Atlas Performing Arts Center Program Manager Washington, DC · Full time Company website

The Program Manager plays a central role in the coordination and execution of programming activity at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, with a primary focus on arts education initiatives and community programming in the Atlas Rehearsal studios. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role works in close collaboration with the existing Program Manager, Production, and Finance/Administration to manage the full lifecycle of education programs — from curriculum development and teaching artist contracting through execution and evaluation. This position is designed to expand Atlas's capacity to deliver consistent, high-quality education programming for DC youth, families, and artists, and to coordinate the City at Peace summer youth development program.

About Atlas Performing Arts Center

THE ATLAS STORY Originally built in 1938, the Atlas was one of four movie theaters on H Street NE. For 30 years, the iconic movie house was a second home for film lovers throughout the H Street Corridor. The Atlas was reborn in 2006 as a community-based organization that boasts a 59,000 square-foot performing arts center with four performance spaces, dance studios, offices, back-of-house facilities and an expansive lobby with a bar. OUR MISSION The Atlas Performing Arts Center provides spaces for artists to create music, theatre and dance to entertain and engage audiences in exploring the ideas and issues of our time. We nurture an environment that welcomes artists representing our diverse community. We invest in partnerships and programs that reflect the best of the arts and our humanity. ATLAS PROGRAMS The Atlas has four performance spaces, and we often host free events in our lobby. We produce Atlas Presents performances and rent our spaces to other artist groups so they can create their own productions. We support and partner with DC arts makers – our Resident Arts Partners – including Capital City Symphony, Mosaic Theater Company of DC, Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), and Joy of Motion Dance Center. The Atlas and our Resident Arts Partners collectively offer free and reduced-cost arts programming and services valued at over $1.6 million per year. Atlas Arts Lab provides a platform for individual artists to develop new work and to serve the community through engagement initiatives that encourage civic dialogue and community cohesion. Rooted in social justice, Atlas’ award-winning City at Peace youth development program uses performing arts as a learning tool to develop skills in dance, theatre, voice, and stage production, as well as skills in conflict resolution, personal storytelling, empathy, understanding, and leadership. The Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival is a multi-week performing arts festival that presents work that impacts our society, culture, and world by informing, inspiring, educating, and entertaining. The annual festival hosts over 600 artists and entertains thousands of audience members. We proudly partner with community nonprofit and arts organizations like St. Coletta of Greater Washington and BroadFutures as well as Glade Dance/NACHMO to integrate a wider community in the cultural life of the city at the Atlas. Additional Information: Atlas Performing Arts Center is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Description

Job Title: Program Manager 

Reports To: Executive Director 

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A 

Employee Class: Full-Time, Exempt 

Work Location: On site at 1333 H Street NE, Washington DC, 20002 

Compensation: $65,000 - $75,000 annual salary 

Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance; Paid vacation, holiday, personal days and sick leave; Costco membership; and Retirement (Simple IRA) 


Key Responsibilities 

 

Arts Education Programming 

  • Develop and oversee education programming in the Atlas Rehearsal studios, including classes, workshops, and community events 
  • Coordinate the City at Peace summer youth development program, including participant intake, scheduling, and teaching artist management 
  • Build and maintain relationships with teaching artists, arts facilitators, and educators 
  • Track program participation and maintain documentation required for grant reporting 

 

Programming Coordination & Execution 

  • Draft, route, and track contracts for teaching artists, partners, and education program facilitators 
  • Maintain and regularly update the programming calendar for Atlas Rehearsal studio spaces 
  • Coordinate event advancement and ensure readiness across departments 
  • Support execution and closeout of all education programming activity 

  

Cross-Departmental Coordination 

  • Work in close collaboration with the existing Program Manager to streamline contracting workflows and ensure consistent program delivery 
  • Serve as a liaison between Programming, Production, Finance/Administration, and Patron Services 
  • Participate in weekly programming, production, and cross-departmental meetings 

  

Systems & Administrative Management 

  • Maintain accurate documentation of contracts, event records, and program activity 
  • Utilize event management systems (e.g., Momentus or similar) 
  • Track deadlines and ensure follow-through on key deliverables 
  • Support continuous improvement of programming workflows and internal processes 

  

Community & Partner Engagement 

  • Support relationships with community partners, youth-serving organizations, and arts education collaborators 
  • Conduct outreach to attract new program participants across all 8 DC wards 
  • Contribute to a professional, organized, and responsive experience for all partners, clients, and program participants 

 

Required Skills & Qualifications 

  • 3+ years of experience in arts administration, arts education, programming, or event coordination 
  • Experience developing or managing arts education programs, youth programming, or community engagement initiatives 
  • Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously 
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate across teams and stakeholders 
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and reliability 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience working with youth, neurodivergent populations, or underserved communities in an arts education context 
  • Familiarity with DC arts and culture ecosystem and community organizations 
  • Experience with contract management and teaching artist relationships 
  • Proficiency in event management or CRM systems (e.g., Momentus, Salesforce/Patron Manager) 
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus 

 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

 

For best consideration, please apply by September 18, 2026. 

Salary

$65,000 - $75,000 per year