Director of Education & Community Engagement in Laguna Beach, California at THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

About Us: Laguna Playhouse, a nationally acclaimed, non-profit, professional theatre located in the charming arts colony of Laguna Beach, CA

About the Culture: The person most successful in this position will be a well-organized, detail-oriented individual dedicated to helping take the facilities function of a vibrant and growing non-profit theater to the next level. The right candidate will thrive in this warm, welcoming and creative atmosphere that embraces individuality and is artistically fulfilling, forward-thinking and dog friendly! The Laguna Playhouse is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Laguna Playhouse seeks a strategic, collaborative, and community-focused leader to serve as its Director of Education & Community Engagement. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and advancing the organization’s educational programming, community partnerships, and audience engagement initiatives.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director will lead the vision, design, and execution of programs that expand access to the arts, cultivate the next generation of theatergoers and artists, and deepen Laguna Playhouse’s impact across Orange County and beyond.

This role is both strategic and operational, overseeing a diverse portfolio including youth conservatory programs, classes, camps, school partnerships, community engagement initiatives, and audience programs connected to mainstage productions. The Director will also be responsible for driving earned revenue growth and supporting contributed revenue opportunities tied to education and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for education and community engagement aligned with Laguna Playhouse’s mission, institutional priorities, and long-term growth goals.
• Serve as a senior leader and collaborative partner across departments, helping integrate education and engagement into the broader organizational strategy.
• Identify opportunities to expand reach, participation, visibility, and earned revenue through innovative programming.
• Establish measurable goals, benchmarks, and success metrics for educational and community initiatives.

Education & Conservatory Leadership

• Oversee and grow all education programming, including the Youth Conservatory, classes, camps, workshops, and adult learning opportunities.
• Ensure high-quality, mission-driven curriculum and programming that reflects artistic excellence and educational best practices.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate education staff, teaching artists, directors, music directors, choreographers, and guest instructors.
• Develop pathways for students of all ages and abilities to engage with theater arts.
• Oversee youth productions and educational performances in partnership with production and artistic teams.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with schools, universities, senior communities, civic organizations, libraries, nonprofits, and community groups throughout Orange County and beyond.
• Expand school partnerships, student matinee programming, workshops, teacher resources, and in-school residencies.
• Design meaningful audience engagement opportunities connected to productions, including talkbacks, panels, family programming, pre-show events, and community conversations.
• Represent Laguna Playhouse as a visible ambassador within the community and educational sectors.

Institutional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Artistic, Production, Marketing, and Advancement teams to maximize programmatic alignment and institutional impact.
• Collaborate with Marketing to increase visibility, enrollment, and audience participation.
• Provide reports and updates to senior leadership, committees, and the Board as requested.
• Participate as a senior member of Laguna Playhouse’s leadership team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in theater, arts education, education, arts administration, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in theater education, arts administration, community engagement, or related nonprofit arts settings.
• Demonstrated success developing and leading educational programs and community partnerships.
• Proven experience managing staff, budgets, and multi-faceted programs.
• Track record of growing participation, revenue, and/or institutional partnerships.
• Strong relationship-building skills with students, families, educators, donors, artists, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience within a regional theater or professional performing arts organization.
• Knowledge of Orange County educational and cultural communities.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Experience scaling educational or earned revenue programs.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and entrepreneurial thinker
• Collaborative leadership style
• Financial and operational acumen
• Strong relationship builder and community connector
• Program innovation and implementation
• Staff leadership and mentorship
• Mission-driven with a passion for arts education
• Core Competencies
• Strategic and entrepreneurial thinking
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership
• Financial and operational acumen
• Strong relationship-building and community engagement skills
• Program development and execution excellence
• Commitment to arts access, equity, and education

Work Environment & Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends based on program needs
• Ability to attend performances, events, and offsite community programs
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods
• Must successfully complete a background check and comply with youth safety policies
• Compensation & Benefits
• The expected salary range for this position is $85,000 – $115,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
• Laguna Playhouse offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Professional development opportunities

Work Location

This position is based in Laguna Beach, CA and may include a combination of on-site and occasional remote work. Employees will be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary business expenses in accordance with company policy and California law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Laguna Playhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race (including natural hairstyles), color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Accommodations

Laguna Playhouse provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR@LAGUNAPLAYHOUSE.COM

At-Will Employment

This position is at-will, meaning employment may be terminated at any time by either the employee or Laguna Playhouse, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.