Heat Seeking Director

The team recently postponed their auditions to a future date to be determined. I wondered why, until I came across this job posting. It looks like after five years as a Heat Dancer and another ten years as the team’s Director, Janine Thompson is heading off in another direction. Janine did an awesome job as the Director, taking them from run of the mill to one of the most popular dance teams in the NBA. I’m sure she will be greatly missed.

In the meantime, you know how it goes. Off with the old, on with the new. I wouldn’t be surprised if the organization already had their eye on a Heat or Dolphins alum for the position, but hey, you never know who will wind up with it. Whoever they select will have big shoes to fill.

*****JOB POSTING*****
(click here to view posting on Careerbuilder.com)

Position: Manager, Miami HEAT Dancers
Location: 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Employee Type: Part-Time
Industry: Entertainment
Manages Others: Yes
Job Type: Other
Education: High School
Experience: At least 3 year(s)
Division: Human Resources
Post Date: 7/21/2011
Contact Information: John Cervera

Essential Job Functions:

• Act as a liaison between the Miami HEAT Dance Team and the HEAT front office
• Recruit viable candidates for the Miami HEAT Dancers
• Coordinate the annual Miami HEAT Dancer Audition
• Will provide input and recommendations as to the hiring, firing and performance evaluations of employees on the dance team
• Investigate and notify Director, Game Operations and Special Events and Marketing Manager on matters of significance that relate to the Miami HEAT Dancers
• Coordinate choreography for all dance team performances and routines, establish game formations, and develop talent of dancers
• Schedule and manage rehearsals
• Work with Game Operations/Marketing on music selection and edits
• Work with Game Operations/Marketing to design and create costuming for the Miami HEAT Dancers
• Maintain inventory of costumes, props and accessories
• Manage all game night activities for Miami HEAT Dancers
• Responsible for maintaining dancer rehearsal hours and submitting to Marketing Manager for payroll processing
• Maintain good attendance and punctuality at all rehearsals, games and scheduled events.
• Special projects as assigned

Essential Requirements:

• Strong background in dance and choreography in a variety of styles, with emphasis on jazz and hip-hop
• Has good understanding of The HEAT Group Marketing strategies and team philosophies
• Able to connect with and understand the Miami HEAT fans
• Has an established knowledge of the NBA and the NBA standards
• Has management experience with strong leadership skills
• Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Work well within a collaborative group environment, build chemistry and have a strong sense of team
• Detail-oriented with excellent communication skills
• Able to take creative direction and feedback

Minimum requirement of high school diploma or general education degree (GED), college degree preferred. Additionally, a minimum of 3-5 years of choreography experience. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate with others in both oral and written form. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Must be fluent in English. Fluency in Spanish is desirable.