At Zach Theater, we believe in the power of light — to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s premier professional producing theater, we create bold, intimate performances that challenge, delight, and inspire audiences. Our work doesn’t stop on the stage. We believe the next generation of performers deserves the same level of artistic excellence, intention, and care.

Zach is home to one of the region’s most respected youth acting and musical theater training programs, rooted in a commitment to excellence, belonging, and future-focused opportunity. At the heart of that work is our advanced musical theater programs — the highest level of musical theater training we offer, serving students in grades 6–12. Our Advanced Training Programs, including our Pre-Professional Company and Zach Academy, prepare young artists for competitive colleges and careers in the performing arts, combining rigorous instruction with deep mentorship and professional insight. The Zach Performing Arts Academies are well-rounded school year training programs, for students grades 6-12, that offer a flexible academic mode in partnership with accredited academic programs students to work towards their high school diplomas while participating in performing arts classes on Zach’s campuses. This dual enrollment model creates an affordable private education that allows more time for training, professional opportunities, and travel.

We are seeking an industry leader who is passionate about shaping young performers, aligning education with industry standards, and fostering a vibrant, supportive environment where students can thrive.

The Associate Director of Advanced Training is a key leadership role overseeing all advanced musical theater programs and curriculum at Zach Theater’s North and Downtown campuses, including our downtown Academy. This position ensures consistency in instructional quality, student progression, and alignment with Zach’s educational and strategic goals.

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced educator and artist who brings professional insight, educational leadership, and a collaborative spirit. The ideal candidate thrives in both the classroom and the rehearsal room — and is deeply committed to cultivating a positive, affirming space where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow.

-Collaborate with senior leadership to shape the strategic vision and long-term planning for the growth and evolution of advanced training programs

-Support a growth plan for program development, focusing on synergy and consistency of Zach’s programmatic brand between Downtown, North, and other (future) area program locations

-Support the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of high-quality musical theatre instructors for camps, classes, and advanced training across all campuses, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and professional teaching environment

-Assist with the coordination and execution of program logistics, including semester planning, student auditions, class placements, and showcase preparation

-Monitor and manage advanced training program budgets, including tracking income, expenses, and payments for teaching artists to ensure financial accountability and sustainability

-Collaborate with Education Department team members to recruit, select, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff of classes and Advanced Training Programs

-Support team contracting, invoicing, and payment coordination with the finance department for teaching artists and substitutes as needed

-Coordinate substitution needs to ensure seamless instruction or support class cancellations, makeups, and alternate arrangements when necessary

-Provide stellar sales and customer service to effectively communicate with families, students, and teachers to foster a supportive Advanced Training Community across campuses

-Teach classes within the advanced musical theater programs as needed, contributing directly to student development and curriculum delivery

-Facilitate the College Auditioning Seniors in Advanced Training Programs, including trip coordination and attendance at two annual events

-Planning, Hiring Designers/Directors, and Monitoring of Production Processes for Advanced Training Student showcases and the Academy Musical to ensure a supportive and collaborative environment and production and tech process. May serve as Director, choreographer, or Musical Director of these productions.

-Provide leadership and support to teaching artists in after-school classes and summer camps, with a focus on student engagement, instructional quality, and recruitment for advanced musical theatre programs

-Support the development, organization, and implementation of voice lesson add-on packages with registration, scheduling, and coordination with instructors and families

-Collaborate with the marketing department to approve projects, distribute marketing materials to schools, and attend Marketing meetings as necessary

-Other duties as assigned

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

-Manage day-to-day operations of advanced training programs across both campuses

-Oversee auditions, class placement, and scheduling in collaboration with education leadership

-Coordinate with families, faculty, and staff to support communication and program success

-Represent the program at key events, showcases, and performances

-Align curriculum with national conservatory and college audition standards

-Identify/recruit, mentor and support teaching artists, providing regular feedback and collaboration

-Ensure consistency across disciplines (acting, voice, and dance) and class levels

-Contribute to long-term program planning and improvement

-Teach advanced-level musical theater classes, workshops, and/or master classes

-Provide individualized coaching for college auditions and performance preparation

-Collaborate with the production team to plan and execute end-of-year student showcases, ensuring high-quality performance outcomes and a professional experience for students

-Develop strong relationships with students and families, supporting each artist’s journey

-Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Theatre, Theater, Education or a combination of education and experience that yields the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Advanced degrees are a plus.

-A minimum of at least three years’ experience in theatre for youth and arts administration or a related field

-Must possess a valid Texas driver's license and have reliable transportation

-A specialized skill set in acting, voice, dance, choreography, technical theater, or other theatre focus strongly preferred

-General knowledge and experience in a formal or informal educational environment

-Demonstrated skills in developing and advancing team members

-Demonstrated skills in managing vision and purpose

-Demonstrated skill in creating and managing an annual operating budget

-Demonstrated skill in directing and coordinating professional theatre for youth productions

-Demonstrated skill in curriculum design and development

-Demonstrated skills in written and oral communication

-Demonstrated skills in speaking before large and small groups

-Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater

This is an on-site, campus-based role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

-Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 30 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance

-Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work with a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as scheduled

-The noise level in this work environment is typically moderate and can be high

Reports to: Director of Youth Programming

Supervises (if any): Teaching Artists

Supports: Students, Parent Community, Education & Youth Programming Team members

Peer collaboration/communicates with: Collaboration with Executive & Leadership Teams; collaboration across departments and teams; interacts with Board of Trustees, Donors, and Patrons

-Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their Dependents

-Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance

-Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance

-401K Matching Program

-Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time

-Paid Holidays

-Free Parking

-Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes

Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.