for circus, dance, and movement arts. This person will strategically connect with instructors and groups that could utilize studio and rehearsal space while increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion at MCS. This position will:
- Work with community organizations and area schools to plan and implement outreach activities, such as circus demos and mini workshops at area schools and community organizations.
- Maintain and build partnerships that result in diverse offerings across a spectrum of circus and movement arts.
- Expand youth programming – Research shows that circus arts offer unique benefits to youth. Teaching youth requires additional training that many of our resident instructors do not yet have. This position will:
- Plan a youth teacher training for current and new instructors.
- Organize school demos and mini workshops, such as a youth circus sampler workshop. These public workshops are the best way to sample a variety of circus arts in a safe, supportive atmosphere.
- Lead further development of youth programming.
- Support marketing efforts for current and new youth classes.
- Manage volunteers – MCS has been volunteer-run since its inception in 2013. Many of our volunteers are at maximum capacity, and preventing burnout is essential. This position will:
- Create and maintain a volunteer database.
- Plan and host volunteer events, such as work parties.
- Support the gratitude committee in thanking and acknowledging volunteers.
Key qualities, skill, attributes:
- Contribute to a culture of inclusion and diversity.
- Demonstrated experience with relationship-building, partnerships, and collaboration, particularly with people or communities who are Black, Latinx, living with disabilities, financially challenged, and/or historically marginalized.
- Practicing artist/teaching artist, preferably in circus or movement arts. Experience working with youth is preferred.
- Self-directed, demonstrated ability to take initiative on creating new projects from start to finish.
- Experience with event planning and organizing.
- Strong communication and coordination skills. Responsive and good at talking about MCS.
We want to find the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t think you meet every one of the desired qualifications for the job.
Work environment: A mix of remote and in-person work (in-person for outreach events in community, events at MCS, tabling at community events, etc.)
Working hours: Flexible schedule (e.g. correspondence), but must be able to work in-person events.
This project is supported in part by the Madison Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
Anticipated hiring timeline (approximate):
- October 17, 2022 – Position Listing posted, open recruitment for 1 month
- November 14, 2022 – Close application
- Mid-November / early December 2022 – Candidate screening and interviews
- Early- to Mid-December – Hire and onboard candidate
- December 2022 – December 2023 – Employed programs coordinator implements programming with AAW support
- December 2023 and beyond – Sustain and expand the programs coordinator role
