Director of Education and Engagement

The Moran Company•Cornelius, NC

2d•$80,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Education and Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for Cain Center’s education, ceramics, visual arts, and community engagement programs. This role guides a department that is growing quickly and entering an important next phase of development, ensuring programs are mission-driven, community-centered, and aligned with Cain Center’s long-term vision. The Director is both a strategic thinker and a detail-oriented project manager - someone who can set direction, build systems, and ensure strong day-to-day execution. Leading a team of specialists, the Director ensures high-quality execution of exhibitions, ceramics operations, and instructional programming. While the Visual Arts Assistant Curator and Ceramics Studio Manager oversee daily operations within their respective areas, the Director provides the overarching leadership, alignment, operational systems, and support necessary for team success. As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organizational planning, culture, and cross-departmental coordination and serves as a representative of Cain Center in the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in arts, education, or a related field required
5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience in arts education, community engagement, or visual arts management.
Exceptional organizational skills with proven success managing multifaceted educational and cultural programs.
Strong ability to evaluate data, solve complex operational challenges, and make sound strategic decisions.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; adept at engaging constructively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and community partners.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort with learning new technologies, including leveraging AI tools to enhance organizational workflows.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Set the long-term vision for arts education, ceramics, visual arts exhibitions, and community engagement.
Develop multi-year plans and align departmental goals with organizational strategy.
Utilize data, evaluation, and community feedback to guide decisions and strengthen impact.
Establish clarity, structure, and operational systems for an evolving department.
Lead a multidisciplinary team with clear expectations, steady communication, and a collaborative spirit.
Support the Curator and Ceramics team in the execution of high-quality exhibitions and ceramics operations.
Provide coaching, professional guidance, and accountability to ensure team success.
Foster a positive, supportive, and mission-driven workplace culture.
Oversee youth and adult arts education programs, workshops, camps, and community-based learning initiatives.
Provide high-level leadership for ceramics programming and visual arts exhibitions.
Ensure curriculum quality, instructor excellence, and safe, well-managed studios and classrooms.
Support the development of educational materials, evaluation tools, and program resources.
Direct key community programs, including Community Music Lessons, Arts + Schools, Affordable Ticket Program, and Arts + Community.
Build and nurture strong relationships with local schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and community partners.
Represent Cain Center as a spokesperson and thought partner in the regional arts and education community.
Manage multiple initiatives and complex timelines with organization and clarity.
Maintain robust systems for communication, documentation, and cross-departmental coordination.
Leverage Microsoft Office Suite, emerging technologies, and AI tools to optimize departmental operations and messaging.
Use Microsoft Office, technology, and AI tools confidently and thoughtfully to improve workflows and communication.
Construct, manage, track, and report on the Education and Engagement department budget.
Analyze financial data, identify and track key performance trends, and present clear financial reports.
Exercise strong financial stewardship and responsible resource management.
Partner with the Development department on grants, fundraising, and donor engagement.