Job posting: illusion theater education outreach specialist

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

Location: Minneapolis, MN; hybrid/on-site options available

Schedule: Three-quarter time/ annual salary range 35K to 39K

Reports to: Executive Producing Director

Supervisor: Education Director

About Illusion Theater:

For more than 50 years, Illusion Theater has created theater that illuminates the illusions, myths, and realities of our times and catalyzes personal and social change. Its education programs use theater to engage young people in meaningful dialogue, build understanding, and support informed, healthy decisions.

Position Summary:

The Education Outreach Specialist supports the development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of Illusion’s education programs, including Keepin’ It Real and the new Opioid Prevention Program. Working closely with the Education Director, Producing Directors, Artists, Educators, Students, and Community Partners, this staff member helps ensure programming is accurate, engaging, culturally responsive, age-appropriate, and effective in school and community settings.

The position combines teaching, school outreach, scheduling, youth facilitation, educational content development, research, documentation, and departmental communications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate school and community programs: Schedule performances, workshops, classroom visits, and follow-up activities. Communicate with school partners and prepare artists and facilitators with site-specific information. Adapt plans to changing schedules, attendance, staffing, and other logistical needs.

• Develop educational content: with the Education Team create and revise discussion guides, workshop curricula, classroom activities, focus group materials, and program summaries. Incorporate student and educator feedback, relevant research, and expert guidance.

• Engage and Teach young people: Lead or support classroom discussions, theater workshops, and student focus groups. Build trust, encourage participation, and listen carefully to students’ experiences and perspectives.

• Document and evaluate: Maintain consistent records of program activities, attendance, student responses, and educator feedback. Organize focus group findings, support evaluation processes, and recommend improvements to content and delivery.

• Support writing and outreach: Draft and edit grant and funding summaries, board updates, newsletters, partner communications, and promotional materials. Collaborate with Marketing Staff to communicate program goals, reach, and impact.

• Maintain relationships and administration: Serve as a Liaison to schools and community organizations; maintain calendars, contacts, schedules, and planning documents; participate in staff meetings and organizational events; and contribute to shared team responsibilities.

Essential Qualifications:

• Strong writing, editing, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

• Experience working /teaching with youth in schools, arts education, community programs, or related settings.

• A Collaborator who can work well with youth, teaching artists, school and community staff, grant officers and other

• Understanding of adolescent development, youth health and wellbeing, and school operations.

• Ability to facilitate thoughtful discussions and communicate effectively with diverse students, educators, artists, and community partners.

• Ability to synthesize feedback into clear summaries and practical recommendations.

• Sound judgment, attention to detail, flexibility, and confidence managing multiple priorities and changing circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience developing educational materials, facilitating youth focus groups, supporting program evaluation, or writing nonprofit communications and grant reports. Familiarity with Minneapolis schools or Minnesota youth-serving organizations, and education or training in theater, education, public health, youth development, or a related field.

Ideal Candidate:

A thoughtful listener, clear communicator, and organized collaborator who values youth voices and uses theater to build trust, connection, reflection, and change.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to Tree O’Halloran, Associate Producing Director

tohalloran@illusiontheater.org. The Illusion Theater is committed to creating a diverse environment and

is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.