Associate Director of Education

Job Title: Associate Director of Education  

Reports To: Director of Education and Civic Practice

Location: On-Site

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, In-Person with occasional nights and regularly occurring Saturdays, with work weekly typically adjusted for a Monday or one other weekday off.

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

Position Summary:

This newly adapted role functions as both educator and connector across a range of learning environments, with particular emphasis on engaging participants who may have little or no prior experience attending or creating theatre. Whether working within schools or in out‑of‑school settings, this position centers communication and artistic practices that are personal, relevant, and accessible, recognizing these as essential entry points to inspiration and meaningful participation.

At People’s Light, the institution and Department of Education & Civic Practice prioritize community participation and civic engagement. Educational programming supports the creation and presentation of work that resonates with contemporary lived experience and invites dialogue. This role seeks innovative approaches to empowering young people to develop theatre‑making skills as tools for self‑expression, collective inquiry, and social engagement.

People’s Light’s continuum of educational opportunities builds technical skills in acting, writing, composing, devising, and design, while also intentionally scaffolding dramaturgy, collaboration, and community‑building practices essential to the creation of new, locally inspired theatrical work.

Key Responsibilities:

New Voices Program Director Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Director of Education & Civic Practice, define the annual scope of the New Voices program, including program activities, locations, participant populations, institutional resources, and external collaborators.
• Establish recruitment goals and strategies, including development of outreach  strategies, including requests for outreach and promotional materials.
• Recruit, enroll, and onboard program participants.
• Maintain student records, including rosters and emergency information, and communicate changes as needed.
• Coordinate transportation logistics, including communication with drivers.
  • When necessary, transport students using a 15‑passenger company vehicle.
• Maintain consistent communication with parents and caregivers regarding:
  • Program and rehearsal schedules
  • Performance details
  • Required permissions and releases
  • Requests for materials or support.
• Coordinate production needs with People’s Light staff.
• Promote participant attendance and engagement at performances and program events.
• Plan and manage hospitality for New Voices activities, including snacks and meals for full‑day programming and receptions or celebrations for milestones and culminating events.
• Supervise, or ensure supervision of, students during unstructured times, including meals, arrivals, and departures.

Resident Educator Responsibilities

• Develop strategy and provide instructional support for designated Arts Discovery productions each season, currently including two mainstage student matinees and two touring productions serving K–12 audiences across six or more counties annually.
• Create curricular and engagement resources for Arts Discovery productions in collaboration with the Director of Education & Civic Practice and Artistic staff, which may include:
  • Interactive classroom workshops (pre‑ and/or post‑performance)
  • Educator preview events
  • Written production guides and curricular materials
  • Video resources
  • Facilitated post‑performance discussions
• Serve as Teaching Artist and/or Facilitator for Arts Discovery programs.
• Provide training and instructional support to Teaching Artists, including guidance related to specific student learning needs.
• Lead the recruitment, supervision, and performance evaluation of Teaching Artists to support program effectiveness and professional growth.
• Manage all Teaching Artist administrative functions, including scheduling, contracts, and timely reimbursement.
• Attend selected touring venues to support facilitation, instruction, and relationship‑building.
• Greet and facilitate engagement at student matinee performances, as schedule permits.
• Participate in the annual Teacher Appreciation Event to support community‑building and reciprocal learning with educators
• Serve as a member of the Summer Studios team, contributing as a Teaching Artist and/or in a programmatic or administrative support capacity based on seasonal needs and individual strengths.

Cross-Departmental Responsibilities

• Oversee facilities, equipment, supplies, and materials associated with assigned education programs, including budget tracking and expense monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education & Civic Practice on documentation, assessment, and reporting for internal evaluation and external funders
• Collaborate as a key thought partner in the ongoing development and evolution of People’s Light education practices and programming.
• Participate in institutional planning processes, committees, and related People’s Light initiatives, in consultation with the Director of Education & Civic Practice.
• Support surrounding programs, new play development activities, community initiatives, and special events as assigned.
• Serve as a connector for new relationships, artistic collaborations, commissions, and season‑specific educational projects.
• Provide light stage management support for workshops or educational residencies, when needed.
• Represent People’s Light at school and community events, as appropriate.
• Perform additional duties as required to support seasonal and organizational needs.

Qualifications:

Required

• Demonstrated experience as a Teaching Artist, Educator, or Arts Administrator, with a focus on theatre education, youth development, or community‑based arts programming.
• Experience designing and facilitating arts learning experiences for youth, particularly in school‑based and/or out‑of‑school settings.
• Proven ability to work effectively with students from historically underserved or underrepresented communities, using asset‑based and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience with program coordination or management, including scheduling, logistics, and communication with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a cross‑departmental institutional structure.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel to schools or touring sites.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to transport students using a company vehicle, as required.
• Satisfactorily pass the PA State Clearance requirements.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional experience) in Theatre, Education, Arts Administration, or a related field.

• Experience leading multi‑year or intensive youth programs, including ensemble‑based or devised theatre processes.
• Supervisory experience, including recruitment, training, and evaluation of Teaching Artists or facilitators.
• Familiarity with curriculum design, learning standards, and assessment in arts education contexts.
• Experience collaborating with schools, school districts, or community‑based organizations.
• Knowledge of or experience with arts‑for‑social‑impact, civic engagement, or arts‑for‑health practices.
• Experience supporting production processes for educational or community‑centered performances.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work productively and communicate effectively with others- both within the organization and with external stakeholders and supporters.
• Strong problem-solving skills: ability to think quickly, critically and strategically.
• Organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, with the ability to focus simultaneously on both big-picture strategy and hands-on implementation.
• Ability to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that prioritize student voice, collaboration and creative risk-taking.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, be self-directed, and take initiative.
• Comfort working in evolving environments and responding creatively to shifting program needs.
• Ability to contribute thoughtfully to broader organizational planning, evaluation, and mission-driven work.

People's Light Theatre is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the People's Light community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome