Join the Siren Family
Whether you perform, teach, lead, or volunteer, there is a place for you at SIREN – Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc., the award-winning African ecological arts organization and 2024 BAM DanceAfrica headliner.
Dancers, Musicians & Teaching Artists
Join a Dance Company with an Eco Heart!
SIREN is seeking dynamic, culturally knowledgeable, and passionate dancers, musicians, and teaching artists to join our growing artistic community. Rooted in African traditions and the experiences of the African Diaspora, SIREN brings together performance, education, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. Through dance, music, storytelling, and community engagement, we connect generations, celebrate African heritage, and inspire action to protect our planet.
We welcome accomplished artists as well as emerging performers with strong foundational training and a willingness to learn.
Opportunities: paid performances, rehearsals, school residencies, workshops, and community engagements.
1. Professional Dancers
We are seeking versatile performers with experience in one or more African and African Diasporic dance traditions, including:
Qualifications
- Strong rhythm, musicality, stage presence, and movement retention.
- Ability to learn choreography and work collaboratively within an ensemble.
- Interest in the cultural and historical contexts of African dance.
- Singing, acting, storytelling, and acrobatic skills are a plus.
- Availability for rehearsals, performances, and occasional community engagements.
2. Musicians & Percussionists
We seek musicians proficient in African traditional instruments, particularly percussionists experienced in accompanying live dance.
Desired experience
- Djembe, dunun, sabar, talking drums, bata, and other African percussion traditions.
- Knowledge of traditional African rhythms and their cultural significance.
- Ability to accompany dance rehearsals, performances, and educational workshops.
- Improvisation, ensemble collaboration, and musical arrangement.
Vocalists and multi-instrumentalists with African traditional music experience are encouraged to apply.
3. Teaching Artists
SIREN seeks experienced teaching artists to deliver culturally responsive African dance, music, and interdisciplinary arts education in NYC public schools, community centers, and intergenerational settings.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate engaging dance and cultural education workshops.
- Develop age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with educational objectives.
- Teach the historical and cultural significance of African dance and music.
- Integrate cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and community identity into artistic instruction.
- Support student choreography, rehearsals, and culminating performances.
- Participate in program evaluations and required documentation.
Preferred qualifications
- Professional training in African or African Diasporic dance or music.
- Prior experience working with children, youth, or older adults.
- Strong classroom management and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Willingness to complete required school-based background clearances and screenings.
Compensation
SIREN offers paid artistic engagements, subject to project funding and confirmed assignments.
Rates and engagement terms will be confirmed before work begins.
How to Apply
Email [email protected] with the subject line:
ARTIST APPLICATION – [Dancer / Musician / Teaching Artist]
Please include:
- Current artistic résumé or biography.
- Headshot or recent professional photograph.
- Performance reel or video demonstrating your work.
- Description of your artistic training and cultural specialties.
- Current availability for rehearsals, performances, or teaching assignments.
- Teaching experience and sample lesson plan, if applying as a teaching artist.
Selected applicants may be invited to an audition, interview, or teaching demonstration.
Applications: Rolling consideration
Download Job Posting (PDF)SIREN – Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc. is an equal opportunity organization. We welcome artists of all backgrounds who demonstrate respect for African cultural traditions and share our commitment to artistic excellence, education, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Help Shape the Future of African Ecological Arts and Environmental Justice!
SIREN – Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc., a Brooklyn-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008, is seeking committed, passionate, and engaged individuals to join our Board of Directors for a two-year term of service.
As we expand our educational programs, community partnerships, research initiatives, and cultural performances, we seek leaders who believe in our mission and are prepared to contribute meaningfully to our growth and long-term sustainability.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome professionals and community leaders with experience in:
Prior board experience is welcome but not required. A demonstrated commitment to our mission, accountability, and active participation is essential.
Position Details
- Position
- Volunteer Board of Directors (Unpaid)
- Term
- Two years
- Headquarters
- Brooklyn, New York
- Eligible locations
- NY, NJ, TX, CA, and Kenya
- Annual commitment
- $2,500 give-or-get
Geographic Eligibility
Applicants must maintain a valid mailing address in at least one of the following locations: United States: New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), Texas (TX), or California (CA); Africa: Kenya. Applicants must be able to fulfill the organization's virtual and in-person participation requirements, regardless of their primary location.
Responsibilities & Commitments
Board members serve a two-year term, providing consistent leadership, strategic guidance, and organizational support. Each year, board members commit to:
- 4 quarterly virtual board meetings
- 2 in-person organizational events
- 1 in-person board retreat in the United States (governance, financial sustainability, strategic planning, program development)
- 1 in-person board retreat in Kenya (international partnerships, African ecological arts, environmental justice, cultural preservation, strategy)
- Timely, professional responses to organizational emails, meeting notices, and official communications
Governance & Leadership
- Exercise responsible fiduciary oversight.
- Participate in organizational decision-making.
- Support strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest policies.
- Serve as ambassadors for SIREN's mission and programs.
- Demonstrate consistent engagement, accountability, and professionalism.
