Education Manager

About Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Rooted in Arab arts and language, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches understanding and celebrates diversity, while supporting the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity and playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

Al-Bustan believes in the power of language as a gateway to culture, the arts as a medium for self-expression and critical thinking, and the importance of engaging the highest quality artists of Arab heritage or immersed in Arab cultural traditions. We understand culture as dynamic and ever-evolving, shaped by a multitude of voices and influences.

Position Summary

The Education Manager is a full-time leadership role responsible for the planning, implementation, and quality of Al-Bustan's in-school/ after-school arts and language education programs across Philadelphia. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Education Manager manages a portfolio of school partnerships, leads a small team of staff and teaching artists, and oversees education-related events and community programming at Al-Bustan’s hub. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven arts educator to deepen the reach of Arab arts and culture in Philadelphia schools and the community, foster belonging among Arab American youth and adults, and build bridges of understanding across the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management

Working closely with the Executive Director to plan, schedule, and oversee the delivery of multiple arts and language education programs in Philadelphia public and partner schools.

Serve as Al-Bustan's primary point of contact for school administrators, classroom teachers, and district partners; cultivate strong, lasting school relationships.

Develop and refine program curricula in collaboration with teaching artists, ensuring programming reflects Al-Bustan's commitment to Arab artistic excellence, cultural authenticity, and student-centered learning.

Conduct regular site visits and observations to monitor program quality and support teaching artist practice.

Collect and analyze program data, attendance, and participant feedback; prepare impact reports for leadership, funders, and the board.

Team Leadership

Directly supervise and mentor education staff and a roster of teaching artists of Arab heritage or immersed in Arab cultural traditions.

Manage hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance reviews for the education team.

Facilitate regular team meetings and professional development that deepen artistic practice, cultural knowledge, and pedagogical skill.

Foster an inclusive, collaborative team culture grounded in Al-Bustan's values of artistic quality, cultural integrity, and community care.

Education Events & Public Programming

Plan and execute Al-Bustan education events including student showcases, family engagement evenings, community celebrations, and artist/ educator workshops centered on Arab arts and culture.

Manage all event logistics: venue coordination, materials, artist preparation, volunteer support, and participant communications.

Partner with communications staff to promote events and amplify Al-Bustan's education work in the Philadelphia community and beyond.

Evaluate event outcomes and use learnings to strengthen future programming.

Administrative & Development Support

Manage the education program budget; track expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

Provide program narratives, data, and outcome documentation to support grant reporting and funder communications.

Contribute to grant applications and assist in articulating the impact of Al-Bustan's education work to funders and partners.

Maintain organized program records including school MOUs, artist contracts, program files, and evaluation materials.

Qualifications Required

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Education, Arts Administration, Museum Education, Nonprofit Leadership

3-5 years of experience in arts education program management, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in K-12 school settings.

3-5 years of experience managing or supervising staff, teaching artists, or program teams.

Strong project management skills; ability to oversee multiple programs, partnerships, and deadlines simultaneously.

Deep commitment to equity, cultural affirmation, and the role of arts and language in education.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust and lasting relationships with diverse school and community partners.

Sensitivity to and respect for Arab American communities, cultures, and experiences.

Preferred

Master’s degree in Arts Education, Arts Administration, Museum Education, Nonprofit Leadership 

Background as a practicing artist, musician, storyteller, or arts educator, particularly in Arab or Middle Eastern art forms.

Knowledge of Arabic language or experience working in Arabic-language or bilingual educational contexts.

Familiarity with Philadelphia public schools and the regional arts education landscape.

Experience with nonprofit program evaluation, grant reporting, or development support.

Proficiency with Google Workspace, project management tools, and/or database systems.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $50,000 - $55,000 (exempt) commensurate with experience.

Health and dental insurance

Paid time off and organizational holidays

Professional development support

A vibrant, mission-driven work environment within one of Philadelphia's most distinctive cultural organizations