Director of Education in Charlotte, North Carolina at Children's Theatre of Charlotte

We create exceptional theatre experiences, inspiring generations to explore the wonder of their world.

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is driven in the belief that there is power behind simple acts of kindness. Throughout our work, staff, patrons, and community, we strive to spread kindness wherever we can and to encourage children to act kindly toward others. We are proud to be an organization where a dynamic mix of talented, committed, and enthusiastic people come together to do their best work. As we inspire generations to explore the wonder of our world, we desire to see the unique, amazing, expanding tapestry of this world and community reflected in all our programming, behind the scenes, and in our team members, board and volunteers.

What We Do…

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is driven in the belief that there is power behind simple acts of kindness. Throughout our work, staff, patrons, and community, we strive to spread kindness wherever we can and to encourage children to act kindly toward others. CTC has grown to become a national leader in Theatre for Young Audiences. We serve nearly 250,000 young people and families throughout North and South Carolina and are dedicated to creating vibrant and engaging theatre experiences, both on the stage and in the classroom. Our education programs serve children ages 2-18 in creative drama, acting and musical theatre focused tuition-based classes, as well as in schools, and with community partners across the Charlotte region. With a focus on process, our goal is to teach life skills through theatre skills and help those who wish to pursue the craft of theatre to hone their skills and find their artistic voice.

What You Will Do…

The Director of Education is both a strategic visionary and a detail-oriented project manager, combining big-picture leadership with strong operational execution. This role is ideal for a collaborative and team-centered leader who is an active and compassionate listener, a skilled relationship builder, and a passionate advocate for theatre education.

The Director of Education plays a vital role in shaping, advancing, and leading the organization’s education initiatives through hands-on oversight of program operations, marketing, development, and financial management. Serving as both an ambassador and advocate for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, the Director cultivates and strengthens key relationships within the local community and across state and national theatre education networks, while often representing the organization as a spokesperson and thought partner in the field.

The ideal candidate is a leader with a passion for our mission and for our purpose and place in the arts sector and in the fabric of the Charlotte region. The Director is motivated by CTC’s commitment to develop culturally rich and dynamic programs on our stages, in our classes and within our community.

Lead, Direct and Manage our Theatre Education Programs and Strategy

• Overall responsibility for maintaining the integrity and quality of all CTC’s education programs including School of Theatre Training (SOTT), Summer Camp, Residencies, OnStage, and community programs
• Build, manage, track, and report the education department budget. The 2026-27 fiscal year revenue is anticipated to be $928,000, with expenses around $852,000. Must be expert in utilizing spreadsheet applications to construct the budget, analyze data and present information.
• Oversee, and drive all Education Department curriculum development and delivery.
• Recruit, hire, lead, manage, supervise, assess, and reward the regular, full-time education department staff. Final approval of teaching artists’ hires. May observe teaching artists in class and provide feedback.
• Oversee development of educational materials, student/program evaluations and teaching artist assessment tools. Oversee the development of show resource guides and other educational supplementary materials as needed.
• Serve as lead and point person for OnStage, including selecting scripts, selecting directors and show staff, scheduling auditions, rehearsals and shows.
• Develop theatre education professional contacts locally, regionally, and nationally. Foster relationships with community organizations and regional public and private schools.
• Serve as the Education Department representative when collaborating with CTC’s artistic team.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support CTC.

Senior Leadership Team Member

• Take an organizational view of key challenges and opportunities from a strategic planning standpoint, adding insight and ideas.
• Work in tandem with other senior leaders in support of the mission of the Theatre.
• Create a positive and collaborative relationship between the Education Department and all other departments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access throughout the organization with policies and practices that foster transformative change.
• Supports the Mission Statement and Core Values of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

Reporting Relationship

The Director reports directly to the Artistic Director, serves on the Senior Leadership Team and supervises five regular, full-time staff members. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has a dual management structure with the Artistic Director and Managing Director serving as our executive leaders, with both reporting to the Board of Directors.

What We are Looking For...

• A genuine passion for the mission and vision of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and a strong desire to be actively engaged in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County community.
• Preferably at least 2 years professional experience as an associate director or director of education in a theatre or school theatre administration position.
• A collaborative and people-centered leadership style grounded in transparency, consistency, confidence, and empowerment. You value teamwork, make others feel like meaningful contributors, and treat colleagues with respect, kindness, and dignity while remaining attentive to individual needs and motivations.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills with the ability to manage complex projects, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets is required, along with a willingness to learn new systems and technologies.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including sound judgment, thoughtful decision-making, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Professional experience directing, mentoring, inspiring, and motivating teams toward shared goals and organizational success.
• Strong financial stewardship skills, including the ability to manage within approved budgets, identify opportunities for efficiency, and responsibly maximize organizational resources.
• The ability to work effectively with diverse personalities, teams, educational partners, and young people of all ages.
• Ability to lead through a lens of cultural awareness, empathy, and belonging.

Other Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Education, Arts Management or related field or commensurate professional experience.
• Experience in Arts Education, Arts Outreach or related fields is a plus.
• Supervisory and team leadership experience is a plus.
• Willing to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the position. The work schedule includes occasional nights and weekends.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this position is $70,000 along with a benefits package. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits package.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan and Employer Match.
• Generous paid time off benefit with built-in, guaranteed company closures and holidays and flexible personal time off.
• Flexible, hybrid work environment.
• Education class tuition waiver.
• Complimentary tickets.

Application Process

Please submit your résumé and a cover letter (ideally in one document and in PDF format). Application review will begin immediately and continue until the Director of Education is selected. In your cover letter, we ask you to include the following:

• How will your gifts, talents, life experiences, and abilities contribute to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s mission as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in this position announcement.
• Please include 3-5 core values you hold that are most important to you and how they might impact your work at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.