Arts Program Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

JOB TITLE: Community Programs Manager 

REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Engagement 

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time. Salary, Exempt 

COMPENSATION RATE: $48,000 – 50,000 annually  

LOCATION: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601 (Hybrid Eligible) 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Programs Manager leads the implementation, development and strategic growth of key community learning programs within Goodman Theatre’s Education and Engagement department. They oversee program planning and administration, curriculum development, Teaching Artist management, participant engagement and program evaluation while identifying opportunities for continued growth and expansion. This position also supports initiatives across the broader Education and Engagement portfolio, collaborating with colleagues, Teaching Artists and community partners to deliver high-quality, accessible and engaging arts learning experiences. The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for using the arts to build community and cultivate joy, a thoughtful systems thinker with strong organizational skills and an effective collaborator who builds meaningful relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead the planning, implementation and strategic growth of GeNarrations, The Goodman’s storytelling and playwriting program for adults ages 55+, including classes, workshops, showcases and programming at community partner sites across Chicago.  

• Develop and maintain GeNarrations curriculum and program resources.  

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, manage and support the GeNarrations Teaching Artist cohort.  

• Serve as the primary point of contact for GeNarrations participants and community partners.  

• Lead the planning, curation, implementation and strategic growth of the Goodman’s ACTivation workshop series. 

• Develop an annual calendar of adult focused arts learning opportunities aligned with Goodman productions, departmental priorities and audience interests.  

• Identify, recruit, manage and support ACTivation Teaching Artists and facilitators.  

• Manage the administration and logistics of assigned programs,  

• program budgets, collect and assess program data, evaluate program impact and identify opportunities for new partnerships, program models, audiences and continued growth in collaboration with departmental leadership.  

• Promote programs, coordinate resources and support department-wide initiatives, events, special projects and additional community engagement programming as needed.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:  

• 3-5 years of demonstrated experience in arts education, community engagement, arts administration or a similarly relevant field. 

• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and evaluate community-based arts learning programs and identify opportunities for program development and strategic growth.  

• Experience developing or supporting arts learning curricula and managing, coaching and supporting Teaching Artists, facilitators or other contracted artists.  

• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with participants, artists, community partners and colleagues across diverse communities and generations.  

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously, collaborate across departments, meet deadlines and set and manage priorities.  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external constituencies.  

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Tessitura and web-based applications and databases. Tessitura experience preferred but not required. Experience with program evaluation and data collection is preferred. 

• Model Behavior and values consistent with The Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering The Goodman’s IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access) goals. 

BACKGROUND: 

Chicago’s theater since 1925, The Goodman 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. 

We at The Goodman believe 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 everyone 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. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, 401K & Parental Leave. 

The Goodman 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 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. 

The Goodman uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. 

HOW TO APPLY: 
Qualified individuals are invited to apply by uploading a resume and selecting the “Start Application” button on the right side of the page. On the next page, please attach a cover letter when prompted. Resume and cover letter required. No phone calls, please.