Galway Community Circus is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Trainerto lead our circus training programmes for young people and adults. This exciting role will shape the future of our teaching practice - developing our curriculum, supporting and mentoring trainers, and ensuring an inspiring, inclusive learning environment for all.
If you’re an inspiring circus educator with strong technical skills, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for empowering others through circus, we’d love to hear from you.
Roles and Responsibilities
Sectoral Support
- To act as a champion and leader for the development of Youth Circus teaching in Ireland
- To provide advice around teaching to other Ireland-based Youth and Community Circus organisations
Development
- Work with Galway Community Circus’s CEO to:
- Develop GCC’s curriculum for youth circus and adult circus
- Design and deliver a structured training programme for both internal and external GCC trainers
- Develop tools for monitoring learner progression during classes
- Develop best practice guides and assessment tools to influence the quality of teaching of Youth Circus for the sector
Co-ordination and People Management
- Oversee the day-to-day running of the programme to ensure that learners feel welcome, respected and that they belong at GCC
- Ensure students are attending classes appropriate to their level
- Ensure trainers are aware of their duties and responsibilities
- Deliver training-for-trainers and peer mentoring
- Lead regular trainer planning meetings, and provide reports to the CEO
- Oversee evaluation of youth and adult circus programmes
- ESC (European Solidarity Corps) Supervision. Overseeing 3 new volunteer trainers annually.
Communication
- Communicate curriculum with trainers delivering it
- Collate feedback from trainers/learners/space users and ensure it is acted upon
- Attend internal and external meetings as appropriate
- Maintain systems to ensure both trainers and reception know who is booked to teach, keeping reception updated of any changes
Teaching
- Deliver GCC training-for-trainers as needed
- Teach a range of skills from beginners to advanced level
- Teach during youth and adult circus classes and outreach programmes, and participate in other GCC projects as appropriate
Health and Safety
- Ensure that learners feel safe (both physically and emotionally) when attending GCC activities
- Report health and safety, equipment and maintenance needs to Technical Manager
Skills and Qualifications
Essential
- Ability to teach a variety of aerial, acrobatic, manipulation and balancing skills, with at least one specialisation to a high standard
- Experience in teaching skills on a regular basis
- Ability to structure routines and work creatively towards performances, as well as honing skills
- Knowledge of fitness techniques, healthy conditioning, stretching, specific for circus arts
- Excellent communication skills
- Good timekeeping
- Ability to structure courses and plan progressions
- Ability to manage other teachers
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Positive attitude
- Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends
Desirable
- Teaching qualifications
- Experience in leading a team
- First Aid qualification
- Rigging experience
- Clean driving licence
Galway Community Circus is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those who are underrepresented in the arts.You must be legally authorised to work in Ireland to accept this role.