Material Institute Head of Programs New Orleans, LA · Full time Company website

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Material Institute expands perspectives and potential. We create a living practice that transforms ourselves and, in turn, society. We grow new ideas; build radical connections; cultivate a new generation of contemporary artists and thinkers; and shift culture.

WHO WE ARE

Material Institute is where art and ecology are practiced as one. We are a nonprofit cultural institution and learning community in New Orleans making and experimenting with sound, soil, and textiles to recognize the interconnection of art and the natural world. We understand ourselves as material, including our voices, bodies, and movement.

Within our programs, students, staff, teachers, and collaborators learn and create side by side. Material Institute is multicultural, centering emerging Black artists from New Orleans, welcoming people across experience and backgrounds, and inviting global artists and thinkers to widen our context.

OUR PROGRAMS

Our mission lives through our programs: Material Studio, Material Camps, guest artist workshops, screenings, concerts, and events.

Material Studio is our core program: a cost-free, two-year curriculum for emerging fashion designers and musicians from New Orleans ages 18+. Through sustained study and practice with peers and mentors, artists expand their perspectives and work; gain technical and creative skills; develop professional portfolios; and foster collaborative relationships.

At Material Institute, fashion designers and musicians participate in daily life alongside staff and visiting artists as a part of practice — growing food, cooking meals, and caring for shared spaces. We believe this consistent rhythm transforms ourselves, each other, and the world. With trust in process and clear purpose, artists are empowered to take the next steps in their vocation and, in time, influence their fields; contribute to their communities; and evolve culture. 

From the DNA of Material Studio, we design Material Camps, where kids learn and experiment with materials to explore their creative voice.

We serve as a cultural institution to the wider New Orleans community through global guest artist workshops, screenings, and concerts with visiting artists.

OUR CAMPUS

Environment shapes consciousness: We build spaces that encourage connection to each other and the natural world. Our unique campus spans two blocks at the border of the 8th and 9th wards. Our campus comprises a community garden; organic food production garden; outdoor kitchen; outdoor classroom; fashion atélier; knit lab; dye lab; recording studio; music production room; and a residence that doubles as staff offices and visiting guest artist accommodation. Over the next five years, we will develop our campus to include larger indoor and outdoor assembly spaces for classes and events, a dance studio, indoor kitchen, food production site, and more. 

WHO YOU ARE

You are a seasoned leader with rich experience and fresh perspectives in the fields of arts and education. You are steeped in a practice of investigation and integrative thinking, bringing new ideas, artists, and relationships to your work and life.   

You create vibrant working and learning environments that foster deep thinking, creative exchange, and excellence. A natural collaborator, you excel at synthesizing diverse voices and perspectives across artistic disciplines. Your commitment to mentoring others and seeking out mentors is evident throughout your career. 

You understand that entering a new community in a leadership role requires taking the time to get to know your colleagues and to engage thoughtfully with the work they’ve brought to life.

You draw connections between art and ecology and actively engage with these themes in your work. You are passionate about advancing regenerative practices within the creative community. 

You are a reliable and empathetic teammate. You expect excellence from yourself and those around you. 

You deeply respect and value New Orleans culture and community in all of its complexities.  You are both globally networked and enjoy being an active participant in local community. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

PROGRAM DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

• Design and develop programming in alignment with Material Institute’s long-term vision and strategic directions.
• Develop a clear pedagogical approach that unifies all educational programs drawing from progressive education movements and Material Institute's philosophy and practices
• Facilitate multidisciplinary curriculum design and refinement with Programs Team of fashion & textiles, music, recording, garden, culinary, and community engagement specialists. 
• Design annual program calendar.  
• Lead assessment and evaluation across programs. 
• Ensure excellence and rigor in program design and execution.
• Spearhead new program development as defined in the strategic plan.
• Participate in recruiting and selecting emerging artists for Material Studio.

