Mainstages US, LLC is an educational theater company for children located in Fort Lee, NJ. Wherever there is an opportunity to foster our core values of Connection, Character, Improvisation and Imagination in kids, we’re there.

There are two components to the work that we do; programming, where adult Teaching Artists and Directors teach kids and kids perform, and performances where adult performers travel across the country performing shows with children as the audience. No matter what we do, our content is always highly interactive and engaging, with a focus on the core values that are most important to children. Mainstages strives to create a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for both our staff and kids so everyone feels empowered to explore, play and be their authentic selves. We aim to “drop the mic” in our work; using entertainment to frame important life lessons for children grades pre-k through high school.

Mainstages is building a new future with our community. We are integrating more equitable and inclusive practices and redeveloping our administrative roles and responsibilities which include hiring new positions and modifying services. It is an exciting time to join our growing team if you are an arts administrator, summer camp professional, theater teaching artist, or someone with exceptional communication skills that is passionate about the potential of children’s theater.

Mainstages, LLC is seeking a team member to fill the role of Director of Programming. The Director of Programming will support the Artistic Director and CEO in the essential coordination of all our programming services. The right person is an organized, self-starter who is passionate about arts education and applying theater education to improve SEL and mindfulness for kids. This position will divide their time working in-office, remotely, and working on-site to supervise programs, supervise and train Teaching Artists.

An ideal candidate:

• Is a dynamic educator, at ease in front of children, confident and capable in their abilities to curate curriculum and model successful facilitation techniques for others.
• Has a background in theater fundamentals with a robust instructional tool kit for delivering meaningful instruction to diverse ages and communities.
• Is available to make phone calls and correspond in a timely manner to ensure effective communications.
• Is friendly, conversational, and has a professional demeanor.
• Is comfortable communicating directly with clients and acting as a professional conduit between clients and Mainstages admin.
• Is comfortable communicating with and supporting teaching artists and accepting and passing along feedback.
• Is comfortable working with the Artistic Director in ideating, planning and executing new programs.
• Is comfortable keeping up with industry trends and client needs in the evaluation of present and future programs.
• Is detail-oriented and computer savvy, with an ability to understand and follow systems.
• Analyzes information critically to categorize plans of action, identify creative and logistical optimizations, and determine efficient methods of administration.
• Is able to be innovative, imaginative, and disciplined.
• Has previous experience managing multiple projects and worked as a teaching artist.
• Has a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and high confidence driving.
• Capable of lifting and moving supplies of up to 35 pounds.
• Is seeking growth opportunities in theater, education and/or arts administration.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

General:

• Administrative responsibilities are remote with occasional work in our office located in Fort Lee, NJ to prep programming supplies and/or production materials. Supervision responsibilities are on-site to occur on average once a week.
• Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director and CEO in preparation for each program.
• Attend required meetings, trainings and visit performances to assist in tech, when requested.
• Document and maintain proper communication via weekly objective meetings, and effective use of Slack.
• Manage supplies at the mainstages office.
• Drive a mainstages provided vehicle, when requested.
• Contribute to social media and blog posts.

Supervision & Support:

• Perform site visits to track and monitor quality control, weekly.
• Support Teaching Artists through scheduled check-ins and ongoing resources.
• Track and collect site-reports, surveys and admin hours.
• Input and trigger all logistics and confirmation emails via salesforce.
• Act as Production Manager/Tech Crew for all showcase and production programs.
• Step in as Substitute Teacher when requested depending on staff availability.

Staffing & Training:

• Lead teaching artist staffing process such as; initial managing job postings, feedback on staff applications, conduct initial interviews, attending follow-up interviews as requested.
• Assist Artistic Director in the development of teaching artist training.
• Prepare facilitation and onboarding materials for Teaching Artists.
• Manage the Google Calendar and subs/speciality staff.

Program Development:

• Give feedback on program development and implementation.
• Organize, maintain, and distribute program materials including adding activities to the Theater Curriculum.
• Drive with curriculum development including developing program outlines, lesson plans and activities.
• Drive in maintaining details and records of afterschool programs including registration, scheduling logistics, and contacts.

Facilitation & Production Supplies:

• Gather all facilitation and production supplies for Teaching Artists, Production Directors, and Theater Directors.
• Drive in inventory, filing, mailing and acquisition of supplies.
• Drive in the inventory and organization of storage space for costumes and prop management.
• Track and monitor return of mainstages programming and production materials.
• Submit requests/work orders for production supplies, design needs, and other purchases.

Production Supervision & Support

• Act as a professional Mainstages representative when conducting site visits coordinating directly with site directors and clients as necessary.
• Supervise in-person communication with parents, school, and directing team.
• Assist printing scripts and other necessary materials (programs, posters, cast T-shirts, etc.)
• Acquire rights and licensing for all Broadway Jr. Productions.
• Assist in the supervision and organization to ensure Directors have all materials, set pieces and costumes (scripts, rehearsal music, performance tracts, etc.)
• Production day coordination of the production team and parent volunteers to ensure it runs smoothly (wall of fame, step and repeat, makeup, cast party, etc.)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A passion for arts education and giving kids a place to belong and be heard.
• 3+ years of demonstrated leadership experience
• College graduation or equivalent

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven writing skills, detail-orientation, ability to coordinate multiple projects, and manage multiple software programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Google platforms, Jotform and Salesforce.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Previous experience with Salesforce, Zoom and/or Slack.
• Knowledge and experience in working with educational non-profit organizations, schools and camps.

Please email your cover letter and resume to staffing@mainstages.com.

Hiring process will likely include two rounds of interviews, a skill assessment, and site visit to our office.

MAINSTAGES’ STATEMENT ON EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION and JUSTICE: