Company Manager

About The Joffrey Ballet

Considered one of the premier dance companies performing today, the Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as one of the largest dance companies and dance education providers in Chicago and the greater Midwest region. The Joffrey expresses an inclusive perspective on dance that reflects the diversity of Chicago through its Company Artists, Academy and Community Engagement programs.

The Joffrey Ballet believes in the positive, transformative power of the arts. Our mission is to promote dance through an unwavering commitment to high-quality performances, education, and innovation. Our commitment to "Joffrey For All" forms pathways for every person to experience the joy of dance.

The Joffrey Ballet is an equal opportunity employer, providing opportunities to candidates and employees without regard to race, religion, creed, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability unrelated to an individual’s ability to perform adequately, national origin citizenship, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the role

The Company Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration, communication, care, and logistical support of Joffrey Ballet company artists. This temporary position provides parental leave coverage and serves as a primary point of contact for dancers, helping ensure that rehearsals, performances, payroll, medical coordination, travel, contracts, and other company activities run smoothly. The Company Manager works closely with the General Manager, Artistic staff, Production staff, Human Resources, Finance, medical providers, union representatives, guest artists, and other internal and external partners. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, responsiveness, and the ability to remain calm and organized in a fast-paced performing arts environment.

What you'll do

Include but are not limited to the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Daily Company & Dancer Management

• Serve as a primary day-to-day contact for company artists, responding to questions, concerns, requests, and operational needs in a timely and professional manner.
• Manage dancer communications related to schedules, calendars, absences, requests, rehearsals, performances, fittings, special events, and other company activity.
• Provide onsite company management coverage for rehearsals, technical periods, performances, and other artistic activities as assigned, in coordination with other department members.
• Coordinate artist-focused programs and activities, including scheduled CAPP (Company Artist Pathway Program) lunch-and-learn sessions.
• Maintain accurate artist rosters, records, paperwork, and departmental documentation.

Union, Payroll & Artist Administration

• Apply working knowledge of AGMA agreements, rules, and practices in daily company operations and communications.
• Prepare and process dancer payroll information accurately and on schedule, coordinating with Payroll and Human Resources as needed.
• Support waivers, artist contracts, non-reengagement processes, and other union-related documentation under the direction of the General Manager.
• Maintain awareness of applicable IATSE, musician, and other collective bargaining agreement requirements when coordinating cross-departmental work.
• Prepare guest artist and dancer contracts for review and signature by the appropriate authorized representative; track execution and maintain complete records.

Medical & Workers’ Compensation Coordination

• Coordinate artist injury reporting, medical appointments, provider communication, and related follow-up in partnership with Human Resources and Artistic staff.
• Monitor workers’ compensation activity and maintain clear, timely communication with Human Resources and other appropriate parties.
• Provide daily artist status updates to designated Artistic staff while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Confirm required medical coverage and provider arrangements for performances and other company activity.

Artistic & Production Logistics

• Coordinate company management logistics for rehearsals, performances, guest artists, supernumeraries, auditions, fittings, and special events.
• Provide backup support for rehearsal and performance scheduling as assigned.
• Work across Artistic, Production, Wardrobe, Music, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, and other departments to resolve day-to-day logistical needs.
• Anticipate operational issues, communicate changes clearly, and help identify practical solutions that support artists and the production schedule.

Touring & Travel

• Support domestic and international tour planning and company logistics, including hotels, flights, ground transportation, per diems, rooming lists, travel documents, and artist communications.
• Prepare and maintain tour schedules, travel packets, contact information, and related operational materials.
• Provide company management support during travel and on tour as assigned, coordinating closely with the General Manager, Production team, and tour partners.
• Assist with planning and preparation for upcoming tour activity, including Paris and other engagements, as needed.

Contracts, Visas & Immigration

• Assist with dancer and guest artist contracting, including preparing documents, tracking signatures, and maintaining complete records.
• Coordinate immigration and visa processing with the General Manager, artists, agents, legal counsel, and other partners; prepare supporting materials for authorized signature.
• Monitor immigration timelines and documentation requirements and communicate clearly with affected artists and internal stakeholders.

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile departmental expenses, company credit card activity, petty cash, artist payments, per diems, and other company management transactions.
• Track production and touring expenses and support accrual and payment coordination with Finance and the General Manager.
• Maintain organized records and complete administrative projects accurately and on deadline.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the Joffrey.

Qualifications:

Relevant professional experience in ballet, dance, performing arts, touring, company management, stage management, artistic administration, or a closely related environment. Demonstrated experience supporting artists and managing complex schedules, logistics, and sensitive personnel matters. Familiarity with AGMA or other unionized performing arts environments is strongly preferred. Touring experience and experience with artist contracts, payroll, workers’ compensation, medical coordination, and immigration or visa processes are preferred. Excellent organization, attention to detail, written and verbal communication, interpersonal judgment, and independent problem-solving skills are required. The successful candidate must be calm, collaborative, flexible, discreet, and able to integrate quickly into an established team. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn department-specific systems are required. A demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility is required.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time, temporary parental leave-coverage position. The schedule varies with rehearsal, performance, technical, travel, and artist needs and will include evening and weekend work. The role requires regular onsite presence for company activity, with limited remote work based on the production schedule and department needs. Travel may be required. The selected candidate should be available for an overlap and transition period before assuming primary coverage responsibilities.

Applicable Physical Capabilities:

General mobility is required in office, rehearsal, backstage, theater, and touring environments, including the ability to navigate stairs and performance spaces. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, periods of standing and walking during rehearsals and performances, and the ability to operate standard office equipment. Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds. Strong visual and auditory acuity and excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. Local and out-of-town travel may be required.