Program Manager

This is a Full Time Job

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