Program Director

The National Guild and Its Vision

Founded in 1937, the National Guild is celebrating its 75th year as the leading service organization for community arts education in the United States. Our mission is to support and advance access to lifelong learning opportunities in the arts. We foster the creation and development of nonprofit arts education providers by offering essential research services and information resources, professional development and networking opportunities, advocacy, funding, and high-profile leadership to 460+ member organizations and the broader field of 7,500+ community arts education providers nationwide.

We serve and support leaders of a broad and increasingly diverse national network of neighborhood music schools, arts and cultural centers, and arts education divisions of universities, performing arts organizations, museums, parks and recreation departments, social service agencies, and other organizations. Our members are united by their common commitments to quality, accessibility and accountability. Today Guild member institutions collectively serve more than 1.2 million students, employ over 16,000 teaching artists, and reach an additional six million Americans through performances and exhibitions. They provide instruction in urban, suburban and rural communities in 45 states.

Because high quality arts education enriches lives, increases social capital, advances economic growth, and promotes a sense of shared culture and community belonging, we are committed to making arts learning opportunities accessible to all people throughout their lives. We envision a nation where every person understands and appreciates the value of the arts in their lives and in their communities, where each enjoys equal access to quality arts education.

Your Role

The position of Program Director has been created to help us strengthen, develop and grow our programs and services for maximum impact, and to help develop our strategic priorities which include collaborations within, and beyond, the arts sector. We believe these kinds of collaborations hold promise for increasing the impact of our constituents and expanding equitable access to arts learning opportunities. Our vision depends on community arts education providers to lead, collaborate, and innovate. Together they can make a more profound contribution to the well-being, fulfillment, and happiness of individuals and communities throughout America. Our new Program Director will be integral to our team’s efforts to realize the Guild’s vision.

Who you are

• You have passion for and understand the arts’ role in transforming individuals and communities.
• You are interested in working within a national context to have systemic impact.
• While you may come from an arts education background, you may also come from a complementary field such as youth development, community development, social services, public policy, etc.
• You have experience and enjoy producing large and small-scale events, particularly for adult learners and leaders.
• You are detail-oriented and you have the capacity, interest, and motivation for reflection and learning that leads to deep and meaningful change.
• You are able to communicate effectively—e.g. you can clearly articulate your own ideas; openly listen to others’ perspectives; and analyze, synthesize, and contextualize new information to move discussions and projects forward—in a variety of settings
• You are self-aware, mature, and committed to diversity and inclusiveness.

What you will do

• You will be part of our senior leadership team, working collaboratively to plan, develop and execute programs and initiatives to support the Guild’s strategic priorities.
• You will direct the production—organize, develop content for and manage the logistics —of our annual national conference, the Conference for Community Arts Education.
• You will direct and manage re-granting programs such as the MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts Education and Creative Aging Programs.
• You will direct the production of Guild professional development programs such as the Community Arts Education Leadership Institute (CAELI), Powerful Partnerships Institute and Engaging Adolescents Institute.
• You will help develop the activities, discussions and resources of the Guild’s regional chapters and member interest/affinity groups.
• You will fulfill other responsibilities as assigned.
• You will travel occasionally during the year.

More about you

• You have at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree or equivalent experience.
• You have been working in this field or a related field for more than 10 years, preferably.
• You have produced conferences, professional development and networking events with attention to excellence both in details, the content, and delivery of information.
• You have had significant involvement with at least one service organization.
• You have excellent analytical, writing and reporting skills.
• You have ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• You possess strong facilitation skills.
• You also see the strategic implications of your role and responsibilities.
• You are fluent in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, social media and website maintenance are plusses.
• You are empathetic, thoughtful and diplomatic, and able to use your influence respectfully.
• You are collaborative, adaptable, hardworking, and smart.

The Guild Team

The Guild team is comprised of people who are deeply committed to the mission of advancing and supporting the transformative experience of lifelong learning in the arts. You will have the support of colleagues who describe their work environment as dedicated, collegial, collaborative, and creative. The Guild is a learning institution and the team actively participates honestly and openly to improve our programs and services to advance the work of our member organizations.

Guild employees receive competitive compensation salaries and full benefits.

TO APPLY

If this description seems like a good match for your personality, skills, and career aspirations please send a cover letter, resume and salary history by email to: Ken Cole, Associate Director, National Guild for Community Arts Education at [email protected]. No phone calls or faxes please. This position will be open until filled.

The Guild is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

We seek diversity with respect to gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, class, educational background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. All applicants are welcome. Individuals who are bicultural or bilingual and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.