Senior Specialist, Theater

About the Role

The Senior Specialist, Theater leads the design, refinement, and execution of a multi-year K–12 theater program across the Success Academy network. Reporting to the Program Manager, Theater, this role owns the development of rigorous instructional materials and the operational execution of large-scale performing arts events. Working closely with school-based leads, teachers, and Talent Acquisition, the Senior Specialist ensures curriculum fidelity and elevates the bar for performing arts education to drive broader Network-wide academic and artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Rigorous Curricula: Conceptualize, write, and refine a culturally relevant K–12 theater curriculum aligned with National Core Arts Standards, producing complete unit and lesson packages.

• Coach Teachers and Monitor Quality: Observe classrooms alongside Scholar Talent Leads, analyze scholar work, and deliver actionable feedback to elevate teaching practices and ensure instructional fidelity.

• Execute Network Events: Manage logistics, rehearsal schedules, staging, and material tracking to execute network-wide, large-scale performing arts events.

• Facilitate Professional Development: Co-lead content and pedagogy training sessions with the Program Manager to upskill Theater educators across the network.

• Support Hiring and Talent Growth: Partner with Talent Acquisition to screen, interview, and onboard top-tier performing arts educators while advising school leaders on teacher growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.F.A. or B.A.) in Theater or a related performing arts discipline.

• Proven track record as a successful theater educator with demonstrated experience building high-performing arts programs.

• Foundational proficiency across acting, dance, music, or technical theater, paired with an eagerness to expand multidisciplinary knowledge.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, possession of a valid driver’s license, and willingness to support occasional weekend events.

Competencies

• Pedagogical Expertise: Translates progressive theatrical concepts into structured, high-impact instructional materials suitable for K–12 scholars.

• Operational Excellence: Organizes complex event logistics, production schedules, and material tracking systems with precision and meticulous attention to detail.

• Feedback Agility: Actively seeks, internalizes, and acts upon direct feedback to drive rapid, continuous program improvements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Builds strong working relationships across school leadership, faculty, and network operational teams to align on shared goals.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

At Success Academy, we invest boldly in our Network team with a comprehensive package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being:

• Day-One Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting your first day (SA covers 82% of our core medical plan), plus a free One Medical membership and confidential mental health support via EAP/Talkspace.

• Financial Security: 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, up to $2,400/year in employer HSA contributions, employer-paid life/disability insurance, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.

• Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.

• Perks & Stipends: A $50/month cellphone stipend ($600/year), pre-tax commuter benefits, backup family care, and performance-based earning incentives.

This is a hybrid position based in our NYC Financial District office, requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday with remote work on Mondays and Fridays, as well as flexibility to work event schedules (including weekends) as needed.