Education Programs Manager

About the Department

Arts + Public Life (APL), an initiative of UChicago Arts, is a dynamic hub of exploration, expression, and exchange that centers people of color and fosters neighborhood vibrancy through the arts on the South Side of Chicago. As a neighborhood platform for arts and culture in Washington Park, APL provides residencies for Black and Brown artists and creative entrepreneurs, arts education for youth, and artist-led programming and exhibitions.

Job Summary

The Education Programs Manager reports to the Associate Director of Education Programs and assists with the day-to-day operations of Arts + Public Life’s Education department.  APL’s Arts Education Programs offer in-depth programming at apprenticeship and internship levels to cultivate creativity, social development, and leadership while inspiring to make a positive difference in their community through the arts. APL takes an integrated, process-based approach to community engagement, with local teens sharing authorship over projects informed by their expertise as South Side residents and directly impacting their communities. Programs level up over time as part of a tiered pathway that offers opportunities for access and exposure as well as supports dedicated to teens’ pursuit of careers in the arts—at and beyond APL. 

The Arts + Public Life Education Department has five programs:
- Backstage Production Program: an introduction to the fundamentals of theater production and stage management.
- Community Actors Program: an introductory performance program utilizing theater as a tool for community building and social change. 
- Design Apprenticeship Program (I+II): a design-based mentorship and skills-building initiative that encourages teens and young adults to invest in the improvement of the physical and social conditions of their community.
- Teen Arts Council: The council members work with university staff and local partners to develop projects at the intersection of arts administration and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Supports department leadership in ensuring that APL education mission, values, guidelines, policies, and procedures are implemented and maintained by all teaching artists and contracted staff.
• Helps keep teaching artists on track with planning requirements, deadlines, and meetings with community partners and APL staff. 
• Maintains accurate records of supplies and project-related expenses.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the four core education programs.
• Supervises the delivery, staffing, and distribution of daily teen meals.
• Coordinates the Teen Arts Showcase and other special projects.
• Serves as a liaison for existing community and school partnerships.
• Assists with scheduling regular planning meetings with community partners, schools, and teaching artists on an ongoing basis.
• Prepares program reports for partners and funders.
• Collects data and maintains accurate records in the database.
• Researches and analyzes data for program reports, grants, and project proposals.
• Attends department team meetings and APL staff meetings.
• Attends professional development workshops and other meetings with staff and community partners as required.
• Establishes participant recruiting, interviewing, and retention initiatives.
• Participates in APL Education program events.
• Uses general understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
• Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Working in education, arts administration, youth development, or teaching arts in Chicago.
• Working with youth ages 14-21 years old.
• Management and project coordination experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with After School Matters (ASM) programs/policies/procedures.
• Skills in developing culturally relevant and youth-centered curriculum and lesson plans.
• Familiarity with virtual learning environments and teaching strategies.

Preferred Competencies

• Supervise, coordinate and follow up on tasks with multidisciplinary instructors.
• Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Work with various communities, organizations, and educational institutions.
• Work in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Work independently, be flexible, and manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
• Strong classroom management experience.

Working Conditions

• Travel to campus and various community locations.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.