Center Programs Director — Youth Arts & Community Impact

Destiny-Arts-Center

Oakland (CA)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 150,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Destiny Arts Center is seeking a Director of Center Programs to lead strategic, artistic, and operational aspects of our Arts Center programs in Oakland. You will shape programming from youth classes to performance companies, while building an inclusive, engaging learning community and advancing equity and access.

The role requires strong arts education background, staff leadership, budgeting, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, education, social work, youth development, nonprofit management, or related field (or equivalent).
5+ years in arts education, youth development, nonprofit management, or community programming.
5+ years supervising teams and developing staff (experience supervising managers/directors preferred).
Experience managing multiple programs, budgets, and operations with strategic planning and evaluation.
Experience with enrollment, recruitment, or retention strategies.
Strong understanding of creative youth development and inclusive arts education.
Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills; commitment to equity and youth voice.
Proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and program management software; occasional evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

Set strategic direction, annual goals, budgets, and work plans aligned with Destiny’s mission.
Build a continuum connecting classes, training, performance companies, mentorship, and youth leadership.
Oversee program evaluation, enrollment, and access improvements.
Strengthen curriculum and instructional quality with opportunities for innovation.
Supervise DAYPC and DJC directors; align artistic and educational goals.
Ensure high-quality, culturally rooted, youth-centered experiences and pathways from classes to performance.
Oversee center operations: logistics, scheduling, facilities, supplies, admin systems.
Oversee Camp Destiny, showcases, orientations, day programs, resident companies, and merchandise.
Maintain safe, welcoming, inclusive policies and center environment.
Oversee budget, staffing, production schedules; support major events like Gala and fundraising.
Set enrollment/retention goals; address barriers for historically marginalized communities.
Partner with CARE Team to integrate wraparound support for families.
Coach and develop staff; promote a collaborative, values-driven culture.
Ensure compliance with laws, policies, and youth safety; report incidents.
Collaborate across teams and represent Destiny externally.