Education Manager, Classes & Camps

Des Moines Performing Arts•Des Moines, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Leads the planning and execution of a comprehensive performing arts portfolio of teaching artist-led programs, including camps, classes and other initiatives, serving a diverse participant population across multiple programs and formats. Oversees budgeting, enrollment, and resource allocation to ensure sustainability and growth. Establishes systems, standards, and cross-functional alignment that drive high-quality program delivery and an exceptional participant experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in theater, education, arts administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of experience in youth programming, camps, or arts education.
Experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience working with children and teens in a structured setting.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Possesses universal respect for views, ideas, backgrounds, attributes, and appearances different from one’s own.
Plans and delivers with strong organization, consistency, and attention to detail.
Effectively manages daily logistics, including scheduling, transitions, space coordination, and overall flow.
Recruits, interviews, and selects effectively, establishing rapport and building a reliable and capable team.
Designs and delivers onboarding and training; sets clear expectations and equips staff to succeed in their roles.
Provides day-to-day leadership, coaching, and accountability.
Knowledge of theater skills, to include performance skills, directing, and technical theater. Maintain high-quality participant experiences.
Maintains a safe, structured, and inclusive environment; enforces protocols and responds appropriately to incidents and concerns.
Communicates clearly, builds trust, and handles questions or issues with professionalism.
Uses observation, feedback, and data to improve programs while modeling professionalism and fostering a positive, collaborative culture.

Responsibilities

Establish and drive a cohesive program plan, aligning curriculum, student experience, and performance outcomes across all offerings.
Develop and manage program budgets, including revenue and forecasting, enrollment monitoring, and data-informed resource allocation.
Set systems, standards, and workflows that ensure consistent, high-quality program delivery across locations.
Build and lead a high-performing seasonal team, including teaching artists, directors, designers, on-site coordinators, interns, and volunteers; assist with recruitment, onboarding, and performance management.
Design and implement training that establishes clear expectations for safety, supervision, instructional quality, and organizational standards.
Collaborate with marketing, ticketing, production, and other teams to align promotion, enrollment, registration systems, and logistics.
Oversee capacity planning and implement enrollment strategy to meet participation and revenue goals.
Create and direct family or participant communications plans for all offerings; communicate proactively and resolve issues professionally.
Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment by setting and enforcing policies, risk management practices, and incident response protocols.
Manages day-to-day operational logistics, including scheduling, space utilization, and resource coordination.
Manages coordination of culminating performances in collaboration with production staff.
Establish systems for tracking attendance, incidents, and outcomes; use data to evaluate success and drive continuous improvement.
Identify and implement improvements to enhance program quality, efficiency, and participant experience.
Model professionalism and foster a positive, collaborative, and creative camp culture.