Education Manager

Founded in 1972, the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is a multidisciplinary urban arts center based in Southeast Queens. Our mission is to offer quality visual and performing arts programs, and to provide accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. We operate two landmark buildings: the Jamaica Arts Center, with five floors of galleries, artist studios, rehearsal spaces, flexible spaces, a studio theater and office space; and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat, flexible proscenium theater with offices and other spaces. In June 2024, JCAL adopted a new five-year Strategic Plan that establishes the following core goals:

• Activate JCAL as a creative home for Queens and a singular cultural anchor for New York City.
• Deliver a balanced continuum of programs that “super-serves” artists, learners, and audiences.
• Build brand and reach via simple, memorable, consistent messaging amplified through deep community partnerships.
• Engage, empower, resource, and equip the whole of the organization for the purpose of revenue generation.
• Promote shared responsibility and leadership at every level of the organization.

Consistent with our Plan, JCAL is hiring an Education Manager. The Education Manager plays a crucial role in developing, implementing, and overseeing educational programs that align with the arts center’s mission and Plan. The position manages arts education initiatives for diverse age groups, develops curriculum, builds community partnerships, and ensures high-quality experiences. The Education Manager also collaborates across departments to support JCAL’s public programming and outreach efforts, focusing on community engagement and fostering a love for the arts.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Program Development & Management:

• Design, implement, and evaluate arts education programs for various age groups and skill levels, including classes, workshops, and school/community-based programs;
• Work closely with teaching artists to ensure alignment of curricula with educational standards and JCAL’s mission;
• Develop and manage schedules, enrollment processes, and logistical planning for educational programming;
• Integrate community needs to ensure accessible, inclusive programming;
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of teaching artists and guest artists;
• Stay informed on arts-education trends and recommend program adjustments and new initiatives.

Community Engagement & Partnerships:

• Cultivate partnerships with schools, senior centers, community organizations, and local institutions to expand program reach and impact;
• Represent JCAL at community events, advocating for the value of arts education;
• Work closely with senior staff to develop strategies to increase participation in educational programs, especially among underserved populations.

Administration & Budget Management:

• Develop and manage education budgets, monitor expenses, and identify growth opportunities for educational programs;
• Assist with development and implementation of new CRM for program registration;
• Support data collection, track participation metrics, and prepare reports on program outcomes and challenges;
• Collaborate with marketing team to promote education programs through various channels, including contributing content for newsletters, social media, brochures and collateral;
• Conduct assessments to measure program impact and participant satisfaction, using feedback to enhance educational program offerings.

Qualifications

• BA in Arts Education, Education, Arts Administration, or a related field;
• 3+ years of experience in arts education program management, curriculum development, or similar roles within cultural or community organizations;
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and working with diverse communities;
• Strong understanding of arts education principles and ability to translate artistic concepts into educational experiences;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with collaborative approach to problem-solving:
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with online educational tools and CRM systems.

It is not necessary for a candidate to meet 100% of the qualifications for this role to be seriously considered. If you believe that you could excel in this position, we strongly encourage you to apply.

To apply, please submit in a single PDF: a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in this role, detailing your relevant professional experience; a professional resume no more than two pages; and three professional references, with contact information.

JCAL, an Equal Opportunity Employer, honors the values of its board-approved Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Plan, with the goal of building and nurturing a culturally diverse, community responsive team. We warmly welcome all eligible applicants; candidates who identify as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color) are encouraged to apply.