$2,500 Annual Give-or-Get
Each board member fulfills the annual commitment through one or a combination of:
Fundraising
Secure financial contributions, donations, or sponsorships benefiting SIREN.
Personal Contribution
Make a personal financial contribution toward the annual commitment.
Revenue Generation
Secure paid performances, workshops, arts education residencies, or other qualifying engagements generating revenue for SIREN.
This flexible commitment recognizes that board members bring different financial capacities, professional networks, and resources. As a recognized 501(c)(3), SIREN provides written charitable contribution acknowledgments for eligible financial donations; personal contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by applicable U.S. tax laws. Donations secured from third parties are acknowledged to the actual donors.
Why Join SIREN?
Be part of an organization that made history as the first U.S.-based African dance company to headline BAM's DanceAfrica Festival in 2024.
Help advance culturally grounded arts education, environmental justice, youth empowerment, and community resilience while contributing your leadership to an organization with a longstanding commitment to African heritage and ecological stewardship.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A current professional résumé or brief biography.
- A statement of interest explaining your connection to SIREN's mission.
- Your mailing address and preferred contact information.
- A brief description of the professional experience, networks, or resources you would bring to the board.
- Confirmation of your ability to fulfill the two-year term, annual participation requirements, and resource-development commitments.
Send applications and inquiries to the Board Secretary:
[email protected] with cc [email protected]
Email subject: Board of Directors Application – SIREN
We welcome individuals from diverse professional, cultural, and community backgrounds who share our commitment to responsible leadership, cultural preservation, and meaningful service.
Be Part of a Movement Where Art Meets Environmental Justice!
SIREN – Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc., an award-winning African ecological arts organization and headlining company of BAM DanceAfrica 2024, invites passionate, creative, and community-minded individuals to join our volunteer team.
Through African dance, music, storytelling, education, and community engagement, SIREN advances cultural preservation, environmental justice, and the protection of the Central African Rainforest. We believe the arts are powerful tools for building community, preserving ancestral knowledge, and inspiring meaningful social change.
Whether you are a student, working professional, retiree, artist, environmental advocate, or someone seeking to make a difference, there is a place for you at SIREN!
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Engagement & Outreach
- Assist with community workshops, cultural celebrations, and public events.
- Support outreach to schools, community organizations, and local residents.
- Help coordinate volunteer participation and community conversations.
- Assist with programs serving youth, families, and older adults.
Arts & Cultural Programming
- Support African dance and music workshops, rehearsals, and performances.
- Assist teaching artists with classroom materials and program preparation.
- Help with costumes, props, backstage coordination, and event logistics.
- Document and support cultural preservation activities.
Environmental Justice & Rainforest Advocacy
- Assist with educational campaigns addressing deforestation, climate change, and environmental justice.
- Support SIREN's Rainforest Guardians Youth Program.
- Help develop accessible educational resources and community awareness activities.
- Participate in outreach connecting environmental protection with cultural heritage.
Communications, Marketing & Digital Media
- Create social media content and promotional materials.
- Assist with photography, videography, and storytelling.
- Support website updates, newsletters, and community announcements.
- Help increase visibility for SIREN's programs and initiatives.
Fundraising & Development
- Assist with fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and special events.
- Research potential grants, sponsorships, and institutional partnerships.
- Support Giving Tuesday and other fundraising initiatives.
- Help prepare campaign materials and donor communications.
Research, Evaluation & Administration
- Assist with program surveys, data entry, and evaluation activities under staff supervision.
- Support research documentation and community-based information gathering.
- Help organize program records, schedules, and administrative materials.
- Assist with event registration and participant communications.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome individuals who:
- Believe in the power of African arts, culture, and environmental stewardship.
- Respect diverse cultural traditions and communities.
- Are dependable, collaborative, and willing to learn.
- Have strong communication, organizational, creative, or technical skills.
- Can commit to agreed-upon assignments and schedules.
No previous nonprofit or arts experience is required for many positions. Training and orientation will be provided as appropriate.
What Volunteers Gain
- Meaningful experience with an established African ecological arts organization.
- Opportunities to work alongside professional artists, educators, and community advocates.
- Practical experience in arts administration, environmental education, nonprofit management, and community engagement.
- Opportunities to develop professional networks and transferable skills.
- Volunteer service verification and letters of recommendation, when appropriate and based on demonstrated service.
- The satisfaction of contributing to cultural preservation and environmental justice.
How to Apply
Email [email protected] with the subject line:
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION – [Area of Interest]
Selected applicants will be contacted regarding orientation, placement, and available assignments. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Please include:
- Your name and contact information.
- Area or areas of volunteer interest.
- Relevant skills or experience.
- General availability.
- A brief statement explaining why you would like to volunteer with SIREN.
Some assignments, particularly those involving minors or vulnerable populations, may require additional screening or background clearance. SIREN – Protectors of the Rainforest, Inc. is committed to inclusion, cultural respect, and equitable volunteer participation.
Your Time. Your Talent. Our Collective Future. Dance. Culture. Conservation.