ECE Program Manager

POSITION: ECE Program Manager

DEPARTMENT: Education & Community Engagement

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time / Salaried / Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Chief Education Programs Officer

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

The ECE Program Manager plays a critical role in developing, implementing, and evaluating high-impact educational initiatives at one of the nation's leading nonprofit theatres. Reporting to the Chief Education Programs Officer, this role manages a portfolio of PreK–12 programs and adult education  partnerships that align with the theater’s mission and its goals to provide equity and access. The ECE Program Manager is responsible for meeting programmatic revenue targets, maintaining operational excellence, and delivering meaningful arts education experiences to schools, educators, and community members across the region.

JOB DUTIES

Program Development & Management

• Design, manage, and evaluate in-school, afterschool, and community-based education programs in theatre arts education and/or theatre arts integration with academic or social-emotional learning standards.
• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of seasonal camps and classes, ensuring a balance of educational rigor, artistic excellence, and participant-centered engagement.
• Lead outreach to new and existing partners in order to book programs according to capacity and income goals.
• Oversee day-to-day program logistics including scheduling, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.
• Develop and adapt curricula and instructional resources for PreK–12 students, educators, and community audiences.
• Implement systems for tracking program revenue and participation, as well as collecting feedback and analyzing impact data.
• Produce reports for internal use, funders, and stakeholders to inform strategic planning and accountability.
• Contribute to grant writing, budget development, and reporting related to assigned programs.
• Ensure all programs reflect the theatre’s values around inclusion, access, and cultural responsiveness.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cultivate and manage relationships with schools, districts, community partners, and educators to grow participation and enhance impact.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the theatre and educational partners to assess needs and co-create goals.
• Represent the organization at education-focused events, conferences, and partner meetings.

Teaching Artist Support & Supervision

• Work with the Chief Education Programs Officer to recruit, hire, train, and oversee a diverse roster of Teaching Artists.
• Conduct observations, provide coaching, and lead regular professional development to ensure instructional quality and consistency.
• Maintain systems and resources for Teaching Artists - including curriculum guides, toolkits, and performance evaluation protocols.

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Partner with Artistic, Marketing, and Development departments to align education programs with productions and institutional priorities.
• Support audience engagement initiatives such as talkbacks, student matinees, and program guide development.
• Assist with broader departmental activities such as summer camps, educator workshops, and public events.
• Contribute to marketing, audience development, and fundraising efforts through strategic storytelling and visibility of education work.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• College degree required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.