Director of Programs

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
  
  
  

Position Title: Director of Programs

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: $75,000 – $90,000 DOE

Job Type: Fulltime In-Person (Exempt)

ARTS & LEARNING CONSERVATORY VISION

We exist to make high-quality arts equitable and accessible to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status. The Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) is a highly awarded, leading after-school arts provider in Orange County. Our programs are designed to set students up for success artistically, academically, and socially. Since our founding in 2004, we have reached over 30,000 children across Southern California through theatre, music, and technical arts education.

Position Overview

The Director of Programs is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the operational and artistic success of all ALC programs, including theatre, music, technical theatre, and in-school arts education. This position blends program administration, curriculum oversight, and grant management to ensure ALC’s offerings remain high-quality, mission-aligned, and financially sustainable.

The ideal candidate will have a proven background in education and arts programming, experience managing grants from application to reporting, and the ability to develop and oversee curriculum for diverse learners. This role requires strategic thinking, strong administrative skills, and the ability to build high-performing teams that enable the CEO to focus on advancing the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight & Curriculum Management

• Ensure efficient and effective operations of all ALC arts and education programs.
• Develop, review, and oversee the implementation of curriculum for all program areas, ensuring alignment with educational standards and ALC’s mission.
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, and administrative staff to deliver engaging, high-quality artistic programming.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve program delivery and consistency.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring continuous improvement.
  
  
  

Grant Management & Funding Compliance

• Identify, apply for, and manage grants that support ALC’s programs and initiatives.
• Track grant deliverables, budgets, and reporting deadlines to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Collaborate with the CEO, finance team, and development staff to align grants with program needs and organizational goals.
• Maintain relationships with funders, providing updates and showcasing program impact.
  
  
  

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop program staff and instructors.
• Recruit, onboard, and support administrative and teaching artists, ensuring alignment with ALC’s values.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Oversee staff training and professional development in alignment with organizational goals.
  
  
  

Operational Leadership, Efficiency, and Compliance

• Streamline and maintain administrative processes to support program excellence.
• Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and educational standards.
• Oversee program scheduling, facility usage, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate and enhance technology integration for program management, including learning management systems and registration platforms.
  
  
  

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets.
• Work with the CEO and finance team to manage contracts, payroll logistics, expenditures, and revenue tracking.
  
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Build and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and funders.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO on program impact, challenges, and opportunities.
• Represent ALC at events, meetings, and conferences.
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Arts Administration, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 6–8 years of experience in program administration, education leadership, or arts management, preferably in nonprofit settings.
• Proven experience in grant writing, management, and reporting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience in curriculum development and program evaluation.
• Budget management and financial tracking experience.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for arts education and youth development.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Work Environment: Office, theatre, classroom, and studio environments.
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in arts education.
  
  
  

How to Apply:

Submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Programs Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Arts & Learning Conservatory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) organization.