Director of Education & Community Engagement

JOB TITLE: Director of Education and Engagement Department

REPORTS TO: Artistic Director

FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt

LOCATION: Hybrid Eligible

SALARY: $120,000-140,000

BACKGROUND:

Join the dynamic team of arts professionals at the Goodman Theatre! Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. As a cultural and community organization, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices.

The Goodman Theatre believes that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which each individual is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. The inclusion of difference(s) such as ability, age, background, beliefs, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and all other identities represented across staff, board, artists and audiences help make us better equipped to live these values—on stage and off. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

POSITION SUMMARY: 

We are seeking a visionary addition to our senior leadership team who will focus on catalytic educational programming for Chicago’s young people and transformative civic engagement that uses the work on our stages to positively impact our community. Evaluating current offerings and community need, the Director of Education and Engagement will develop and implement educational programs that center the theatre’s mission and programming, while serving students, educators and lifelong learners with measurably impactful content. Additionally, they will develop and implement strategic engagement programming that deepens current audience experience, expands access for new audiences, and uses Goodman’s productions as an engine for civic dialogue and connection.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Education:

• As a member of the theatre’s senior leadership team, serve as a visible advocate for our artists, supporters, and in our community.
• Audit Goodman’s programmatic educational offerings, focusing on measurable impact on students and educators. Expand current offerings to include work for very young audiences and after school programming for middle school participants.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and members of the Board of Directors to develop sustainable business plans for new offerings, coupling free access with development of earned revenue .
• Mentor and lead educational staff and teaching artists to deliver best in class programming.
• Serve as facilitator, teacher, and convener on behalf of the Goodman in educational, cultural and civic spaces.

Engagement:

• Mentor and supervise engagement staff to conceive and facilitate civic programming, both on site and in community.
• Collaborate with artistic and marketing colleagues to develop an annual slate of engagement activities that connect the theatre’s core programming with multiple communities throughout Chicago.
• Serve as a lead convener of community dialogue and collaboration catalyzed by our annual programming. 
• Build and animate a civic support council to serve as both advisors and partners to the theatre in its educational, production and engagement work.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• An appetite for strategic growth, trust-based change, and creating a culture of accountability.
• Visible track record as a connector in community with deep and compassionate collaborative capacity.
• A rigorous and compassionate leader and mentor to colleagues and staff.
• Ability to manage numerous projects in a fast-paced environment
• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters Preferred) in Education and/or Theatre with curricular work in teaching and civic engagement. 
• At least eight years of demonstrated success in arts based educational design and program delivery.
• Five or more years in a leadership position in either educational or engagement focused work in a similarly focused cultural organization.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Health and Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid time off including Vacation, Sick, Short & Long Term Disability. 
• Both Federal and three floating holidays annually. 
• 401(k) Retirement Account 
• Commuter Benefits & much more! 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Goodman Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— the Goodman Theatre seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at the Goodman Theatre.

VACCINE POLICY

The Goodman requires proof of full vaccination including booster. New employees who are not fully vaccinated as of the date of hire are required to be fully vaccinated within 45 days of hire and provide twice-weekly proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to being fully vaccinated. Further details will be provided upon hire.