Framingham Youth Theatre (FYT) Summer Program Director

About the role

The Framingham Youth Theatre (FYT) Summer Program Director provides executive-level leadership, artistic vision, and administrative expertise, ensuring the successful development and execution of a premier summer performing arts program. This role is responsible for the entire program lifecycle—from initial concept and staff recruitment to the final curtain call, ensuring a rigorous, inclusive, and high-quality experience for all participants.

Responsibilities

• Execute the vision, theme, and educational goals for the summer season, ensuring all components align with the District’s Fine and Performing Arts standards.
• Lead the recruitment and interview process for all summer staff; provide formal recommendations to the Office of Human Resources for the hiring of teachers, assistants, and technical staff.
• Manage the full student registration process, including monitoring enrollment trends, setting capacity limits for specific age groups, and ensuring all participant data is accurately maintained for safety and communication.
• Oversee the tracking of staff hours and the timely submission of all payroll documentation; ensure that staff compensation aligns with district contracts and approved program budgets.
• Collaborate with the District’s Transportation Department to organize bus routes, manage daily arrival and dismissal manifests, and ensure the safe transition of students to and from the program site.
• Manage the program budget, procurement of theatrical materials, and the efficient allocation of resources to ensure high-quality production within fiscal constraints.
• Oversee all technical and creative aspects of the final performances, including venue logistics, safety protocols, and front-of-house operations.
• Serve as the lead communicator for the program, managing high-level parent inquiries, community partnerships, and public relations for performances.
• Ensure strict adherence to district policies, state safety regulations, and student privacy laws (FERPA); act as the final decision-maker for on-site emergencies or behavioral interventions.
• Provide a comprehensive end-of-season report to the Director of Fine and Performing Arts, analyzing enrollment data, fiscal efficiency, and recommendations for future growth.

Requirements

Candidates holding a valid license from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) are preferred. Current employees of Framingham Public Schools are preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in theater education or professional production, with at least two (2) years in a high-level administrative or leadership role.
• Comprehensive expertise in theatrical production (acting, technical theater, and stage management) and a deep understanding of youth developmental stages.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Communication & Presentation: Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms; effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, parents, and the general public.
• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to inform decisions for student success.
• Relationship Building & Cultural Proficiency: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, caregivers, staff, and the community. Work with individuals and families of diverse backgrounds in an equitable, inclusive, and culturally proficient manner.
• Professionalism, Attendance & Adaptability: Maintain regular and punctual attendance to ensure consistent department operations and district-wide support. React professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations, such as behavioral issues or environmental changes, while maintaining a proactive, reflective, and solution-focused approach.
• Organizational Management: Work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage several projects simultaneously while maintaining strong organizational skills to balance the demands of a multi-tasking position.
• Compliance & Confidentiality: Perform duties with awareness of district requirements, state and federal laws, and Framingham Public Schools policies. Maintain appropriate confidential records in accordance with FERPA/603 CMR 28.00.
• Instructional Leadership: Apply knowledge of current research and theory in education. Demonstrate strong teaching, coaching, and leadership skills in a team setting.
• Technology: Operate and acquire skills in computer software, including Google Workspace, and use instructional technology appropriately to facilitate learning.

Physical Working Conditions

• Mobility & Navigation: Must move throughout school buildings and grounds frequently; navigate quickly across even or uneven surfaces to respond to student needs or emergencies.
• Stationary Tasks: Often remains in a stationary position for administrative tasks, such as reporting and data entry.
• Technology & Data: Ability to read and input digital and printed data (e.g., complex IEP/evaluative reports) using office productivity machinery.
• Manual Dexterity: Frequent use of hands/arms to operate technology and handle instructional or administrative tools.
• Physical Strength: Ability to lift at least 20 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, or medical/adaptive equipment).
• Sensory Requirements: Must see and hear on a continuous basis to ensure student safety in a dynamic environment.
• Working Environment: Works in a school setting with moderate-to-high noise levels; requires the ability to maintain focus amid frequent interruptions.
• Crisis Management: Ability to physically engage with and redirect students who exhibit challenging or aggressive behaviors to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Physical Stamina: Sufficient physical strength and agility to manage active behavioral interventions and ensure student supervision during periods of emotional dysregulation.
• Interaction Level: Must frequently sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to interact with early childhood students at their eye level.
• Physical Lifting: Ability to lift and/or move at least 40 lbs (e.g., lifting small children, moving play equipment, or utilizing adaptive medical equipment).
• Hygiene & Safety: Directly responsible for safety and well-being; includes potential exposure to bodily fluids or pathogens associated with early childhood care (e.g., diapering and toileting).

Reports to

The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Framingham School Committee Contract. Reports to: Director of Fine and Performing Arts (and/or designee).

EEO Statement

Framingham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Framingham Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the District has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits.