Director of the Center for the Advancement of Art Education

The Art of Education•Osage, IA

18d•Remote

About The Position

The Art of Education University (AOEU) seeks a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Art Education. This senior position will guide the Center’s mission to advance arts education through rigorous research, innovative practice, and meaningful collaboration. The Director will lead the development and execution of a multi-year strategic plan that aligns with AOEU’s institutional priorities, building a sustainable and high-impact research enterprise that bridges scholarship and practice and promotes arts education as a core subject area. The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of academic research and leadership, with the ability to design, oversee, and evaluate arts education initiatives that generate tangible outcomes for educators, leaders, and students. As both strategist and builder, the Director will establish partnerships across higher education, K–12 systems, arts organizations, and foundations to support the Center’s growth and development. This role requires exceptional communication skills and a growth mindset. Successful candidates will display the ability to thrive in ambiguity, transforming ideas into scalable, evidence-based solutions that advance the field. The Director will coordinate a multidisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners, manage budgets and operations, and oversee communications that position the Center as a national thought leader in arts education. Candidates should hold an advanced degree (Master’s required; EdD or PhD preferred) and demonstrate success in academic research and external partnership cultivation. The director role is a rare opportunity to shape a pioneering center from the ground up and make a lasting impact on the future of arts education. Structured as a remote full-time, exempt, salaried position. This position will report to the Chief Academic Officer. We have been a 100% remote company since the beginning! This position is eligible for remote work from the following locations: USA. At the Art of Education, we grow amazing teachers by providing rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning at every stage of their career. Our values are artistry, connection, and impact. The Center for the Advancement of Art Education is dedicated to advancing research, empowering educators, and driving innovation to enhance the field of art education in pursuit of our mission.

Requirements

Demonstrated senior-level leadership ability, including setting strategic direction and driving execution.
Strong background in academic research, including experience with publications, grant activity, research methodologies, or oversight of research teams.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to varied audiences.
Entrepreneurial and solutions-oriented mindset, with experience building or scaling initiatives in dynamic environments.
Strong strategic thinking skills paired with effective operational execution.
Ability to collaborate productively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners, and to foster an inclusive, collegial culture.
Ability to define and implement processes in emerging or ambiguous environments.
Proficiency in budget oversight, resource allocation, and evaluating organizational impact.
Commitment to advancing arts education, equity, access, and educator impact.
Minimum of three years of leadership experience in higher education, research centers, or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated record of academic research, such as peer-reviewed publications, leading research projects, or securing grants.
Experience launching or significantly scaling a program, initiative, or center from concept through implementation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse internal and external audiences.
Advanced degree (Master’s required; PhD preferred)

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in arts education (K–12, higher education, or arts organizations).
Proven ability to secure external funding, including grants and philanthropic support, and to cultivate strategic partnerships.
Experience applying research to educational practice (e.g., professional learning, resource development).
Familiarity with digital and online learning environments, data analytics, and translating research into scalable practice.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the Center’s multi-year strategic plan in alignment with institutional mission and priorities.
Design, oversee, and evaluate arts education research initiatives to ensure methodological rigor and practical impact.
Build alliances and collaborations with internal and external academic units, arts organizations, foundations, and other stakeholders.
Lead, supervise, and support a multidisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners.
Identify funding opportunities, lead grant and philanthropic proposal development, and manage budgets and Center operations.
Translate research into practice through initiatives and dissemination methods, including reports, workshops, and webinars.
Oversee the Center’s communications strategy, including stakeholder engagement and public-facing thought leadership.
Develop and implement operational systems, policies, and performance metrics to support continuous improvement.
Navigate evolving or ambiguous contexts by establishing processes, making informed decisions, and adapting as needed.
Since AOE operates in a fully remote/online environment, requirements include frequent and prolonged use of computers and other technology, as well as the ability to enter information into a computer using a keyboard or alternative means.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision plans with 100% premium coverage for individual employees, 80% family premium coverage, employer HSA contribution, and no waiting period (effective 1st month after hire)
401K plan with 4% match with Fidelity, no waiting or vesting period
Self-managed PTO and sick/personal time (15+ days/year encouraged)
All federal holidays off, and the end-of-year holiday shutdown
$50/month mobile, internet, or coworking space stipend
$600 home office equipment stipend
Fully remote, flexible schedule
Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
Dependent Care FSA
Life insurance
Lifelong Learning Fund for professional development and educational reimbursement
Free product access (1 FLEX/PRO license to use or gift, plus free AOEU grad courses)
Mac tech suite, 1Password, ChatGPT subscriptions