Interim Director of Programs & Strategic Growth

Interim Director of Programs & Strategic Growth

Young Audiences New York (YANY)

Position: Full-Time, Interim (9 Months), with Potential for Permanent Appointment

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: New York City

Department: Programs

About Young Audiences New York

For nearly 75 years, Young Audiences New York (YANY) has expanded access to high-quality arts education for children and young people across New York City. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and professional teaching artists, YANY creates experiences that inspire creativity, build confidence, and help students thrive in and beyond the classroom.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, YANY is entering an exciting chapter of growth, innovation, and renewed investment in our mission.

The Opportunity

YANY seeks an Interim Director of Programs & Strategic Growth to maintain program momentum, support continuity, and build on existing strengths during this interim period. This leader will advance program growth and impact where opportunities align with organizational priorities and capacity.

We are looking for a hands-on, collaborative leader who can step in, support the team, and keep current priorities moving forward. This person will bring initiative and sound judgment to strengthen ongoing work and pursue timely, achievable opportunities to expand YANY's reach and impact.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this leader will oversee YANY's Community School Partnerships and Arts Residencies portfolios through two direct reports: the Director of Community School Partnerships and the Manager of Arts Residencies & Partnerships.

The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with operational excellence and brings the initiative, judgment, and collaborative spirit to help shape YANY's future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead YANY's programs department during the interim period, advancing existing strategic priorities, maintaining program performance and evaluation, and pursuing growth aligned with organizational capacity.
• Provide strategic oversight of school partnership development, retention, and expansion, earned revenue growth, and new program opportunities.
• Evaluate short-term opportunities for growth and innovation based on partnership needs, program impact, organizational capacity, and financial viability.
• Serve as a proactive strategic partner to the Executive Director and contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Represent YANY and report on program progress at meetings, participate in relevant conferences, and engage with peer organizations to strengthen relationships and identify opportunities for program advancement.

Program Excellence & Team Leadership

• Supervise, support and coach the Director of Community School Partnerships and Manager of Arts Residencies & Partnerships.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability across both program portfolios.
• Ensure high-quality program delivery, effective staffing, strong school and partner relationships, and consistent program standards.
• Co-lead the recruitment, selection, and hiring of Teaching Artists, building a diverse, talented roster that meets current program needs and supports future growth.
• Lead Teaching Artist onboarding, professional learning, support, and performance evaluation in collaboration with program leaders.
• Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-oriented culture that empowers staff and Teaching Artists to take initiative and lead.
• Observe programs, provide constructive feedback, and support Teaching Artists in maintaining high standards of instruction and student engagement.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation

• Collect and use qualitative and quantitative program data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Recommend opportunities for program growth and professional learning for staff and Teaching Artists.
• Oversee annual Hello Insight surveys and internal assessments to measure and report program impact and satisfaction.
• Maintain quality and relevance across programs by overseeing curriculum design and delivery, building on existing curricula, and prioritizing targeted improvements during the interim period.

Partnerships & Organizational Growth

• Support Arts Residencies and Relationship Manager in cultivating prospects, developing proposals, and securing new and expanded partnerships.
• Establish and meet partnership and earned revenue goals
• Represent YANY with school leaders, partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen relationships and organizational visibility.

Operations, Evaluation & Accountability

• Co-create and oversee program budgets, staffing plans, contracts, compliance, and administrative systems in collaboration with Operations on execution.
• Ensure effective management of NYC Department of Education bids, program proposals, contracts, renewals, and required reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, strengthen systems, and increase operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Development, Finance, and Operations to support program sustainability, funding opportunities, and organizational priorities.
• Provide timely, insightful program updates and reports to the Executive Director, leadership team, Board, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience in arts education, youth development, education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in growing programs, developing partnerships, improving performance, or leading meaningful organizational change.
• Experience supervising and developing managers or program leaders.
• Experience recruiting, hiring, and supporting educators, artists, or other program professionals.
• Strong operational and financial management skills, including experience with budgets, contracts, staffing, and administrative systems.
• Ability to translate strategic ideas into actionable plans and measurable results.
• Experience building relationships with schools, community organizations, or institutional partners.
• Ability to use data and feedback to assess performance, improve programs, and inform decisions.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership skills.
• A proactive, resourceful approach and the ability to move priorities forward independently.

Preferred

• Experience with New York City public schools, community schools, or arts education organizations.
• Familiarity with NYC Department of Education procurement, contracts, and compliance requirements.
• Experience expanding school partnerships, developing earned revenue opportunities, or launching new programs.
• Knowledge of Teaching Artist management, professional development, and arts education practices.

The Leader We're Looking For

We are especially interested in someone who:

• Thinks like a builder and sees opportunities where others see limitations.
• Takes ownership and moves ideas forward with clarity and confidence.
• Leads through others and develops capable, accountable teams.
• Balances vision with execution and turns possibilities into results.
• Values impact and believes growth should strengthen the quality and reach of arts education.

What Success Looks Like

In partnership with the Executive Director and organizational leadership, the Director will define priorities and measures of success for the nine-month interim appointment. The focus will be on sustaining momentum, strengthening current programs and operations, and advancing achievable growth opportunities. Success in this role means:

• Sustained momentum and program growth: Stronger school partnerships, expanded services, new opportunities pursued, and earned revenue goals achieved.
• Exceptional programs: High-quality arts experiences, meaningful student outcomes, and school partners who see YANY as an essential resource.
• A high-performing team: Confident, accountable leaders and teaching artists who are empowered to succeed.
• Strong operations: Effective systems, sound financial management, and reliable execution that support sustainable growth.
• A forward-looking department: A culture of initiative, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Appointment & Compensation

The annualized salary range for this position is $100,000–$105,000, commensurate with experience, and will be prorated for the nine-month appointment (approximately $75,000–$78,750 for the nine-month term). YANY offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision), generous paid time off, transit benefits, and 403b plan participation. Must pass pre-employment background check and DOE fingerprinting clearance.

This is a full-time interim position for an anticipated 9 months, with the potential for permanent appointment based on performance, organizational needs, and mutual interest. Permanent appointment is not guaranteed.

How to Apply

Please submit a résumé and cover letter to View email address on manhattanjobs.com with the subject line Interim Director of Programs & Strategic Growth

In your cover letter, share an example of how you created or sustained momentum while strengthening or growing a program, partnership, or team. How did you prioritize opportunities within the time and resources available, support others in moving the work forward, and what results did you achieve?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through November 20, 2026.

Young Audiences New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.