Learning Engagement Manager (In-school programming)

Arena Stage•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Learning Engagement Manager (In-school programming) leads Arena Stage's in-school partnerships and school-based learning initiatives, serving as the primary liaison between Arena Stage and partner schools, educators, and district leaders. This role oversees the design and delivery of curriculum-aligned, in-school learning programs and residencies and leads coordination of the Performing High School Alliance, ensuring strong alignment between school communities and Arena Stage's artistic programming. The Learning Engagement Manager plays a key role in expanding access to theater-based learning, strengthening long-term educational partnerships, supporting student voice and leadership pathways, and advancing earned and contributed revenue opportunities connected to school-based programming.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Theatre Education, Applied Theatre, Youth Education, or a closely related field
3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in arts education, school partnerships, or education program management.
Demonstrated experience working with K-12 schools, educators, and students .
Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a professional theater or cultural institution.
Familiarity with DC-area school systems and youth-serving networks.
Experience supporting cohort-based or alliance-style student programs.
Background in theater education, applied theater, or youth development.

Responsibilities

Programming & Curriculum Development Design, implement, and evaluate STEAM-integrated, in-school workshops and residencies aligned with Arena Stage productions and educational priorities.
Develop curriculum that supports diverse learners and aligns with state and federal education standards.
Build scalable learning programs that support grant proposals and can be offered as fee-based services to schools and districts.
Create educational materials to support classroom integration and student engagement.
Serve as a teaching artist
School Partnerships & Relationship Development Build, steward, and expand strong partnerships with public, charter, and independent schools across the region.
Collaborate with school administrators, district leaders, and educators to co-design impactful, responsive programming.
Serve as the primary point of contact for school partners, coordinating communication, scheduling, and program logistics.
Represent Arena Stage at school-based, community, and civic events related to education and youth engagement.
Maintain active relationships with regional schools, districts, and educational partners to support the growth and sustainability of in-school learning initiatives.
Performing High School Alliance Lead the coordination and growth of Arena Stage's Performing High School Alliance .
Manage school recruitment, partner relationships, and program scheduling for Alliance activities.
Support student participation across performances, workshops, artist interactions, and special events.
Collaborate with Artistic and Learning teams to ensure meaningful integration of student voice and artistic exposure.
Mentorship & Team Collaboration Mentor and supervise fellows and interns within the Learning Division, supporting professional development and program execution.
Work closely with the Learning Engagement Manager for Out-of-School Programs to ensure alignment across youth learning initiatives.
Collaborate with colleagues across Community Engagement, Artistic, Marketing, Development, and Operations to support cross-departmental initiatives and special projects.
Business, Administration & Reporting P artner with the Learning Engagement Associates to manage program budgets, contracts, invoicing, scheduling, and documentation related to school-based learning initiatives.
Provide oversight and guidance to ensure administrative workflows are accurate, timely, and aligned with institutional processes.
Ensure clear, consistent communication with Business, Development, and Sales teams to support operational efficiency, fundraising, and earned-revenue goals.
Review participation data and program outcomes in partnership with Learning Engagement Associates; contribute to evaluation and reporting tied to institutional priorities and external funding requirements.
Ensure programs align with Arena Stage's DEAI commitments and accessibility standards.