Cain Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of providing exceptional visual arts, performing arts, and social experiences to the Lake Norman Region of North Carolina. Since opening its main facility in 2023, Cain Center has grown into a regional hub for creativity, learning, and cultural connection, offering year-round performances, a wide range of arts education programs, a ceramics studio, a visual arts gallery, and community impact initiatives that make the arts accessible to people of all ages.
On May 6, 2026, Cain Center opened its expansion campus, which includes Puckett Pottery House, Goodrum Program Offices, and the Courtyard. This expansion significantly increases capacity for ceramics, education, and community programming and represents a major step in Cain Center’s long-term vision for a multi-venue, multi-disciplinary arts ecosystem.
Position Summary
The Director of Education & Engagement provides strategic and operational leadership for Cain Center’s education, ceramics, visual arts, and community engagement programs. This role guides a department that is growing quickly and entering an important next phase of development, ensuring programs are mission-driven, community-centered, and aligned with Cain Center’s long-term vision.
The Director is both a strategic thinker and a detail-oriented project manager - someone who can set direction, build systems, and ensure strong day-to-day execution. The role leads a team of specialists who manage the hands-on work of exhibitions, ceramics operations, and instructional programming. While the Visual Arts Assistant Curator and Ceramics Studio Manager oversee the execution of their respective areas, the Director is responsible for the overall direction, alignment, systems, and support that allow the team to succeed.
As a member of the Strategic Leadership Team, the Director contributes to organizational planning, culture, and cross-departmental coordination and serves as a representative of Cain Center in the community.
The role is considered full-time and exempt. The position is considered in-person with occasional evening and weekend hours required. The Director of Education and Engagement reports to the
Executive Director.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Direction & Leadership
- Set the long-term vision for arts education, ceramics, visual arts exhibitions, and community engagement
- Develop multi-year plans and align departmental goals with organizational strategy
- Use data, evaluation, and community feedback to guide decisions and strengthen impact
- Bring clarity and structure to a department that is growing and evolving
Team Management & Staff Development
- Lead a multidisciplinary team with clear expectations, steady communication, and a collaborative approach
- Support the Curator and Ceramics team in the execution of exhibitions and ceramics operations
- Provide coaching, guidance, and accountability to ensure staff success
- Foster a positive, supportive, and mission-driven team culture
Program Oversight
- Oversee youth and adult arts education programs, workshops, camps, and community-based learning
- Provide leadership for ceramics programming and visual arts exhibitions
- Ensure curriculum quality, instructor excellence, and safe, well-managed studios and classrooms
- Support the development of educational materials, evaluation tools, and program resources
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Lead programs such as Community Music Lessons, Arts + Schools, Affordable Ticket Program, and Arts + Community
- Build and strengthen relationships with schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and community partners
- Represent Cain Center as a spokesperson and thought partner in the regional arts and education community
Operations, Technology & Project Coordination
- Manage multiple projects and timelines with clarity and organization
- Maintain systems for communication, documentation, and cross-departmental coordination
- Use Microsoft Office, technology, and AI tools confidently and thoughtfully to improve workflows and communication
Financial Oversight & Collaboration
- Build, manage, track, and report the Education & Engagement department budget
- Analyze data, identify trends, and present information clearly
- Exercise strong financial stewardship and responsible resource management
- Partner with Development department on grants, fundraising, and donor engagement
Other duties as assigned.
Professional Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Education, or related field. Master’s degree in similar disciplines is preferred.
- 5-7+ years of leadership experience in arts education, community engagement, visual arts, or related fields
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience developing and implementing educational programs
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities, teams, and community partners
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; comfort learning new technologies
- Familiarity with AI tools and their use in enhancing workflows
Leadership Qualities
Cain Center values leaders who bring clarity, steadiness, and a collaborative spirit - people who communicate with honesty and respect, build trust through consistency, and approach challenges with curiosity and sound judgment.
Our leadership culture is grounded in three qualities:
- Humble – grounded, team-oriented, and mission-focused
- Hungry – proactive, driven, and committed to excellence
- Smart – perceptive, thoughtful, and effective in working with people
FLSA Status/Classification:
The Director of Education and Engagement is a Full-Time, Exempt Employee.
Statement of Non-Discrimination:
Cain Center for the Arts actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. The Cain Center for the Arts is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.
Cain Center Values:
- Inspirational: To be a center that inspires and encourages creativity.
- Community-centered: To be a center that serves everyone. To expose, invite, and engage as a destination for all members of the community.
- Creative: To serve as a hub of creativity, providing a platform for unique and individual expression.
- Entertaining: To provide a holistic experience that produces valuable, enjoyable experiences while also focusing on comfort.
- Educational: To be a center where the arts and education connect.
Application process:
To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume electronically to this post. No phone calls will be accepted. The cover letter should highlight your qualifications and experience and how they align with the requirements of Cain Center for the Arts.
This role is open until filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
403(b)
Work Location: In person
This position is open until filled.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- arts education, community engagement, or visual arts: 5 years (Required)
- budget management: 3 years (Required)
- team leadership & management: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
