Director of Arts + Tech

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology • Grand Rapids, MI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Arts + Tech leads WMCAT’s programming in visual arts and digital media, including program design and implementation, curriculum development, arts + tech team development, organization leadership, and progress toward the organization’s strategic goals. Both an internal and community-facing role, the Director leads and supports a team of staff and teaching artists in implementing high-quality, youth-centered creative experiences, advancing the mission of WMCAT to provide equitable access to opportunity. The ideal candidate is a dedicated advocate of arts education with experience in youth development; enjoys building relationships with diverse stakeholders, from middle and high school students to community partners to funders; and is committed to leveraging opportunities in the arts to cultivate belonging, elevate youth voice, and build creative confidence in young people.

Requirements

• Five or more years of related experience in arts education, creative youth development, K-12 education and/or nonprofit youth program management.
• Bachelor's degree in arts education, education, visual or media arts, social services, or another relevant field of study.
• Prior experience with curriculum development and instructional design.
• Familiarity with the life cycle of grant funding, from application to final reporting needs.
• Experience managing a wide range of simultaneous projects, competing priorities, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural competency and emotional intelligence to work with individuals from varied backgrounds and foster open communication among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to lead a team to adapt to changing circumstances and ambiguity.
• Excellent organizational skills and desire to maximize efficiency in this role.
• Proficiency in computer skills, especially Microsoft Suite/Office 365.
• Native-level proficiency in English.
• Ability to inspire and engage others with WMCAT’s mission and work.
• Consistent personal transportation will be necessary.

Nice To Haves

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel, and is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to sit, walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, climb or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move from 15-45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all aspects of Arts + Tech programs, including program design and development, implementation, recruitment, retention, promotion, evaluation, and financial sustainability.
• Lead curriculum development with program staff and teaching artists to create high-quality, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences for all students.
• Scale existing programming and pilot new studio initiatives aligned with current trends and emerging opportunities in partnership with the Senior Director of Programs.
• Align programs with nationally recognized best practices in creative youth development and community engagement.
• Develop and implement program-level plans aligned with organizational strategic goals in partnership with the Senior Director of Programs.
• Establish systems and processes to evaluate programs, including maintaining dashboards to track student progress, demographics, program outcomes, and data needed for grants and reporting.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with school districts, organizations providing holistic student supports, and project collaborators, in coordination with the Senior Director of Programs.
• Maintain intentional awareness of and engagement with: Best practices in community arts education programs serving teens. Current trends, technology, and youth interests. Relevant memberships, conferences, and professional development opportunities related to this role and the organization overall.
• Prepare and manage program budgets and studio resources responsibly and effectively.
• Lead, support, and evaluate full-time staff and part-time teaching artists, conduct performance reviews as applicable to ensure standards are met and professional growth opportunities are identified.
• Ensure alignment with organizational policies and ethical business practices.
• Serve as the primary community representative for Arts + Tech, communicating effectively about programming with a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with the communications team on program recruitment plans and communication strategies and support broader organizational communications efforts as a representative of WMCAT.
• Support fund development efforts by providing program data, teen artist stories, and donor tours as requested.
• Foster an environment of open communication within and across the organization.
• Demonstrate strong leadership by building trust with teen artists, staff, and program partners; inspire the team and provide clear direction towards the program goals.
• Advance WMCAT's mission and vision to ensure equitable access to opportunity for all.
• Serve on WMCAT’s director team, contributing program expertise and collaborative leadership for the organization.
• Recognize your responsibility and contribution to the culture of WMCAT.
• Represent WMCAT at designated events throughout the year, which may occur outside of standard scheduled hours.
• Foster positive relationships with staff and students.
• Desire to align with WMCAT’s values.

Benefits

• 15 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) – vacation, personal, sick
• 15 paid holidays
• Birthday day off
• Half-day Fridays during the summer
• Simple IRA with employer match of up to 3%
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision), premium 65% (average) paid by employer
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D)
• Paid Family Leave
• Professional development and opportunities for personal growth

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director