JOB SUMMARY

The Education and Engagement Manager is responsible for development, management, and retention of authentic, strong working relationships among a wide range of educational and community groups and individuals whose work aligns with MPAC’s priorities, to enable impactful engagement opportunities and promote awareness of our education programs. Groups include community organizations, local nonprofits, partner arts organizations, teaching artists, similar presenting arts organizations, external arts partners, schools, and individual teachers and students. In addition, provide programming support for assigned events or occasions.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceive, research, develop, and refine innovative educational and engagement programs that align with MPAC’s mission, developing curriculum materials, and incorporating program goals, and participation benchmarks.
• Oversee administrative and operational functions of educational programs, including scheduling, contracting, registration, ticketing, and communication with participants and partners.
• Track participation data and formal feedback metrics to inform reporting, evaluation, and long-term program improvement. And assist in preparing summaries, internal briefs, and reports.
• Coordinate logistical details for all staff, volunteers, and guests participating in programs and events, providing schedules, directions, parking, and other details as needed.
• Cultivate and sustain meaningful partnerships with schools, organizations, and community groups to expand program reach and participation.

• Works closely with the VP of Programming and Education to identify and coordinate opportunities that advance MPAC’s education and engagement programs to serve new constituencies, with intentional focus on equity, access, and inclusion.

• Assists with programming and securing talent for community and partner festivals and annual gala.
• Oversee educational and engagement elements of annual events such as BASH and all cultural programming.
• Participate in department planning, team meetings, and cross-functional check-ins to support organizational alignment and program development.
• Work closely with the Marketing team to lead marketing process for educational performances, workshops, professional development and community programs.
• Coordinate the communication of performance day logistics to school liaison and/or bussing organizations.
• Work in partnership with Development staff to generate and implement funding plans to support strategies, including support for Annual Campaign and grant writing activities.
• Willingness to represent MPAC and the Programming and Education department onstage delivering curtain speeches, moderating Q&As, fostering conversations at student workshops and representing the education department at tradeshows and PK-12 school events.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of related experience educational setting, community outreach, or non-profit with theater and/or theater education experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the procedures and practices related to arts education programs activities for school-age audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing events or creating programs
• Knowledge of Wisconsin academic standards preferred.

About Marcus Performing Arts Center

A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Through multiple performance series, community events, and educational experiences, MPAC brings a diverse range of celebrated artists to the region. A fixture in Milwaukee for over 50 years, MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility.

Connections working at Marcus Performing Arts Center