Director of Education

Position Summary

The Director of Education is responsible for the strategic vision, development, and execution of all educational programming within Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center. This position oversees the continued success and growth of Uptown Studio, the organization's award-winning theatre education program, while leading the expansion of educational offerings across the organization's core artistic pillars: Theatre, Music, Dance, Comedy, and Film.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate a diverse range of classes, camps, workshops, and performance opportunities across Theatre, Music, Dance, Comedy, and Film.
• Maintain and grow Uptown Studio, ensuring continued excellence in curriculum, enrollment, student outcomes, and artistic quality.
• Expand educational programming through collaboration with existing community and artistic partners.
• Continuously develop new and engaging curriculum offerings that reflect current industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure all educational programming maintains high artistic and educational standards.
• Supervise and support the Education Coordinator, providing leadership, mentorship, and direction for day-to-day educational operations.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate teaching artists, directors, instructors, and educational staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional culture within the education department.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to align educational programming with broader strategic objectives.
• Direct and/or oversee student productions, showcases, recitals, screenings, and performances.
• Coordinate staffing, scheduling, and logistics for all educational productions, camps, classes, and special programs.
• Ensure productions meet organizational expectations for artistic excellence and educational value.
• Develop and manage education program budgets in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Oversee scheduling, enrollment tracking, program logistics, and resource allocation.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and safety standards for educational programming.
• Monitor program performance and recommend improvements to increase impact and sustainability.
• Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, teaching artists, and partner organizations.
• Identify opportunities to expand educational offerings through strategic partnerships.
• Represent the organization at community events, educational initiatives, and industry gatherings.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization's educational mission and programming.
• Collaborate and support fundraising efforts for the education department and organization-at-large.
• Ensure a high-quality, accessible, and welcoming experience for all students and families.
• Address concerns, feedback, and challenges with professionalism and care.
• Cultivate an environment that supports student growth, creativity, and artistic achievement.
• Foster a sense of community among Studio families

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Arts Education, Theatre, Performing Arts, Arts Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 3–5+ years of experience in arts education, program management, or a related leadership role.
• Experience directing and/or producing theatrical productions and working with students of various age groups.
• Demonstrated success in program development, partnership cultivation, and educational leadership.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Passion for arts education and commitment to fostering inclusive, high-quality programming.