Education Manager (Children and Youth Programs)

The Education Manager (Children and Youth Programs) is responsible for designing, implementing and managing high-quality learning programs that connect children and young people across the UAE with the UAE National Orchestra. The role will develop school partnerships, age-appropriate learning frameworks, educational resources and clear progression pathways that nurture musical participation, talent and future audiences. Working under the guidance of the Director of Learning and Engagement, the Education Manager will collaborate closely with the Artistic, Marketing, Operations and Production teams to ensure that all programs are educationally robust, inclusive, measurable and aligned with the Orchestra’s artistic and strategic objectives.Education Strategy and Program DevelopmentContribute to the development and implementation of the Orchestra’s children and youth learning strategy.Design comprehensive, age-appropriate programs for schools, families, young musicians and youth groups.Develop clear program objectives, learning outcomes and progression pathways from first engagement through to advanced development opportunities.Ensure program content reflects the cultural context of the UAE and supports national priorities for arts education, participation and Emirati talent development. Program Management and DeliveryManage the full lifecycle of education programs, from research and concept development through budgeting, scheduling, implementation and evaluation.Prepare detailed program plans, timelines, risk assessments, resource requirements and delivery schedules.Coordinate workshops, school visits, youth performances, family activities, side-by-side projects, masterclasses and other learning initiatives.Ensure all programs are delivered safely, professionally, on schedule and to the agreed quality standards.Schools and Educational PartnershipsBuild and maintain effective relationships with public and private schools, universities, music academies, education authorities and youth organizations.Identify partnership opportunities that extend the reach and impact of the Orchestra’s education work across the UAE.Work with teachers and school leaders to develop relevant curriculum-linked activities, workshops and supporting resources.Represent the Orchestra at education meetings, conferences and stakeholder events, as required.Curriculum, Resources and Educator DevelopmentDevelop learning frameworks, lesson materials, digital resources and teacher guidance that support meaningful engagement with orchestral music.Ensure educational content is accessible to participants with different ages, abilities, musical backgrounds and learning needs.Recruit, brief and support musicians, educators and facilitators involved in program delivery.Coordinate professional development and training opportunities for teaching artists, educators and school music teachers.Talent Development and ProgressionCreate opportunities for young musicians to learn from and perform alongside Orchestra musicians.Develop mentoring, masterclass, ensemble and performance pathways that support emerging talent.Coordinate with the Artistic Director and relevant partners to identify and nurture promising young musicians.Support pathways for Emirati musicians and young people interested in future careers within the music and cultural sectors.Inclusion, Family and Youth EngagementDevelop inclusive approaches that reduce barriers to participation and broaden access to orchestral music.Create family-focused and youth-led initiatives that build confidence, belonging and long-term engagement.Engage parents, carers and community stakeholders as partners in children’s musical development.Ensure safeguarding, child protection and accessibility requirements are embedded across all programs.Monitoring, Evaluation and ReportingImplement evaluation frameworks that measure participation, learning outcomes, progression, satisfaction, reach and longer-term impact.Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative feedback from participants, schools, families, educators and partners.Prepare regular program reports, presentations and recommendations for the Director of Learning and Engagement and senior management.Use evidence and feedback to improve existing programs and inform future planning.Budget, Resources and Team ManagementDevelop and manage program budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with financial procedures.Coordinate the procurement and preparation of educational materials, instruments and program resources.Lead and support coordinators, educators, musicians, contractors and volunteers assigned to education programs.Foster a collaborative working environment that encourages initiative, innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.Cross-Departmental Collaboration and InnovationCollaborate with Artistic, Marketing, Production, Operations and Development colleagues to integrate learning activity with the Orchestra’s wider program.Support the creation of communications and promotional content that clearly conveys the purpose and impact of education programs.Research regional and international best practice and recommend innovative approaches to learning, digital engagement and program delivery.Contribute to special projects and other Learning and Engagement initiatives as required.Accountabilities Financial Develop and manage approved education program budgets.Monitor expenditure, commitments and supplier costs, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.Identify opportunities for cost-effective delivery, sponsorship, grants and in-kind support.Ensure the appropriate procurement, use and safeguarding of program resources and equipment.Non-Financial Deliver high-quality children and youth programs aligned with the Orchestra’s strategy and artistic mission.Increase reach, participation and sustained engagement among schools, families and young people across the UAE.Strengthen Emirati participation and establish clear pathways for emerging talent.Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools, government entities and education partners.Provide reliable evaluation, reporting and evidence of learning outcomes and community impact.Education Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Education, Music, Arts Management or a related field.ExperienceMinimum: At least 5–7 years of relevant experience in music education, arts learning or youth program management.Proven experience designing and managing educational programs from concept to evaluation.Experience working with schools, teachers, children, young people and external partners.Experience managing budgets, multiple projects and program delivery teams.Skills and AbilitiesMinimum: Strong knowledge of educational methodologies, curriculum design and child-centred learning.Excellent program, project and event management skills.Strong written and verbal communication, presentation and facilitation skills.Ability to build trusted relationships across diverse cultural and professional groups.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several priorities simultaneously.Ability to collect, analyse and report program data and feedback.Competence in standard office, project management and digital learning tools.