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.

JCAL is reopening the search for a visionary and committed Education Manager. The candidate will play a crucial role in proposing, developing, implementing, and overseeing educational programs, projects, events, and initiatives that align with and complement JCAL’s mission and Strategic Plan.

From managing arts education opportunities for diverse learning communities of all ages, to evolving curriculum, building and maintaining community partnerships, and designing innovative, high-quality audience experiences, the Education Manager will collaborate across every department of JCAL to support public programming and outreach efforts, focusing on community engagement and fostering an appreciation for arts and culture.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

Program Development & Management:

• Collaborate with leadership on existing and new education initiatives within the arts course offerings as well as programs;
• Ensure orderly registration, effective implementation and evaluation of arts-education programs across age groups and skill levels, including classes, workshops, school and community-based partnerships as well as programs;
• Recruit, train, and manage a team of teaching artists, guest artists, and arts education content providers with regard to scheduling and logistics;
• Work closely with JCAL teaching artists to ensure alignment of dynamic curricula with first-in-class educational standards, and with JCAL’s mission and Strategic Plan;
• Implement community-informed values and priorities to ensure accessible, inclusive reflective programming;
• Stay informed on arts-education trends and recommend program adjustments and new initiatives.

Community Engagement & Partnerships:

• Cultivate partnerships with public schools, senior centers, and local organizations and institutions that will serve to expand the reach and deepen the impact of JCAL arts-education initiatives;
• Represent JCAL at local, community and citywide events, conferences, and symposia, and serve as a prominent advocate for the value of arts education in general;
• Collaborate closely with JCAL staff, especially senior staff, on strategies designed to increase participation in educational programs in Southeast Queens, and the borough as a whole.

Administration & Budget Management:

• Track, manage and analyze budgets and expenses, to inform future budget proposals;
• Act as a thought partner in identifying growth opportunities for educational programs, including fundraising efforts in support of them;
• 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 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.

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

You do not have to meet 100% of the qualifications to be considered for this role. If you believe you could excel in this position, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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.

06/24/2025