Director of Education and Community Engagement

Director of Education and Community Engagement

• Status:  Exempt, full-time position

• Reports to:  CEO

• Location:  Performing Arts Houston, Houston TX

• Salary:  starting in the 70’s + commensurate with experience

• Posted:  May 10, 2024, Open until filled

Performing Arts Houston is an equal opportunity employer – we value diversity. All are encouraged to apply. Strong candidates will work in alignment with Performing Arts Houston’s Mission and Values

The Director of Education and Community Engagement (ECE) is responsible for leading the comprehensive education, community, and extended programming for Performing Arts Houston (PAH), a non-profit multi-disciplinary presenter in Houston Texas. The Director of Education will work with the CEO, Director of Artistic Programs, Education Staff and ECE Committee to conceive, develop and execute a broad spectrum of effective, relevant, accessible, diverse and inclusive programs that promote awareness, arts education and appreciation of the performing arts aligned with our strategic plan. Director will oversee Education Manager, Interns, Volunteers, and Education Contract Employees.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Design and evaluate a full range of programs in collaboration with PAH season artists and community partners to authentically fit the needs of Houston’s diverse audiences and our community partners including Master Classes, Performance Preludes, Creative Chats, Family Days and Student Nights, Artist Residencies, and more.
• Oversee all aspects of in-school programs, including signature Collaborative Arts Project, Student Art Contest, and Teacher Workshops. Guide and build relationships with partner schools, design curriculum, and oversee teaching artists and volunteers for related programs.
• Develop and manage New/Now commissioning project, to include promotion of the program, facilitating the application and adjudication process, and providing hand’s-on support and counsel to commission awardees throughout their tenure as Performing Arts Houston artists, from initial contact through rehearsal and final performance logistics and coordination.
• Plan and lead ECE Committee meetings: developing content, dialogue, and participation with a broad group of individuals and community partners. Serve as Board liaison for Education department, presenting Education reports at Board meetings as needed.
• Develop and manage annual department program budget including the tracking of income and expenditures, reporting on its progress throughout the fiscal year.
• Build and maintain transformative relationships with education and community partners locally and regionally to include community groups, schools, colleges, cultural institutions etc.
• Maintain knowledge of and compliance with Texas curriculum standards and state requirements for lesson plans, study guides, and professional development.
• Monitor program effectiveness by gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative statistics, for use in evaluation, reports, grants and other funding proposals.
• Recruit, train and supervise Education staff, interns, volunteers and contract
• Oversee the Performing Arts Houston volunteer program, supporting ECE Manager as
• Facilitate and expand student matinee and student ticket
• Work with Marketing and PR to set priorities for materials, brochures, flyers, newsletter and social media content to promote participation in Performing Arts Houston education and mainstage programs. Oversee Education pages on PAH website.
• Collaborate with Development team to identify grant opportunities, and preparing proposals and reports.
• Participate, as a representative of PAH, in the broader arts education community attending relevant meetings, symposia, workshops and gatherings to include Arts Connect Houston and other community initiatives.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Essential Skills/Qualifications:

•  Hands on collaborative leader who can set a vision and direction and be part of the working team with their own projects and timelines that advance collective efforts
• A strategic and analytical thinker who can translate short- and long-term goals into practical, implementable plans of action tied to evaluation and key performance indicators
• Must be passionate about arts education and committed to making our patron experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as it is Knowledge of and experience with Houston’s arts and arts education communities a plus
• High degree of initiative, responsibility, administrative rigor, and attention to detail; ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple projects and deadlines
• A creative, collaborative spirit with a strong desire to embrace opportunity and build sustainable program structures
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends and occasional holidays
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience developing and implementing successful arts education programs
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
• Positive, cooperative work ethic and interaction with staff, board, guests and visitors
• Must have reliable source of transportation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Award Force, and facility with new software
• Must be able to lift 30 or more.

Key Relationships:
PAH team, PAH presented season artists, Education and Community Engagement Committee, external relationships with community partners.

Time Commitment:
Hours: 40+ hours per week / M-F 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. plus evenings and weekends

We’ve announced our 24/25 Season! There’s a lot to look forward to.

Performing Arts Houston seeks to become a mirror for the cultures and creativity of our city, and a window to the wider world of live performing arts. Since 1966 we’ve presented remarkable experiences in Houston’s theaters and venues.

How to Apply:

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included along with the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Applications will be accepted through email to employment@performingartshouston.org

Potential employees must pass a background check and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster.

Performing Arts Houston Provides:

Excellent benefits package with company-paid medical, dental, disability and life insurance provided to employee after 30-day period. Medical and dental coverage for employee’s family members is available through company policies at the employee’s expense.

403(B) Plan with employer matching credits beginning after one year of service. Parking in Theater District parking provided by the company.