Job description

Division of Dance

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, we take pride in collaboration across the divisions of music, dance, and theatre, and in advancing the integration of art forms through performance, teaching, and creative work.

Job Description

This position strengthens the core of the Dance Division’s modern technique instruction. We seek an artist-teacher grounded in an established modern and contemporary dance technique who can teach that technique at all levels, bring expertise in additional specialty areas, create original choreography for our students, and direct one Conservatory dance concert each year.

The UMKC Conservatory invites applications for a full-time,12-month, non-tenure-track, benefit eligible academic appointment as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Modern Dance, beginning fall semester 2027.

We seek a teacher and choreographer whose command of an established modern dance technique anchors the training of dancers at every level, and whose professional performing experience informs daily work in the studio. The successful candidate will understand technique as the foundation of a dancer’s artistry and expressive range, and will contribute to the performance, academic, and service life of a Conservatory within a public research university.

Primary Responsibilities…

• Teach courses in modern dance technique and the history of modern dance.
• Teach courses in at least two specialty areas (e.g., composition, jazz, modern repertory, pilates/yoga, contemporary partnering, analysis of movement, kinesiology, or world dance forms).
• Create original choreography for students.
• Direct one Conservatory dance concert annually.
• Contribute to the performance, academic, and service environments characteristic of a Conservatory within a university.
• Enrich the cultural environment of the Kansas City metropolitan community.
• Participate actively in the intellectual life of the Conservatory and university by serving on graduate and faculty committees, as well as engaging in other Conservatory activities.
• Other duties as assigned, based on the candidate’s strengths and the needs of the institution.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must provide evidence of:

• Successful and innovative experience as a teacher in an established modern dance technique (e.g., Horton, Graham, Cunningham Technique, or Limon).
• The ability to teach all levels of technique.
• Documented expertise in at least two specialty areas (e.g., composition, jazz, modern repertory, pilates/yoga, contemporary partnering, analysis of movement, kinesiology, or world dance forms).
• Significant professional performing experience and reputation at the regional or national level.
• A strong commitment to teaching and mentorship.
• An MFA degree in dance, or equivalent professional experience.

Other Information

About the UMKC Conservatory

The UMKC Conservatory is a vibrant community of artists, educators, and scholars located in the heart of Kansas City’s thriving arts corridor. Committed to excellence, innovation, and equity, the Conservatory prepares students to become leading performers, educators, conductors, and scholar-artists. As part of an R-1 public research university, the Conservatory offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and global impact.

We seek candidates who:

• help build the future of performance, education, and research in the performing arts;
• demonstrate a growth mindset, with an understanding that learning is an ongoing process;
• believe that art has the power to help us understand ourselves, each other, and our culture while empowering us to move that culture forward;
• engage in work that appeals to, and positively impacts, the global population;
• adapt to the opportunities in their regions, and work within frameworks that embrace transdisciplinary possibilities.

Candidates are encouraged to read the Conservatory’s mission, vision, and principles here: https://conservatory.umkc.edu/about-us/vision-mission-principles.htmlFor more information about the Conservatory, please visit <www.conservatory.umkc.edu>

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC’s campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children’s Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be “Kansas City’s university,” and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.

It is the fundamental policy of UMKC to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, Veteran status or disability status in all education, employment and contracted activities. All final candidates will be required to successfully pass a Criminal Background Check prior to beginning employment.