Arts Education Programs Manager

Washington Performing Arts is a distinguished performing arts institution with over half a century of engagement with artists, audiences, students, and civic life. We present a wide array of artists and art forms, from classical music and jazz to international genres, in various venues and online. Our commitment extends to educational programs and community engagement, fostering connections through residencies and programs for young people and adults. Recognized with a National Medal of Arts and multiple Mayor’s Arts Awards, we are guided by our founder's motto: “Everybody in, nobody out.”

Washington Performing Arts seeks a dynamic and experienced performing arts administrator with a strong understanding of arts education within public schools and non-profit settings. The Arts Education Programs Manager will oversee and execute the organization's school-based arts education initiatives, including Capital Arts Partnerships (CAP), Concerts In Schools (CIS), In-School Artist Residencies (ISAR), DCPS All-City Ensembles (such as the Let’s Gogo Program and DCPS Dance Festival), and the Misbin Family Memorial Chamber Music Competition. This role involves serving as a key liaison for the DC Public Schools Arts team, teachers, administrators, organizational partners, and teaching artists. Responsibilities also include supporting external communications and contributing to data collection and reporting efforts. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid work schedule requiring at least three days per week in the office.

Manage the strategic implementation and logistics of assigned arts education programs, continuously evaluating and refining them to align with Washington Performing Arts' mission and partner goals. This includes day-to-day operations, program documentation, communication (in-person and digital), assessment, on-site management, staff support coordination, and statistical tracking. The role involves managing external inquiries, assisting with organizational messaging in collaboration with the Marketing team, and supporting data collection with the Advancement team. Communication will occur through social media, email, partner collaborations, and site visits. The manager will also support the management of arts education contacts in the Tessitura database and oversee program budgets by tracking expenses and participating in budget planning. Additionally, the position may require representing Washington Performing Arts at events and performing other assigned duties.

Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with diverse program constituents and partners, including public school leadership, administrators, faculty, teaching artists, and community organizations. Act as a liaison for these groups and represent Washington Performing Arts in internal and external meetings. Engage with Board members and committees to support programs, conduct community outreach to recruit schools for programs, and explore creative programming opportunities with community organizations. Develop strong ties within the DC Arts community by participating in relevant membership organizations.

Identify and train Teaching Artists for Washington Performing Arts programs in collaboration with the Arts Education team. Foster a professional learning community for the Teaching Artist cohort. Support contracting and payment processes by coordinating with finance and administrative teams. Conduct formal observations of Teaching Artists in various settings and provide constructive feedback. Assess professional development needs and coordinate at least two annual professional development sessions on relevant topics.

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree or four years of relevant professional experience, with an additional minimum of three years working with artists, educators, school systems, or community organizations. Proven project management and relationship-building skills are essential. Candidates must reside in the DC Metropolitan Area.

Essential capabilities include familiarity with various performing arts disciplines, experience navigating school systems, and specialization in curriculum development, assessment, or culturally responsive programming. Strong organizational, administrative, logistical, communication, and interpersonal skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, or similar business applications, along with persuasive communication and presentation abilities, is necessary. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, works effectively under pressure, and is committed to the organization's mission and culture. Ability to pass DCPS clearance, including background checks and drug testing, is mandatory.

This role operates in a general office environment, with occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. Some work will occur in schools, performance venues, and event locations. Occasional evening and weekend work is expected. The position requires the ability to work from the Washington, D.C. office a minimum of three days per week, as well as off-site for teleworking and at events as needed.

Washington Performing Arts offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans (with some 100% employer-paid options), HSA and FSA plans, employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance, and annual stipends for health & wellness and professional development. Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Program, 403B and Roth retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off, including 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, and up to 13 sick days annually. New parents are eligible for four weeks of paid maternity/paternity leave after one year of full-time employment. A pre-tax commuter benefit for public transportation is available. The organization observes 10 paid holidays and provides a winter and summer break closure. Employees also have opportunities to attend Washington Performing Arts performances.

Washington Performing Arts is committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the community it serves in its programming, board, and staff. We strive to create an environment where every employee feels welcome and motivated, embracing differences to better serve our mission. Our goal is to be a truly inclusive organization, embodying our founder's ethos of “everybody in, nobody out.”

Washington Performing Arts adheres to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, prohibiting discrimination based on race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Additional protections are provided under District of Columbia law for marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, or political affiliation. Employment decisions are made without regard to these protected characteristics.