PROGRAM TEAM LEADERSHIP 

• Facilitate clear communication and decision-making processes within the Programs Team. 
• Provide leadership, decision-making, and general guidance to program leads. 
• Support program leads to set goals and objectives for their teams.
• Equip program leads with the information and resources they need to achieve annual goals and objectives.
• Providing ongoing feedback and annual reviews, and implementing performance action plans as needed.
• Mentor program staff; encourage and promote professional development and growth opportunities.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP 

• Serve on the organizational leadership team that drives the strategy, direction, and growth of the organization. 
• Build and present reports for board and staff on program updates and budget.
• Analyze effectiveness of program team staffing structure, and shape future iterations of staff design. 
• Provide input in organizational development processes.

RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP 

• Lead and facilitate the program budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director and Program Team. 
• Ensure responsible stewardship of programmatic funds.

COLLECTIVE PRACTICE

• Wholeheartedly participate to bring our philosophy alive through collective practice alongside staff and emerging artists — growing and harvesting produce, contributing to shared meals, and caring for shared spaces on campus. 

QUALIFICATIONS

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed below. If you are excited about this role and believe you could contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Cultural Studies, Creative Practice, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience leading progressive educational, artistic, cultural, or nonprofit programs.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory and people management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs, curricula, or learning experiences.
• Strong knowledge of applied art history and contemporary practice, with a deep interest in Black American art and culture.
• Experience managing multiple programs, projects, budgets, and operational priorities simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of experiential, project-based, and learner-centered educational models.
• Experience working collaboratively across disciplines, departments, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships across diverse communities, perspectives, and lived experiences.
• Strong cultural competency and the ability to foster inclusive, equitable, and welcoming learning environments.
• Commitment to Material Institute's mission and belief in the transformative power of art, ecology, learning, and community practice.

STRONGLY PREFFERED

• Master's degree in Education, Arts Administration, Organizational Leadership, Nonprofit Management, Cultural Studies, or a related field.
• Experience leading programs within arts, cultural, educational, residency, fellowship, or community-based organizations.
• Experience developing interdisciplinary learning environments that integrate creative practice, community engagement, and personal growth.
• Experience supervising program managers, educators, teaching artists, or creative practitioners.
• Familiarity with contemporary art, fashion, music, ecology, and cultural practice.
• Experience developing partnerships with artists, educational institutions, funders, and community organizations.
• Experience with program evaluation, outcomes measurement, and continuous improvement processes.
• Experience supporting emerging artists, young adults, or alternative learning communities.
• Familiarity with the New Orleans arts, cultural, and community landscape.
• Experience working in mission-driven organizations focused on social, cultural, educational, or environmental impact.

WORK & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• In-person, on-site
• Flexibility for some remote work during non-program hours. 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for campus programming, community events, and special programs.
• Ability to lift and transport materials, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 25 lbs. 
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout event and program spaces for extended periods.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors depending on program activities.
• Reliable transportation to and from the worksite and program locations.
• Successful completion of a background check.

POSITION DETAILS

Status: Full-Time exempt

Location: Material Institute (2120 Port Street New Orleans, LA 70117)

Hours: 40 hours per week, On-Site

Schedule: 8:30am–4:30pm, M–F, on-site

Compensation: $90,000–97,000

Material Institute has a transparent organization-wide salary scale to ensure equity and remove as much bias as possible from compensation decisions. Placement on range above is based on years of same-level experience. The salary range is not negotiable. 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 
• Basic Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Fund with 4% employer match
• Paid Time Off
• 26 Organizational Holidays
• 17 Paid Time Off Days 
• Professional Development stipend 
• Unlimited short term wellness for illness or doctor’s appointments

Reports To: Executive Director 

Start Date: August 10, 2026

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

We value a diverse workplace and encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, older members of society, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Please submit a résumé and cover letter.

Your cover should respond directly to these questions: 

• What excites you about this particular opportunity? 
• How does Material Institute’s mission align with your personal values and experiences?
• What’s an example of a fresh, innovative program that made a lasting impact on you? It could be a program you designed, or one you experienced.  
• What is your relationship to New Orleans? 

Applicants that advance to the final round will be required to complete a sample work product or presentation relevant to the role. 

Applications submitted by Friday, July 3, 2026 will receive priority consideration, though applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

All applicants will be notified no later than July 31, 2026 of the status of their application. 

Please direct any questions to [email protected]. 

Link To Role Description