Access Coordinator - Bethesda, MD

Imagination Stage, an exciting and inspiring regional not-for-profit professional children’s theatre and arts education organization is looking for an Access Coordinator. Access at Imagination Stage endeavors to create an inclusive and welcoming environment and equitable access to all artistic and educational programming for students, staff, patrons, professional artists, and visitors of all abilities.

The Access Coordinator works closely with the Director of Access and Outreach to develop, implement, and maintain the programs of the Access Department at Imagination Stage in alliance with the mission and values of the organization. The work of the Access Department covers three main areas:

1) Accessibility to the facility and public programming for all visitors to Imagination Stage

2) Access classes and residencies-designed specifically for students with cognitive, language, or developmental disabilities; and Deaf Access classes and residencies-designed specifically for students who are deaf or hard-of hearing

3) Inclusion supports for children of all abilities to participate in programming alongside their typically developing peers.

Access works closely with the Education Department at Imagination Stage, and is committed to the belief that all children can have high quality, successful experiences in the arts. The Coordinator of Access Programs is responsible for daily administration duties and ensuring that all Access programs and initiatives run efficiently and smoothly and are of the highest quality possible. Candidates must be willing to have a flexible work schedule with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.

Responsibilities include:

Working closely with families to assess individual student needs and creating strategies for success for student participation at Imagination Stage.
Working closely with Imagination Stage staff and faculty to create and implement inclusion strategies and supports for individual students.
Coordinating patron accessibility initiatives for professional theatre season—including (but not limited to) ASL interpreted performances, Large Print Programs, upkeep and maintenance of Assistive Listening Devices, and Touch Tours.
Working closely with Director of Access and Outreach and other Education staff to evaluate, expand, implement, and support Access and Deaf Access classes, residencies, and student ensembles in-house and off-site.
Working closely with the Director of Access and Outreach to design and implement regular training in disability awareness, inclusion, and accessibility measures for staff and faculty at Imagination Stage.
Working closely with the Director of Access and Outreach to evaluate and expand accessibility initiatives for the organization.
Working closely with the Director of Access and Outreach to assist with local and regional inclusion trainings (in conjunction with our national affiliation with Kids Included Together), and assist in the creation of a publication of inclusion best practices within a performing arts setting.
Interfacing directly with the disability community to evaluate needs, increase organizational visibility, and welcome new families to Imagination Stage.
Serving as an Inclusion Facilitator in selected classes as needed.
Teaching classes and/or residencies as part of regular weekly duties. Specific classes will be dependent on current organizational needs and candidate’s interests and abilities.
Additional projects and duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills and/or Experience

BA (in Theatre or Dance preferred).
Teaching and facilitation experience for a variety of ages (including adults).
Strong knowledge of the field of theatre education and educational theatre.
Fluency in American Sign Language/interpreting experience a plus.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with students, parents, faculty, and the larger disability and educational communities.
Strong organizational skills.
Strong computer skills-including working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Access Database programs (knowledge of Raisers Edge, Patrons Edge, and Net Community a plus).
Ability to work independently and with initiative.
Ability to apply strong business practices and ensure that programming is of the highest quality.
Clear understanding of-and passionate commitment to-theatre and theatre education opportunities for all children.
Strong knowledge of disability, accessibility, and inclusion practices.
Experience working directly with persons with disabilities (particularly young people) and/or the deaf community.
Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor.

This is a full time position with excellent benefits. For additional information, please see our web-site at http://www.imaginationstage.org/about/jobs-a-auditions. To apply, please e-mail cover letter, resume, and three professional references to jobs@imaginationstage.org