Lead Dance Instructor (Folklórico/Cultural Dance)
Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA)
Location: Salinas, CA
Employment Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (typically up to 15 hours per week; hours may vary based on program needs and funding)
Compensation: $25–$40/hour
Reports To: Program Manager and/or Executive Director or designee
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About ACFA
The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through arts education, cultural affirmation, and community engagement. We provide high-quality arts programming that develops artistic excellence while cultivating leadership, confidence, and community pride.
We are seeking a passionate, experienced Lead Dance Instructor to mentor youth and lead culturally responsive dance programming in a community-centered environment.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Dance Instructor at the Alisal Center for the Fine Arts (ACFA) provides engaging folkloric dance instruction that represents different regions and cultural traditions. This role builds students’ technical skills, confidence, and creativity while supporting rehearsals, performances, community events, and a safe, inclusive learning environment for youth participants.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Instruction
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate folkloric dance instruction representing different regions.
- Develop lesson plans aligned with program goals and applicable dance education standards.
- Create an inclusive, respectful, and positive classroom environment.
- Maintain participant supervision and accurate attendance records.
- Prepare students for performances, showcases, and community events.
- Participate in rehearsals, outreach events, and ACFA activities.
- Collaborate with staff and parents to enhance programming and student engagement.
- Provide approved photos of performances, showcases, community events, and other activities in which the dance group participates for program documentation and promotional purposes.
- Adhere to assigned class, rehearsal, and work schedules, and accurately record and submit time worked.
- Maintain confidentiality of participants and organizational information.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Submit purchase requests before purchasing materials.
- Submit reimbursement requests with supporting documentation (within approved amounts).
- Maintain accurate records and complete reports on time.
- Attend required meetings and professional development.
- Communicate professionally with students, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
- Never leave participants unsupervised except in accordance with approved program procedures.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.
- Immediately report injuries, accidents, suspected abuse, or safety concerns to the Program Manager or Executive Director.
- Follow ACFA child safety, supervision, and emergency response procedures.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of participants at all times.
CHILD SAFETY AND STUDENT SUPERVISION
- Regular, predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.
- Maintain appropriate classroom behavior using positive behavior management techniques.
- Communicate professionally with parents regarding student progress, attendance, performances, and program expectations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience teaching folkloric dance styles from different regions to students ages 8 and older.
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to use email, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other ACFA-approved technology platforms for communication and recordkeeping.
- Successful completion and continued maintenance of all required criminal background clearances prior to working with minors.
Preferred
- Degree in Dance, Education, Performing Arts, or related field.
- Community or nonprofit arts education experience.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
- CPR/First Aid Certification.
- Valid California Driver's License and reliable transportation when travel to assigned instructional or performance locations is required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Teach folkloric dance styles from different regions and adapt instruction for different learning styles, skill levels, and age groups.
- Build positive relationships with youth and families.
- Exercise professionalism and sound judgment.
- Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Stand and move for extended periods.
- Demonstrate dance movements.
- Bend, twist, kneel, and reach regularly.
- Lift and move instructional equipment weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Lift and move instructional equipment weighing up to 50 pounds rarely.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed at ACFA and may include schools, community centers, outdoor venues, and performance locations. Work may occasionally occur outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
COMPENSATION
Hourly Rate: $25.00–$40.00 per hour based on education, experience, certifications, and demonstrated teaching ability.
WORK SCHEDULE
- Hours are assigned based on program needs.
- Schedules may vary throughout the year.
- Evening and weekend availability may be required.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
- Support ACFA's mission, vision, and values.
- Serve as a positive role model.
- Maintain professional conduct and appearance.
- Comply with all ACFA policies and safety requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
ACFA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. ACFA reserves the right to modify this job description to meet organizational needs.Nothing in this job description creates an employment contract or alters the at-will employment relationship, where applicable.
Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
Language:
- English & Spanish (Required)
Work Location: In person
