The Education Manager leads the day-to-day programming and operations of the Mark Arts School of Creativity, ensuring engaging, high-quality arts education experiences for youth and adults. This position oversees educational programming across Mark Arts studios, coordinates and supports instructors and independent contractors, manages program administration and budgets, and works collaboratively across departments to grow participation and strengthen the student experience.
This is a hands-on management role that balances program development, people leadership, administration, customer service, and operational execution. The Education Manager is expected to be highly organized, responsive, and comfortable moving between long-term planning and the day-to-day needs of classes, instructors, students, and studios.
Essential Functions:
Program Development & Management
- Develops and manages a diverse schedule of youth and adult classes, workshops, camps, culinary experiences, private parties, and other educational programs across eight art studios.
- Leads the planning and implementation of STEAM Academy and other youth education programs.
- Uses enrollment trends, participant feedback, community interest, instructor availability, and financial performance to evaluate existing programs and identify new opportunities.
- Researches trends in arts education and recommends new programs, partnerships, and approaches to strengthen the School of Creativity.
- Plans and coordinates the annual Open House and other education-related programs and events.
- Recruits, onboards, schedules, and supports instructors, independent contractors, and education support staff in partnership with Human Resources.
- Establishes clear expectations and provides instructors with the information, resources, and support needed to deliver successful programs.
- Regularly visits classrooms and studios to engage with students, observe instruction, support instructors, and monitor the overall participant experience.
- Reviews student experience feedback and provides instructors with timely, constructive coaching and feedback.
- Coordinates instructor meetings and encourages instructor engagement in Mark Arts programs, events, and initiatives.
School of Creativity Operations & Customer Experience
- Oversees program administration, including class schedules, enrollment information, rosters, instructor documentation, contracts, program records, and calendars.
- Coordinates studio supplies, equipment, organization, and facility needs to ensure spaces are prepared for classes and workshops.
- Serves as a primary point of contact for students, families, instructors, and guests, addressing questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
- Works collaboratively with Visitor Services and other departments to ensure accurate program information and a consistent customer experience.
- Identifies and implements opportunities to improve processes, organization, and efficiency within the School of Creativity.
- Develops and manages the Education department budget, monitoring enrollment, revenue, expenses, and overall program performance.
- Evaluates the financial sustainability of classes and programs and recommends adjustments to pricing, scheduling, instructor costs, supplies, or program structure as appropriate.
- Manages educational scholarships in partnership with Finance and organizational leadership.
- Ensures required agreements, contracts, records, timesheets, and other documentation are accurate, current, and appropriately maintained.
Marketing, Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Partners with Marketing to develop and maintain accurate, engaging content promoting classes, workshops, camps, culinary programs, and other educational opportunities.
- Identifies classes, instructors, and student experiences that provide opportunities for promotion and storytelling.
- Promotes the School of Creativity and builds awareness of Mark Arts educational opportunities within the community.
- Collaborates with Development to identify programs and initiatives that may support grants, sponsorships, or other funding opportunities.
- Works across departments to support organization-wide events, programs, and priorities.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the needs and objectives of Mark Arts.
Skills & Abilities Required:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support a team.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple programs, projects, and competing deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to analyze enrollment, financial, and participant feedback data to inform decisions.
- Ability to balance creative programming with operational and financial considerations.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn organizational systems and technology.
Leadership & Accountability
Customer & Student Focus
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Adaptability & Flexibility
Attention to Detail
Education/ Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Fine Arts, Arts Administration, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Two or more years of experience in education, arts programming, program management, or a related field preferred.
- At least two years of supervisory, team leadership, or comparable experience preferred.
- Experience working in a nonprofit, arts, education, cultural, or community-based organization preferred.
Work Schedule
The regular schedule for this position is Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evenings and additional weekends based on classes, programs, and special events.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- This position works in a combination of professional office, classroom, studio, culinary, gallery, and event environments. The role requires regular interaction with instructors, students, families, staff, and members of the public, as well as frequent movement throughout the facility.