Learning Engagement Manager (In-school programming)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Learning Engagement Manager (In-school programming) leads Arena Stages in-school partnerships and school-based learning initiatives serving as the primary liaison between Arena Stage and partner schools educators and district leaders. This role oversees the design and delivery of curriculum-aligned in-school learning programs and residencies and leads coordination of the Performing High School Alliance ensuring strong alignment between school communities and Arena Stages artistic programming.

The Learning Engagement Manager plays a key role in expanding access to theater-based learning strengthening long-term educational partnerships supporting student voice and leadership pathways and advancing earned and contributed revenue opportunities connected to school-based programming.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Curriculum Development

• Design implement and evaluate STEAM-integrated in-school workshops and residencies aligned with Arena Stage productions and educational priorities.
• Develop curriculum that supports diverse learners and aligns with state and federal education standards.
• Build scalable learning programs that support grant proposals and can be offered as fee-based services to schools and districts.
• Create educational materials to support classroom integration and student engagement.
• Serve as a teaching artist

School Partnerships & Relationship Development

• Build steward and expand strong partnerships with public charter and independent schools across the region.
• Collaborate with school administrators district leaders and educators to co-design impactful responsive programming.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for school partners coordinating communication scheduling and program logistics.
• Represent Arena Stage at school-based community and civic events related to education and youth engagement.
• Maintain active relationships with regional schools districts and educational partners to support the growth and sustainability of in-school learning initiatives.

Performing High School Alliance

• Lead the coordination and growth of Arena Stages Performing High School Alliance.
• Manage school recruitment partner relationships and program scheduling for Alliance activities.
• Support student participation across performances workshops artist interactions and special events.
• Collaborate with Artistic and Learning teams to ensure meaningful integration of student voice and artistic exposure.

Mentorship & Team Collaboration

• Mentor and supervise fellows and interns within the Learning Division supporting professional development and program execution.
• Work closely with the Learning Engagement Manager for Out-of-School Programs to ensure alignment across youth learning initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Community Engagement Artistic Marketing Development and Operations to support cross-departmental initiatives and special projects.

Business Administration & Reporting

• Partner with the Learning Engagement Associates to manage program budgets contracts invoicing scheduling and documentation related to school-based learning initiatives.
• Provide oversight and guidance to ensure administrative workflows are accurate timely and aligned with institutional processes.
• Ensure clear consistent communication with Business Development and Sales teams to support operational efficiency fundraising and earned-revenue goals.
• Review participation data and program outcomes in partnership with Learning Engagement Associates; contribute to evaluation and reporting tied to institutional priorities and external funding requirements.
• Ensure programs align with Arena Stages DEAI commitments and accessibility standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Theatre Education Applied Theatre Youth Education or a closely related field
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in arts education school partnerships or education program management.
• Demonstrated experience working with K-12 schools educators and students.
• Strong organizational communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production-driven environment.

Preferred

• Experience working within a professional theater or cultural institution.
• Familiarity with DC-area school systems and youth-serving networks.
• Experience supporting cohort-based or alliance-style student programs.
• Background in theater education applied theater or youth development.

Offers of employment at Arena Stage are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check and/or professional reference check as allowed by employment law in the District of Columbia.

Required Experience:

Manager