Director of Education

Compensation

$36,000 - $40,000 based on experience

Birmingham Children’s Theatre is seeking a Director of Education to join our dedicated and hard working team. The Director of Education will oversee the growth and development of BCT’s Education Programs.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. BCT is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

ABOUT BCT:

Birmingham Children’s Theatre exists to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of children through the magic of professional theatre. One of the nation’s oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, BCT produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families.

BCT’s theatre education programs provide an outlet for imagination, innovation and self expression, which in turn spark creativity, boost self confidence and ignite a passion for the arts in young people. By applying these practices, we help students grow into creative, curious, and compassionate adults.

BCT’s education programs consist of multiple semester and summer intensives for youth ages 4-18 featuring process-based classes focused on strengthening acting and movement techniques, increasing self-confidence and self-expression, and creating a strong foundation in arts appreciation and application. BCT provides free study guides in connection with our professional productions and brings classes into area schools and libraries to enhance artistic enrichment throughout our programs, schools, and community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Education will lead, develop, and manage BCT’s education programs and strategy:

• Develop, implement, and oversee all Education Department curriculum including classes and summer camps, outreach programs, and professional development in alignment with BCT’s mission, educational values, and educator/school needs
• Coordinate consistent educational philosophy across all programs
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise all Teaching Artists and outreach staff, including performers in BCT’s productions regarding educational activities.
• Will also observe teaching artists and provide feedback.
• Oversee development of education materials, student/program evaluations, and teaching artists curriculum and assessment tools.
• Oversee the development of show resource guides and other educational supplementary materials as needed.
• Serve as lead and point person for BCT’s youth productions, including selecting scripts, selecting directors and show staff, coordinating with venues, and scheduling auditions, rehearsals, and shows.

The Director of Education will manage the fiscal health of the education department:

• Build, manage, track, and report the education department budget in coordination with the Director of Operations and Executive Artistic Director
• Create contracts and MOU’s for teaching artists and outreach schools/groups
• Oversee booking for all educational outreach programs through online platforms and in coordination with the Director of Operations
• Alongside the Executive Artistic Director; research, identify, and write grants and sponsor proposals that will benefit BCT’s education branch

The Director of Education will enhance community visibility and a positive public image for the organization:

• Develop theatre education professional contacts locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Foster relationships with community organizations and regional public and private schools.
• Coordinate communication with parents and students prior to, during, and after classes, camps, and educational programs.

The Director of Education will provide administrative leadership to the organization:

• Take an organizational view of key challenges and opportunities from a strategic planning standpoint, adding insight and ideas.
• Work in tandem with other department leads in support of BCT’s mission.
• Serve on the Education Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Foster a collaborative, healthy, and productive working environment which focuses on a culture of kindness and respect.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access throughout the organization with policies and practices that foster positive outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support BCT.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Detail oriented with demonstrated project management and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to troubleshoot, be solution-oriented, and take direction
• Ability to work with diverse personalities and workgroups including outside educational institutions and youth of all ages
• The ability to develop and assess theatre education curriculum and concepts
• Proficiency with Google Suite, as well as the ability to quickly learn new computer programs. Experience with online registration platforms is desired.
• Ideal candidates have experience in utilizing spreadsheet applications and budget management.

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education, Arts Management or related field, or commensurate professional experience. Experience in Arts Education, Arts Outreach, or related fields is a plus.

Candidates must have a willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the position, including working some evenings and weekends.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

START DATE: February/March 2024. This position will be open until filled.

TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter in a PDF format to Director of Operations Alexandrina Williams at alex@bct123.org. Please type “Director of Education” in the subject line. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the Director of Education is selected.

In your cover letter, we ask you to include the following:

• How will your gifts, talents, life experiences, and abilities contribute to Birmingham Children’s Theatre’s mission as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in this position announcement.
• Please include 3-5 core values you hold that are most important to you and how they might impact your work at BCT.