Executive Director of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

Executive Director, Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

The executive director is responsible for the management and success of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment.

The executive director provides leadership that ensures excellence in curriculum design, scholarly activity, instructional delivery, assessment, and outcomes. The responsibilities also include recruitment, appointment, evaluation, reappointment and professional development of faculty and staff; cultivation of an environment of continuous improvement as well as the development and implementation of new programs; budget development and management; and leading or supporting advancement initiatives. Additionally, the executive director is responsible for supporting an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion, and student success.

 

Responsibilities: 

  • Manages the overall operations of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in accordance with the University’s mission, core values, policies, and procedures.
  • Provides leadership for increasing student enrollment and supporting appropriate student retention efforts.
  • Plans and executes the budget, assuring that funds are requested for all necessary programs for the school. Assures that operations are executed within allocated funding.
  • Continuously works to improve educational programs. Provides leadership in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the programs.
  • Works with faculty to maintain appropriate accreditation and other standards.
  • Plays an important role in the strategic planning processes of both the school and the university.
  • Assures that adequate provisions are made to advise dance and entertainment students regarding their academic programs.
  • Actively engages in fundraising activities for the University and the school in accordance with Oklahoma City University’s Office of Advancement Policies and Procedures.
  • Assures that well qualified faculty are in place, assuring that new hires are adaptable to the school and university cultures, and that their qualifications meet professional accreditation standards.
  • Oversees faculty workload and performance issues. Coordinates with the Provost/VPAA on such issues as the promotion and tenure process, faculty development and evaluation, and faculty overload policies.
  • Assures that the school is organized efficiently to administer its academic and administrative programs and committees.
  • Maintains good relationships and represents the school with other academic and administrative offices on campus.
  • Maintains a presence in the local, state, national, and international communities. Represents the university and the school by engaging in public speaking and other roles as necessary.
  • Takes part in overall campus activities as appropriate and/or as directed by university senior management.
  • Assures that academic and administrative operations are administered in such a way as to foster responsiveness to students, faculty, senior university management, and other administrative activities in the University.
  • Takes a leadership role as a liaison between the school, the University, and the dance and entertainment community.
  • Develops and implements diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic programs and the faculty profile of the school.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications: 

The ideal candidate will possess a graduate degree in a discipline represented within the school or in a related field and five years administrative experience, preferably in arts leadership in higher education. The successful candidate will have demonstrated a track record of innovation, the ability to lead change, a proven background of designing programs that support positive learning outcomes, the ability to collaborate within the university community and the public-at-large, and experience leading equity-based initiatives. A minimum of three years full-time teaching experience at the college level is required.

Additional qualities include:

  • Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Respects the integrity of the varied needs of departments and degree programs as these relate to teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and service
  • Knowledge and understanding of tap, jazz, ballet, theatrical, and American vernacular dance
  • Works in a collaborative manner with faculty, staff, and administrators in an atmosphere of shared governance
  • Possesses the ability to develop and maintain relationships with external constituencies including donors, alumni, and community members
  • Accessible and transparent in interactions with students, faculty, staff, and administration

 

Opportunities and Challenges: 

Building for a future of long-term success

The next executive director for the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment will have the extraordinary opportunity to build upon the existing foundation and national reputation of the school in order to propel the program into its next era of excellence in academia and industry. The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment has a unique existing foundation in American dance with a focus on tap, jazz, ballet and arts management. These programs focus on professional preparation and career development while still adhering to the liberal arts core of Oklahoma City University. The director will help build a vision and strategy for the school that demonstrates commitment to a portfolio of programs relevant and responsive to changing demands and expectations in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment. The director will lead a team that prepares students for the current and future demands of multiple facets of the dance and entertainment industry.

Student experience and alumni engagement

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment attracts talent from around the nation and enjoys a strong alumni presence in multiple cities with thriving arts and entertainment industries such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando and Las Vegas. Alumni work in a variety of entertainment capacities reflecting the degree programs and entrepreneurial focus of the school. The next director for the school will strengthen the holistic student experience both in and out of the classroom ensuring students are mentally and physically prepared and job ready for a continually evolving entertainment industry upon graduation. Further, the director will work to engage with alumni and strengthen meaningful connections with the university community.

Faculty and staff support

Faculty and staff development, collaboration and support are critical components of the school’s formula for success. Fostering a work environment of mutual respect and collaboration between faculty and staff is essential to continue the success of the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment. Supporting and developing the resources necessary to deliver the exceptional academic and hands-on experience for students is a key priority for the next executive director. The executive director will have a strong artistic vision and good understanding of budgeting, finances and the business side of entertainment. They will bring a knowledge of the administrative side of higher education to support the growth and success of staff and faculty.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values of Oklahoma City University and the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. The next executive director will possess cultural competency and have a track record of implementing innovative programs and policies that support inclusiveness and belonging in the dance and entertainment industry.

Community partnerships and outreach

Aligned with the mission of Oklahoma City University, the next executive director will have an opportunity to strengthen and expand community partnerships and outreach providing opportunity for students, faculty and staff to serve our local community through exposure to the arts through a variety of programs.

 

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