Director of Programs & Instruction

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Program and Instruction will oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with Conga Kids’ mission and educational standards. This role includes managing a team of Supervisors and Teaching Artists in the field; working with school districts and individual schools as well as community organizations; overseeing and leading instruction; originating new curriculum and modifying existing curriculum; interfacing with team members on tuition and other funding opportunities for programs; and collaborating closely with the organization’s Leadership for the fiscal year and as part of a strategic plan. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 10-15 years of experience in program management in the arts, education, and/or sports, curriculum design, program instruction, and a complementary educational background, including a Master’s degree. A major criteria is a passion for empowering and inspiring youth, strong references, and job tenure with previous employers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Delivery & Oversight:
• Will oversee program design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with Conga Kids’ mission and educational standards.
• Oversee the implementation of programs across schools and community venues, ensuring excellence in execution and alignment with program goals.
• Coordinate the scheduling and deployment of teaching artists across school and community locations, ensuring efficient and seamless program delivery.
• Monitor day-to-day program implementation to ensure high-quality instruction and student engagement.
• Address logistical challenges, such as space constraints, scheduling conflicts, or equipment needs, to maintain program effectiveness.
• Manage budgetary compliance.
• Collaborate with the President and Executive Director to design, refine, and enhance dance, music, and sports curricula that align with Conga Kids’ strategic vision and educational goals and are specifically tailored for students in grades TK-12.
• Lead the creation and development of age-appropriate, culturally relevant dance, music, and sports curricula programs that meet state education standards and reflect our students’ diverse backgrounds.
• Practices in arts education pedagogy and rhythmic sports.

Curriculum Creation/Revisions:
• Design and develop engaging and culturally relevant dances, music, and sports curricula.
• Design lesson plans and activities that are age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and aligned with state standards.
• Develop adaptable resources to meet the needs of diverse learners, including students with varying skill levels, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Create or revamp curriculum for brick-and-mortar locations for new programming in addition to school and community organizations.

Program Management & Execution
• Oversee the implementation of dance, music, and sports programs in schools, community centers, and other venues for TK-12 students, ensuring high-quality delivery and alignment with Conga Kids’ educational objectives.
• Manage the scheduling and deployment of teaching artists to ensure seamless program delivery across multiple locations. Address logistical challenges and allocate resources effectively to maintain program success.
• Monitor program effectiveness, ensuring high levels of engagement, quality instruction, and adherence to budgetary and operational goals. Adapt program delivery as needed to meet the unique needs of TK-12 students.

Team Leadership & Professional Development
• Leads recruitment, training, and ongoing mentorship for Program Supervisors and teaching artists, ensuring they can provide impactful instruction.
• Develop and lead professional development opportunities focused on curriculum implementation, classroom management, cultural competence, and pedagogical innovation.
• Provide regular, constructive feedback to the Program Supervisor and teaching staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in program delivery.

Business & Operational Leadership
• Oversee budget management, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across programs and that financial goals are met while maximizing impact.
• In the field, support with marketing and community engagement strategies to increase program visibility, student enrollment, and stakeholder involvement. Build relationships with schools, community organizations, and potential donors.
• Manage recruitment, hiring, training, and human resources functions, ensuring a positive work culture and that staff are aligned with Conga Kids’ goals and mission.

Qualifications
Educational & Professional Background: A Master’s degree in Dance Education, Arts Education, or a related field, with a minor in business administration.
Expertise in Arts Education: Proven experience of no less than 10-15 years in designing and implementing dance and movement curricula, integrating arts into other subjects, instruction, and managing educational programs with a large and regionally diverse staff. A deep understanding of engaging TK-12 students through dance, music, and sports in diverse educational settings is essential.
Leadership & Strategic Vision: Experience leading teams, working collaboratively with senior leadership, and contributing to the growth and evolution of educational initiatives. Strong ability to shape and guide the direction of programs and contribute to organizational strategy.
Experience with Diverse Learners: Direct experience working with youth in TK-12 education, especially students from diverse backgrounds, using the arts to inspire, engage, and empower them.

Skills & Abilities
Business Administration Skills: Knowledge of business operations, including financial planning, budgeting, marketing, and human resources management.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven skills in mentoring and leading teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and promoting professional growth.
Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, allocate resources effectively, and meet deadlines.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and engage staff, students, and community stakeholders.
Tech Savvy: Proficiency with standard operating systems, file management, and communication platforms (e.g., Windows, macOS, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zoom, Slack, etc.)
Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish (Second Language) is desired.
Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to think creatively and adapt to challenges, finding innovative solutions that support student engagement and program success.

Salary: $125,000 – $175,000, annually

Benefits: Medical, Dental

Education requirements: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree

Deadline to apply: March 8, 2025

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter, references

How to apply: Submit Resume and Cover letter to mariana@congakids.org