Arts Program Manager

Arts & Learning Conservatory; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Arts & Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa, CA is seeking an Arts Program Manager to oversee school-based and community arts programs. The role leads staffing, scheduling, recruitment, and supervision of Teaching Artists, and serves as the main contact for schools and districts.

You will monitor enrollment and program quality, coordinate performances with Production and Operations teams, address family concerns, and report clearly to leadership with practical solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in arts education, education, youth programming, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
• Supervisory or leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, and holding staff accountable.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills for managing multiple programs, sites, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with schools, districts, families, and Teaching Artists.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a habit of bringing solutions along with challenges.
• Proficiency with standard office and project-management technology.
• Ability to work on-site in Costa Mesa, CA, including occasional evenings and weekends as programs and events require.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive, supportive programs for diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of school-based and community arts programs.
• Staffing, scheduling, and supervising Teaching Artists.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising staff.
• Primary contact for school and district partners.
• Monitor enrollment and program quality.
• Coordinate performances with Production and Operations teams.
• Address family concerns and provide updates to leadership with practical solutions.

Skills

Arts education experience

Leadership / supervision

Organizational & project management

Communication with schools & families

Problem-solving

Office & project-management tech

On-site in Costa Mesa

Commitment to inclusive programs

Job description

Arts & Learning Conservatory provides students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels with immersive access to world-class performing arts education. Founded in 2004, ALC serves more than 4,000 students each year across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire, bringing music, theatre, and dance directly into schools. The organization helps learners build confidence and creativity through arts training and performance. Programs are inclusive and engaging, offering a supportive environment where students grow artistically and personally. Team members contribute to a mission-driven culture built on excellence, mentorship, and community impact.

Role Description

The Arts Program Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Costa Mesa, CA. This position oversees the day-to-day operations of ALC's school-based and community arts programs, from planning through completion. Daily responsibilities include staffing and scheduling programs, recruiting, training, and supervising Teaching Artists, serving as a primary contact for school and district partners, and monitoring enrollment and program quality. The Arts Program Manager supervises the Programs Administrative Coordinator, coordinates performances and showcases with the Production and Operations teams, addresses escalated family concerns, and keeps leadership informed with clear updates and solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in arts education, education, youth programming, nonprofit programming, or a related field.
• Supervisory or leadership experience, including hiring, coaching, and holding staff accountable.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills for managing multiple programs, sites, and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with schools, districts, families, and Teaching Artists.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a habit of bringing solutions along with challenges.
• Proficiency with standard office and project-management technology.
• Ability to work on-site in Costa Mesa, CA, including occasional evenings and weekends as programs and events require.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive, supportive programs for diverse communities.