People’s Light in Chester County Seeks Director of Arts Education & Civic Practice

Opening: Director of Arts Education & Civic Practice

Contact Person: Erin Sheffield (sheffield@peopleslight.org)

Job Type : Full Time

Job Department : Education

Learn more and apply at peopleslight.org

BACKGROUND

Now in its 43rd season, People’s Light is a nationally recognized civic and cultural center with an award-winning theatre company at its core. Located in Chester County, PA, outside of Philadelphia, People’s Light is one of the largest and most successful arts organizations in its region. It is best known for its wide range of productions, development of new work, reciprocal engagement with diverse local communities, and its year-round education and youth programs.

All education programs at People’s Light currently fall under the title of “Arts Discovery”. These programs serve a diverse range of young people from communities and schools in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. Arts Discovery encompasses inschool residencies, primarily for students with cognitive differences; student matinees that bring students from 21 high schools to the theatre each year for free; a broad array of theatre arts classes for people from 5 to 70; New Voices Ensemble, a 10-month intensive ensemble program for students ages 7-18 years from the city of Chester, now in its 28th year; and special workshops and projects inspired by the needs of our community that move the theatre outwards from its 7-acre campus in Malvern to venues throughout the Delaware Valley.

The Director of Education & Civic Practice (DECP) will be a new position that marries the priorities and core programmatic goals of People’s Light with the individual’s expertise and vision. It is one of ten Senior Staff positions, and reports directly to the Artistic Director. This position is part of the Artistic Team and collaborates regularly with senior artistic and administrative staff to facilitate the successful integration of the artistic work of the theatre with its education and community programs. This position oversees all aspects – creative, administrative, financial - of all education programs of People’s Light. A part-time administrative position (not yet hired) will report to the DECP.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The DECP will craft and articulate a new vision for Arts Education and Civic Practice at People’s Light in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Producing Director. As part of People’s Light’s effort to increase and improve access to our campus for individuals of varied backgrounds, abilities, and interests, and to offer experiences that foster a stronger sense connection and empathy, the DECP will devise and implement programs that tie directly to this aspiration. The following are some of the DECP’s primary responsibilities:

• Communicate with schools and community partners to coordinate residencies and workshops
• Hire Teaching Artists, interns, and Teen Mentors; includes conducting interviews, maintaining appropriate clearances, creating contracts
• Make financial projections for each fiscal year; manage and meet project targets and budget goals
• Submit payroll, receipts, and check requests with the Finance Department
• Collaborate with Development Department in raising support for existing and newly imagined Education and Civic-focused programs
• Oversee facilities, equipment, supplies and materials used for Arts Discovery programs
• Maintain databases and department calendar, track program budgets and attendance
• Gather program documentation (written, photo, and video) for grant reports
• Maintain content on Arts Discovery portions of the People’s Light website
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department around all Arts Discovery programs. Includes providing visual or written content.
• Designs curriculum across age-range and ability
• Trains Teaching Artists in methodology specific to People’s Light programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Each individual brings a different mix of professional and personal experience with the intersect of art, learning, and citizenship. We envision top candidates will possess many, but not all, of the qualifications below. 

• • At least five years’ experience in teaching/arts education
• • Professional theatre experience
• • Experience in both an administrative and management capacity
• • Experience in community organizing
• • Project management; able to prioritize the needs of multiple, simultaneous projects; meet deadlines
• • Excellent skills in hospitality. This is a critical part of the organizational culture
• • Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• • Working knowledge of Tessitura
• • Able to synthesize and communicate information clearly and in a timely manner for a variety of audiences (parents, teachers, students, etc.)
• • Able to collaborate and communicate effectively with personnel in every department
• • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be able to pass Child Abuse, PA Criminal, and FBI background checks
• • A self-starter able to work independently, proactively, and with a positive attitude
• • Passion for live theatre and for working with youth
• • Strong vision about community engagement
• • Demonstrate a commitment to Equity and Inclusion

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary commensurate with industry standards, including full benefits.

People’s Light seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Chester County and our surrounding community. Applicants from populations historically underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply. People’s Light is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applications without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or veteran status.