** All applicants must submit a cover letter. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. **

The Assistant Manager, Special Education supports the Kennedy Center's work as a national clearinghouse in arts and special education practices, and assists the Manager, Special Education in the development, design, implementation, evaluation, and oversight of the extensive professional learning opportunities for arts and special educator conducted through the Office of VSA and Accessibility. The Assistant Manager is responsible for: (1) administration and management of the annual VSA Intersections: Arts and Special Education Conference, (2) development and preparation of resources and materials for educators, (3) work across- education department projects and programs, including advising and consulting on best practices in special education and inclusive arts education programing, assisting with research and evaluation, assisting with VSA annual national contracts, and 4) operational support for the VSA Special Education Team. This position is supervised by and reports to the Manager, Special Education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

40% VSA Intersections: Arts and Special Education Conference

Coordinate and execute the annual VSA Intersections: Arts and Special Education Conference, bringing together educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers around trends and practices in arts-based and arts-integrated learning for students with disabilities. Coordinate communication with potential and registered attendees, presenters, and contractors. In collaboration with Manager, Special Education, develop conference content and topics; solicit, review and select proposals for conference sessions, presenters and speakers; plan and develop the conference program, agendas, schedules, sessions, and all other collateral materials. Oversee the development of marketing materials and graphic design, including an event website, brochures, and other publications. Assist with developing and implementing a marketing plan using traditional and social media, expand contact lists and keep databases current. Support logistics around accommodations for individuals with disabilities, travel/transportation, facilities, catering, audio-visual and digital support, and administrative details such as registration and contractor payment. Provide on-site supervision, management and coordination of conference events and activities, vendors, contractors and service providers.

20% Resource Development

Develop and produce resources, programs and training in in arts and special education instructional strategies, exemplar programs, and student supports. Resource, programs and training may include lesson plans, curriculum, rubrics, institutes, workshops and webinars. Coordinate, as necessary, with community partners and contractors as required. Support evaluation of impact in this area through data tracking and survey monitoring.

20% Arts and Special Education Planning and Support

Work with Manager, Special Education and other colleagues to support the mission of the special education team and the Office of VSA and Accessibility. Support strategic planning, logic modelling, and impact evaluation of programmatic work. Maintain knowledge of best practices in arts learning, special education, and professional development. Represent the Kennedy Center, Office of VSA & Accessibility, and Special Education team at community events and conferences as strategically relevant to work. As assigned, support other arts and special education initiatives. Support VSA annual contract work in student program and professional development areas. Work to build productive relationships throughout the organization and in the national arts and special education field.

10% Provide Technical Assistance

Provide technical assistance to parents/families and educators on a variety of topics related to arts and special education practice and policy, on issues for educators, parents and students with disabilities in self-contained and inclusive classrooms and in alternative or community settings, on the application of differentiated instruction and universal design for learning. Maintain knowledge of resources available, keep current contact lists, and be able to make appropriate referrals. Respond to requests for information and resources from both internal and external sources, and communicate information clearly and effectively.

5% Cross-Department Program Support

Serve as an in-house resource on instructional strategies for students with disabilities, and collaborate with colleagues across Education departments to support the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities in all education programming.

5% Manage day-to-day General and Administrative Duties

Help and assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the Special Education team including but not limited to assisting with the Experiential Education Internship; assisting with administrative and logistical tasks such as monitoring program budgets, tracking expenses and income, soliciting and reviewing vendor bids, negotiating agreements and contracts, developing strategies for creating revenue, managing and growing contact lists and maintaining databases, supporting marketing and promotion of programs and social media ,reporting on programs for grants and funders and general record-keeping.

Education/Experience

Masters or advanced level degree in Arts Education or Special Education required, license/certification in Special Education preferred. Minimum of 1 to 3 years classroom teaching, program coordination, teaching artist experience, or other support of students with disabilities. Expertise in both special education and arts education (any arts discipline) preferred. Previous experience with teacher training, program development, and/or event management preferred.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Must demonstrate knowledge of national trends and issues in arts and special education as well as practical knowledge of instruction. Must understand issues that are relevant to educators, students, families, and underserved communities. Understanding of and appreciation for how disability intersects with other diverse identities and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in programming is essential.
• Must have expertise in current pedagogical theories of arts education and special education, and in at least one or more of the following - arts, disability, differentiated instruction, universal design in learning, and/or education legislation, policy and practice. Must have knowledge of some or all of the following - typical and atypical student development, developmental and cognitive/intellectual disabilities, autism, language and learning disabilities, communication disabilities such as deafness and/or blindness, and awareness of the broad spectrum of disability, as well as specific examples of classroom accommodations and modifications to support different student profiles.
• Excellent writing and editing skills are essential. Must be comfortable preparing written resources such as tip sheets, lesson plans, and other educational materials for a variety of experience levels.
• Strong communication skills, pleasant manner and demeanor, good phone skills. Ability to take charge and work independently, yet still take instruction and work with a team. Manage and complete complex assignments with limited supervision. Must manage time and prioritize projects, work well under pressure, meet deadlines, handle numerous tasks simultaneously, and handle confidential information.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive collegial internal working relationships. Positive customer service-oriented approach and comfort interacting with people with disabilities.
• Demonstrate ability to plan, organize, and manage time and projects for maximum productivity. Demonstrate ability to shift priorities in order to achieve high value work.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and good problem-solving skills with any challenges that arise during the execution of events. Comfort and ability to represent the Center at events and with public speaking.
• Must be proficient with core office skills including office, phone and email etiquette, and with core office computer applications such as Go-to-Webinar/Meeting, Excel, Word and Power Point.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world premier performing arts organization and our nation's cultural center. Diversity is a critical component of our mission, vision, and values. Our staff exhibits a wide variety of perspectives and experiences which enable us to foster and strengthen an environment of diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.