JOB OPPORTUNITY – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
1st October 2025
DU Dance (NI) invites applicants to become our next Artistic Director.
DU Dance (NI) is Northern Ireland’s only dedicated dance development company and has been in operation for over 24 years. It has a legacy of working with communities across Northern Ireland, the island of Ireland, UK and internationally. Our activities are recognised for their best practice and creative excellence.
The primary focus of DU Dance (NI)’s work is young people, but programmes may involve people of all ages. We introduce them to dance and the creative arts and advocate for dance as a tool for facilitating personal and social development. A critical part of our process is bringing individuals and communities together to seek creative solutions to artistic challenges. This demands and develops sophisticated social interaction and encourages personal growth. With performance as an integral part of the work, we provide access to innovative contemporary dance workshops and projects across communities which may often have limited or no dance provision, challenging traditional views of the relevance and value of dance.
THE ROLE
The Artistic Director will be responsible for setting the artistic vision and strategic direction for the company and ensuring the successful delivery of DU Dance (NI)’s work.
Ultimately reporting to the board, this is a leadership role requiring artistic excellence, advocacy, a strong personal drive, inspiring and inclusive team leadership and the ability to work and communicate well with our artists, communities, participants and stakeholders.
This is a significant moment in the company’s journey, as we look ahead to a new chapter of leadership following the stepping down of our founding Artistic Director, Mags Byrne.
Full details of the role can be found in the Artistic Director Application Pack
HOW TO APPLY
Closing date for applications is 11am on Monday 10th November 2025
To apply, please send the following documents to board@dudanceni.com with the subject heading:
Subject: DU DANCE (NI) – Artistic Director APPLICATION – <Your Name>
· Written personal statement
- Please send a written personal statement outlining why you want to be the Artistic Director of DU Dance (NI), outlining the qualities and experiences you would bring, and how they meet the criteria included in this document.
- Statements should be no longer than 3 A4 pages.
- Links to examples of your work can also be included in your application and will be welcomed.
· Your CV (max 3 pages)
· Referees
Names and contact details for two employment/professional referees. (Referees will not be contacted until candidates are invited to a second interview.)
· Completed monitoring form – download HERE
Please send the above to board@dudanceni.com by 11am on Monday 10th November 2025
(Documents can be in Microsoft Word or pdf format.)
If you would like an informal and confidential conversation about the role with the Chair, Rosamond Bennett or one of DU Dance (NI)’s Trustees prior to submitting your application, please contact board@dudanceni.com
If you have questions specific to the dance and community sector in Northern Ireland, please contact board@dudanceni.com and we will endeavour to answer any queries.
DU Dance (NI) is an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive place to work. If there are any barriers to you completing the application form or taking part in the interview process, please let us know. We can make adjustments to enable us to meet your needs throughout the recruitment process, as well as during your employment in the role.
DOCUMENTS
Artistic Director Application Pack PDF
Artistic Director Application Pack PLAIN TEXT