Education Director
Asian Arts Initiative is a multi-disciplinary community-based arts center offering performances, exhibitions, workshops, and training for artists, youth, and adults of all racial backgrounds. Founded in 1993, the organization is in a critical phase of growth, with the development of a new multi-cultural multi-tenant arts facility in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood and the launch of new after-school services at three public schools in South Philadelphia.
We are seeking an energetic, forward-thinking Director of Education Programs to lead the growth of our youth arts and education programming. The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and collaborative spirit, and be a great motivator and supervisor working with artists and staff on program and curriculum development, school and community outreach, classroom and group management, and artistic production.
YOUTH ARTS WORKSHOP PROGRAM
Currently Asian Arts Initiative offers multi-disciplinary arts and cultural activities at our home site at 1219 Vine Street on weekday afternoons, weekends, and in the summer; and at Southwark School and Taggart School (grades 5-8) and South Philadelphia High School (grades 9-12) during after-school weekday afternoons. Our Youth Arts Workshop (YAW) programming aims to develop artistic skills, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and support academic achievement.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Education Programs will be responsible for overall program development, administration, and supervision of the all education programs at schools and at our site in Chinatown. The Director of Education Programs supervises a full-time High School Program Coordinator, part-time site coordinators and assistants, teaching artists, and consultants hired for the program. S/he will develop and oversee implementation of the YAW Program, including curriculum and assessments, and will be a key liaison between Asian Arts Initiative and administration and staff at the schools, the School District of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students, parents, and community partners. S/he will also work closely with Asian Arts Initiative’s staff to develop educational activities integrated with the organization’s public program seasonal activities in the gallery and theater.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
SERVICE DELIVERY and SUPERVISION:

  • Oversee the development and execution of arts educational programming and curriculum content consistent with the Asian Arts Initiative mission and program goals.
  • Ensure the development of appropriate curriculum plans. Foster the educational experience via hands-on developmentally appropriate and highly interactive methods, which are also consistent with PA academic standards.
  • Develop procedures and policies for safe and effective operation of the overall program.
  • Hire and supervise site coordinators and assistants, teaching artists, and consultants for the YAW Program at Asian Arts Initiative and school sites. Provide performance evaluation and feedback for all activity and group leader positions within the program.
  • Orient and train staff to program, highlighting process and learning opportunities. Plan and lead regular meetings with staff.
  • Develop or coordinate professional development and curriculum support workshops opportunities for teaching artists and staff on best practices in arts education and out-of-school time programming.
  • Be available to facilitate activities with youth participants, build relationships, and provide referrals and support.

YOUTH RECRUITMENT and OUTREACH, COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT

  • Develop and oversee student recruitment plan. With program staff, conduct ongoing outreach at school(s) and in community, including classroom presentations, guest workshops, and participating at relevant events.
  • Establish and maintain communication with members of the school staff about student needs and aspects of the after school program. Meet regularly with principal/administrators and work closely with school staff.
  • Facilitate partnerships with appropriate public and private agencies that provide services to students and families to broaden the impact and reach of Asian Arts Initiative’s services and help position Asian Arts Initiative as community resource. Participate on local and state committees or meetings related to after school programs, as necessary.
  • Develop and convene the program’s Advisory Council comprised of representatives of the schools, parents, community partners, students.
  • Interface with partners at the School District of Philadelphia, PA Department of Education, and other 21st Century Community Learning Center or community organizations.

REPORTING, ADMINISTRATION, EVALUATION

  • Establish a system for evaluating programs and content to measure satisfaction and effectiveness.
  • Establish performance standards for all personnel to assure that contractual service objectives are attained.
  • Ensure performance targets are met.
  • Develop and maintain records needed for program administration
  • Monitor program budget, provide needed information for financial reporting.
  • Prepare information for funder reports and assist to secure donations and funding for the program as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum of Bachelors Degree, preferably in Education or related field.
  • Minimum two-year experience working in after-school environment with youth in urban communities. Teaching experience preferred.
  • Experience with arts education programming for middle and high school youth in community-based and after-school settings.
  • Experience working with artists and teachers on curriculum development related to school standards. Familiarity with Philadelphia School District a plus.
  • A demonstrated ability to lead and energize multi-disciplinary work teams to respond to needs and get results.
  • A strong repoire and commitment to supporting youth. Ability to translate youth development theory into practice.
  • Completion of background clearances, including: PA Child Abuse History, PA State Police Criminal Records Check, and FBI Criminal Background Check.
  • Access to a car to purchase and deliver supplies and materials as needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, including computer and interpersonal skills.

TO APPLY: E-mail a cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications for the position, your resume, salary requirements, and 3 work-related references to Please indicate “Director of Education Programs Position” on subject line of email. Asian Arts Initiative is an equal opportunity employer. Asian Americans and other people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Asian Arts Initiative
1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

DEADLINE: open until position is filled