Job Description

The Ordway: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is one of the leading performing arts centers in the United States and a catalyst for vibrant arts in Minnesota. Powered by hundreds of talented and dedicated staff members and volunteers, the Ordway is renowned for its multidisciplinary programming, welcoming atmosphere, and comfortable environment. The Ordway welcomes audiences of all ages and backgrounds for year- round eclectic and entertaining offerings, including Broadway musicals, concerts, dance, vocal artists, and new works. Performances take place in the 1,900-seat Music Theater and a 1,100-seat Concert Hall. The Ordway serves tens of thousands of students and families each year through its arts education and community impact programs, and is a proud member of the Arts Partnership, a collaboration comprising the Ordway, Minnesota Opera, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Schubert Club.

Position Purpose: The Director of Arts Learning and Community Engagement is responsible for the leadership of the Ordway’s Arts Education and Community Engagement Programs, serving almost 50,000 annually. This position will develop and lead dynamic programs and oversee the team that brings meaningful Arts Education and Engagement to schools, students, teachers, and a wide variety of community partners. Leadership is directly involved in key programs including in school and community engagement, St. Paul Public Schools Honors Concert, the Flint Hills Family Festival, Sally Awards, School Performance Series, fellowship/training programs, as well as educational opportunities for the Broadway series. The Director offers inclusive leadership and collaborates with regional schools, artists, community leaders, the Ordway and Programming, Arts Education, and Community Impact team.

Position Details:

• Posting Date: 9/10/25 - The Ordway is dedicated to building an equitable environment and strongly encourages applications from populations underrepresented in the theater field.
• Pay: $72,000 - $82,000 annually
• Employee Type: Fulltime, Salaried, Exempt
• Department: Education
• Reports to: Vice President of Programming & Community Impact

Key Performance Areas:

• Provide leadership, management, and evaluation for Arts Education and Community Impact programming that advance the Ordway’s mission and aligns with its strategic plan.
• Manage Education and Community Engagement initiatives including overall program leadership for fellowship/training programs; create and plan appropriate curricula in programming; actively partner with teachers, artists, councils and team for K-12 and beyond; collaborate & lead on signature Ordway programs; and sustain and expand educational and community engagements for schools and families with metro, MN, and western WI regions.
• Collaborate with the Programming, Arts Education, and Community Impact team to plan annual documentation and evaluation.
• Develop a positive internal climate within the department and work interdepartmentally to promote the Ordway’s mission, goals, and values.

Other Qualifications:

• Five years’ experience with progressive leadership opportunities highly desired.
• Experience in a nonprofit setting with K-12 constituencies and systems highly desired.
• High school diploma or GED required, B.A. or B.S. in Arts, Education or related field preferred.
• Event, program management (virtual and in-person), curriculum development, and community outreach experience highly desired.
• Program development & management experience to envision, develop, implement initiatives, and report outcomes.
• Event understanding of multi-phased planning, communication, and implementation.
• Commitment to developing and fostering positive relationships with colleagues, artists, community partners, teachers, students. Able to confidently represent organization in wide variety of settings.
• Experience and commitment to arts & culture education, including k-12 system, and integration in community.
• Experience with diverse populations and inclusive commitment to work well across all cultural backgrounds.
• Leadership, professionalism, and self-awareness--can balance need to self-initiate and connect to organizational priorities. Experience with staff supervision and direction.
• Able to thrive in a dynamic environment, able to assess and manage multiple priorities, analysis, and decision making simultaneously.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and offer alternative solutions to problems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Skillful collaborator, creative, goal oriented, and forward thinker.
• Professional discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends occasionally required. Ability to travel for several days at a time for industry-related conferences.

To Apply: For more information or to apply, visit ordway.org/employment. Ordway is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, age, local human rights commission activity, national origin, and veteran, or disability status. The Ordway Theater and administrative office are wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcomed. All applicants who have questions or would like to request a reasonable accommodation or interpreting assistance for job interviews are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.

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