Arts Ignite is a nonprofit arts education organization dedicated to cultivating creative capacity, community, and courage in young people worldwide. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, Arts Ignite delivers dynamic, culturally responsive programs in theater, storytelling, music, and the visual arts, reaching youth across New York City and in communities around the globe. Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to education and human development, Arts Ignite works alongside teaching artists and local partners to create transformative experiences that center student voice, foster belonging, and unlock the power of creativity in every young person.

The Program Manager serves as the senior leader of Arts Ignite’s Programs Department, responsible for executing the strategic direction, operational management, and overall quality of all programming across the organization. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role holds day-to-day ownership of program planning, implementation, evaluation, and team leadership, ensuring that Arts Ignite delivers high-impact, mission-aligned programs with consistency and excellence.

The Program Manager oversees Teaching Artists, Program Facilitators, Associates, and interns, and is responsible for building strong systems that support people, partners, and programs. This role requires a seasoned nonprofit or education professional who can lead with clarity, manage complexity, and translate organizational vision into executable program strategy.

In addition to managing internal operations, the Program Manager serves as a key external-facing representative of Arts Ignite, leading partner relationships, facilitating professional development, contributing to fundraising and impact storytelling, and collaborating closely with the Executive Director and senior staff.

This position is ideal for an experienced program leader who thrives in both strategic and hands-on work and is excited to steward a growing, values-driven Programs Department.

Program Leadership and Oversight (50%)

• Lead the design, execution, and growth strategy for assigned programs and partnerships, including NYC-based residencies, community events, regional and international programs, and multimedia initiatives.
• Supervise Program Associates, Facilitators, and interns, supporting their training, growth, and alignment with organizational values.
• Serve as the lead liaison for priority partner organizations—proposing schedules, managing logistics, and leading relationship development conversations.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard a diverse roster of Teaching Artists who reflect the communities we serve.
• Build and maintain a strong Teaching Artist community by coordinating engagement and professional learning opportunities throughout the year.
• Design and lead Teaching Artist trainings based on inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive pedagogical frameworks, including Universal Design for Learning.
• Provide Teaching Artists with consistent feedback on lesson plans and ensure alignment with Arts Ignite pedagogical standards.
• Oversee classroom observations, survey collection, and metrics reporting for assigned programs; manage systems for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
• Delegation of all departmental spreadsheets, tracking documents, and system updates to ensure clarity, consistency, and cross-departmental coordination.
• Data entry for Teaching Artist payroll, ensuring timely and accurate submission of hours and payment requests.
• Contribute ideas to year-over-year program growth plans based on budget and impact goals.
• Ensure program materials are ordered, inventoried, and tracked with clear ownership and return systems.
• Monitor and implement child safeguarding and protection policies across programs.

Strategic Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Integration (20%)

• Actively participate in strategic planning, data collection, and impact storytelling in partnership with the Development and Communications teams.
• Share regular program updates and partner insights with other departments for use in grants, campaigns, and cultivation strategies.
• Represent the Programs department in cross-departmental meetings and external partner gatherings.
• Provide quarterly program updates and reports on program successes and metrics to the Board of Directors.

Financial Oversight and Reporting (15%)

• Manage assigned program budgets and maintain expenditures within approved parameters.
• Track and reconcile program expenses in alignment with budgetary goals.
• Ensure timely reporting and processing of Teaching Artist payments and reimbursements.
• Support the Executive Director with data and materials for board reporting and budget planning.

Professional Presence & External Engagement (10%)

• Represent Arts Ignite with professionalism, polish, and clarity in meetings with current and prospective partners, funders, and donors.
• Prepare and present at site visits, conferences, and events, as needed
• Participate in sector-building opportunities through membership networks (e.g., Americans for the Arts, NYC Arts in Ed Roundtable, TAP).

Development and Communications (5%)

• Support narrative content for proposals, LOIs, reports, and campaigns related to assigned programs.
• Collect and share quotes, visuals, and stories that reflect the impact of Arts Ignite programs.
• Supervise social media interns and program news and events pieces

Skills and Qualifications
Required Experience and Expertise

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit program management, arts education, education leadership, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading programs or managing multiple concurrent programs at an organizational level
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, supervise, and support Teaching Artists, educators, or program staff, including performance management and professional development
• Experience designing and leading professional development and training for artists, educators, or program teams
• Strong background in curriculum development, program design, and quality assurance
• Experience managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring fiscal accountability
• Familiarity with nonprofit operations, including grant deliverables, reporting timelines, and compliance
• Experience serving as a primary liaison with partner organizations, school leaders, and community stakeholders
• Experience leading evaluation, data collection, and impact reporting

Leadership and Management Competencies

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to set direction, make decisions, and hold teams accountable with care and clarity
• Excellent organizational and systems-building skills, with the ability to create and maintain processes that scale
• High level of cultural competence and experience working with historically marginalized communities
• Ability to manage complexity, ambiguity, and competing priorities in a fast-paced nonprofit environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to represent the organization in professional and public-facing settings
• Comfort collaborating closely with executive leadership and contributing to organizational strategy
• Alignment with Arts Ignite’s mission, values, and commitment to antiracism and anti-oppression

Preferred (but not required)

• Background as a Teaching Artist, classroom educator, or arts administrator
• Experience supporting development efforts through program narratives, site visits, or donor engagement
• Experience with multi-site or citywide programming models

Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time hybrid position within a vibrant and growing organization at the intersection of arts, education, and global impact.

Arts Ignite is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan and collaborates with exceptional artists and partners across the city and around the world. Team members join a supportive, passionate, and creative culture that values flexibility, meaningful relationships, and shared purpose while delivering high-quality programs that spark creativity across borders. Benefits include:

• Paid holidays
• Generous PTO and sick time
• Fall Fridays
• Medical and Dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• FSA and Commuter benefits
• Life and Long-Term Disability insurance

Interested and qualified candidates should email a resume and a brief cover letter to programs@artsignite.org with the subject line: Program Manager Search. Candidates should also confirm that they have reviewed the salary range.
In your cover letter, please address the following:
What excites you about this position and Arts Ignite
How your experience and skills make you a strong fit for this role
Your personal passions and how they align with this work
Your leadership style and how you approach leading teams and programs
Application Deadline: April 10, 2026, or until the position is filled.
Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.