Employment Opportunities

"Working at the Newark School of the Arts has allowed me to exersise my professional abilities and grow as an educator while giving back to a community that deeply needs high quality arts education" - Darrell Goza, Cartooning and Manga

Join Our Leadership Team: Executive Director Search

Job Title: Executive Director  

Location: Newark, NJ  

Type: Full-time, Exempt 

Reports to: Board Chair 

Salary: $115,000 to $148,000 (commensurate with experience)  

Newark School of the Arts 

Since 1968, Newark School of the Arts (NSA) has transformed lives by providing high-quality,  sequential arts education in the performing and visual arts to students of all ages and abilities. We  are committed to accessibility, excellence, and community engagement, ensuring that financial  circumstances do not prevent participation.  

Each week, NSA serves more than 1,300 students, spanning over 10 counties in New Jersey and  parts of New York, with approximately 60% of students residing in Newark. To date, we have  impacted over 50,000 individuals. Our diverse and inclusive environment nurtures creativity and  fosters a lifelong appreciation of the arts.  

Position Overview  

NSA seeks a visionary and community-driven Executive Director to lead the organization’s  strategic growth, operational excellence, and community impact. The Executive partnerships and  responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives, ensuring financial sustainability,  strengthening partnerships, and advancing NSA’s mission. This role requires a leader with deep  ties to Newark, NJ, a commitment to diversity, and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships  with stakeholders, donors, and the broader arts and education community.  

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Governance: 

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategic plans. 

• Ensure alignment between NSA’s mission and operational strategies. 

• Promote a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and innovation. 

Fundraising & Financial Management: 

• Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and corporate partnerships. 

• Develop and manage NSA’s budget to ensure financial sustainability and growth. • Identify and pursue new revenue streams to support NSA’s programs. 

• Maintain the affordability and accessibility under which the school was founded.

Community Engagement & External Relations:  

• Serve as the primary spokesperson, fostering strong relationships with local government, community organizations, donors, and the arts education sector. • Expand NSA’s presence in Newark through strategic partnerships and community engagement. 

• Actively participate in local events and advocacy efforts to enhance NSA’s impact. 

Operational & Staff Leadership: 

• Provide oversight and mentorship to a team of 12+ talented staff members. • Foster an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. 

• Ensure that NSA’s programs and operations align with industry best practices. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Arts Administration (MA or MFA), or commensurate experience (strong preference for arts-related experience) • Minimum of 7 years of proven senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or a related field. 

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and securing institutional funding. 

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets. 

• Deep ties to Newark, NJ, with a passion for serving the local community. • Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. 

• Proven track record in community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic partnership building. 

• Flexibility to attend community events and engagements beyond traditional business hours. 

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and program development. 

Application Instructions 

To Apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to roger_soares@icloud.com with the subject  line “Executive Director Application – [insert your name]”. Ensure all documents are in [PDF format]. We thank  all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position: Early Childhood Music Specialist

 The Newark School of the Arts, located in Newark, NJ is seeking 3 to 4 trainees for its Music and Movement Program. The ideal candidate loves to work with small children from 2 to 5 years old, has a cheery personality, is highly energetic, creative and has a lot of patience. Musical knowledge and a good singing voice are a must.  Bi-lingual in Spanish or Portuguese is a plus.  Trainees will be paid during their training (July and August) and will receive regular professional development sessions and support while teaching starting fall of 2021. The training will take place at Newark School of the Arts in July.

The ideal candidate is:

Has a strong singing voice

Energetic, patient person who likes to work with children in many different settings.

Reliable and punctual

A car or other reliable mode of transportation is a must.

 Interested persons should submit a cover letter and resume to:  talent@newarkschoolofthearts.org

Position:

Teaching Artists

The Newark School of the Arts is seeking experienced artists to each in our "In-School" and "After- School" Programs.  

Reporting Community Outreach Director, NSA teaching artists are practicing artists in the disciplines of dance, music, theater, and visual arts who are committed to working with educators and young people. Specific responsibilities include: teaching in all aspects of NSA's programs, including but not limited to Partnership Schools, Focus Schools, Teacher Education sites, professional development workshops (including Summer School, Professional Development Sessions, Community events), and all Special Events. Teaching includes strategy planning with NSA staff, implementation of strategy in the classroom, and direct instruction with students in Pre-K through grade 12. Other responsibilities: attending ongoing professional development sessions specifically designed for carrying out administrative responsibilities (such as submission of written lesson plans, assessments, teaching schedules, and payment forms); meeting with NSA staff; and performing other duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should demonstrate expertise working as professional artists, and exhibit a strong commitment to working with educators and young people. Must have availability to work during school hours, as well as occasional evenings and weekends; willingness to travel to NSA sites in the Newark area; strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; ability to facilitate group decision-making; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; strong attention to detail. Background check with the Newark and NJ State Department of Education is required for employment. Teaching experience with diverse age groups and educational settings is a plus.

The ideal candidate is:

A master of their craft

Energetic, patient person who likes to work with children in many different settings.

Reliable and punctual

A car or other reliable mode of transportation is a must.

Artists sought in the following categories:

Dance (all types)

Visual Arts (drawing and painting, mosaics, sculpture, photography, screen printing, etc..)

Choir/Vocal

Suzuki Method Violin

Piano

Drummer (drum/percussion ensemble, bucket/urban drumming, African drumming)

Candidates should send their resume and cover letter with availability via email to :

Talent@newarkschoolofthearts.org

VOLUNTEERS

We are always seeking volunteers.  Please contact Richard Marshall:  richard@newarkschoolofthearts.org, 973-642-0133, Ext. 14

The Newark School of the Arts (NSA) provides high-level training in the performing and visual arts.  Since 1968, the School has offered instruction for everyone with an interest in the arts regardless of age, talent, financial resources.  This Open Door policy includes our strong commitment not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, color, gender or disability in admission or access to, treatment of or employment in, its student classes, programs, and performances.