Manager of Teen Programs and Outreach

June 2025

Now Hiring: Teen Programs & Outreach Manager, Oddfellows Playhouse, Middletown, Connecticut

Full-Time: 40 hours/week

Starts summer 2025

Please send cover letter and resume to dic@oddfellows.org by June 20

The Organization:

Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, founded in 1975 and based in Middletown, Connecticut, is committed to youth development and social justice through the performing arts. Through after-school programs, productions, residencies, neighborhood troupes, and community events over 1500 young people are engaged annually in a broad spectrum of arts and community-building activities.

We believe that access to high-quality arts experiences is a fundamental right. Throughout its history, Oddfellows has remained committed to artistic excellence and social change. The Playhouse’s mission has three parts: 1) an artistic dimension to provide high-quality theater by and for young people; 2) an educational dimension to promote the growth of young people--in skills, knowledge, and self-confidence--through the performing arts; and 3) a social action dimension to offer opportunities especially to underserved and at-risk young people to promote the development of a genuinely multiracial, multicultural society. Individual Playhouse programs must address at least one of these broad goals; Playhouse activities as a whole must address all three.

The Position:

The Teen Programs and Outreach Manager at Oddfellows Playhouse is responsible for the operations and coordination of all teen-focussed and outreach programs at the Playhouse. The Teen Programs Manager provides direct support to teaching artists both on and off site, coordinates with the Program Manager about room usage, will be expected to conceive and direct specific teen programs, and oversees all Playhouse programs serving teenagers or taking place off-site. Works closely with the Executive Artistic Director in planning and executing year-round programs for teenagers and young people isolated by poverty. Requires strong theater/arts/circus background, teaching and directing experience, commitment to social justice, physical stamina, and must be highly organized and a good team player. Although at times it may vary, in general the Teen Programs Manager is in the building from 11am - 7 pm, and sometimes on evenings and weekends when rehearsals, events or performances call for it. The Teen Programs Manager is responsible for general oversight, staffing, marketing, communication and evaluation of the Teen Repertory Company, Circophony Teen Circus, Neighborhood-based Troupes, and off-site residencies and workshops. The Teen Programs and Outreach Manager is also responsible for partnerships and contracts with other organizations, including the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Middletown Arts and Culture Office, the Middletown Public Schools, MARC Community Resources and the YMCA. This position reports directly to the Executive Artistic Director, and works with all staff, contracted artists, interns and volunteers to realize the vision of the organization.

As 1 of 4 full-time positions at the Playhouse, the Teen Programs Manager is central to putting our mission into practice and steering the organization into the future.

The Details:

PROGRAM SUPPORT:

• Provide support to all teaching artists involved in Teen and neighborhood-based programs, both on and off site
• Coordinate off-site and non-traditional programs, including YMCA Kids Korner, MARC Players, Teaching Artists’ Hub, and other residencies and contracted work
• Directing and/or teaching as appropriate and needed, including development of new Teen and Outreach programs in partnership with Executive Artistic Director
• Oversee and support mainstage productions and production staff
• Maintain communication with Neighborhood Troupes staff, maintaining a plan of action to stay on track with productions/projects Troupes are expected to present, per the Troupes Budget.
• Ensure that Troupes programs are supported and functioning effectively with snacks, staffing coverage and participant satisfaction/ creative productivity.
• Recruit and supervise Teaching Assistants and work-study students for program under their supervision
• Coordinate transportation as needed for Troupes and field trips
• Follow up on attendance issues with participants’ guardians
• Prepare and maintain teaching artist class folders and class report forms

STRATEGIC OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT:

• Work with Program Director and Artistic Director to develop and implement a recruitment strategy for each session
• Along with other staff, implement a unified marketing strategy for Playhouse programs
• Supervise work study students in distribution of Playhouse literature, brochures and electronic advertising
• Nurture existing relationships with families, leaders, youth etc. and develop new relationships
• Provide information for Playhouse financial aid and work-study policies (coordinate with Managing Director)

CUSTOMER RELATIONS:

• Serve as “Good Will Ambassador” for the Playhouse on site and in the community
• Orient new teens and families to the Playhouse and Playhouse policies
• Develop consistent customer service policies and ensure policies are implemented properly

REGISTRATION AND RECORDKEEPING:

• Create and update all class lists for Teen programs and Neighborhood Troupes
• Track all registration and financial aid forms
• Maintain student database and participation records
• Spearhead mailings and other communications to families
• Maintain program statistics
• Distribute and collect student, teacher and parent evaluations

OFFICE SUPPORT:

• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Assist with special projects as needed
• General office support; i.e. answering phones, e-mails, etc.
• Assist with house management and front of house duties as needed

Core Skills and Competencies:

• Computer literate (Google Suite; MS Word, Excel, Office, etc.)
• Strong theater background, including directing experience
• Open and engaging personality
• Detail oriented
• Commitment to social justice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Social media savvy
• Must be able to climb a ladder and lift thirty pounds.
• Must be able to drive a car and van. Must have current driver’s license.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a strong devotion to positive impact in the community.
• Has experience working with youth ages 10-20 years old.
• Has experience working with youth from low-income neighborhoods.
• Has experience working with youth with challenging behaviors.
• Has an attention to detail coupled with an ability to see the big picture.
• Understands the process of creating theater and other performance activities with young people.
• Is

completely reliable.

• Communicates clearly and compassionately with families, students and staff.
• Understands the unique attributes of teaching performing arts.
• Finds joy in nurturing an environment that is creative, fun and safe.
• Has administrative skills and understands current technology like Google Drive etc.
• Has experience as a teacher and an artistic practice and training in the performing arts.
• Ideally, has run successful theater education programs and has management experience.
• Is comfortable maintaining safety protocols and managing young people’s behavior.
• Enjoys working in a fluid, diverse environment.
• Is imaginative, self-motivated and willing to voice your opinions.
• Has a positive attitude and will represent the organization well.
• Is committed to social justice and believes that access to high-quality arts experiences and training should be available to everyone.

People of color are encouraged to apply. Spanish is a plus.

Oddfellows Playhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Playhouse will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Starting Salary: $52,000 per year plus some benefits such as Health Reimbursement Account, 401k retirement plan, and flexible scheduling & vacation/personal time.

Send cover letter and resume to dic@oddfellows.org by June 20, 2025