Visual Arts & Culture Specialist – Afterschool Program
About The Position
The Visual Arts & Culture Specialist designs and facilitates creative, culturally enriching visual arts programming for middle school students in grades 6–8. The specialist introduces students to artistic mediums, techniques, cultural traditions, and influential artists while encouraging creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration. Students develop skills through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and other projects, exploring how art reflects identity, history, and diverse cultures. The role supports original artwork, portfolios, exhibitions, showcases, and collaborative installations. The position is based at NYJTL afterschool program sites in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Manhattan, with openings varying across more than 30 sites. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with shifts between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.; start and end times may vary by site. The position is up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, and requires availability during the specified hours. Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027, with some school-holiday availability. The role also requires 15 hours of professional development per calendar year and attendance at meetings, trainings, and special events, including events outside program hours.
Requirements
- Availability Monday through Friday during after-school hours, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., for up to 20 hours per week, excluding meetings, during the school year and some school holidays.
- At least 2 years of experience working with children or youth in group settings such as after-school programs, camps, schools, or recreational programs.
- Demonstrated experience or knowledge in visual arts, fine arts, design, photography, or a related field.
- Ability to develop age-appropriate art lessons and projects.
- Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to encourage creativity and engage students with varying skill levels.
- Comfort organizing student artwork and leading exhibitions or showcases.
- Dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic demeanor.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth.
- Knowledge of multiple artistic mediums and creative techniques.
- College degree, formal art training, certification, or equivalent experience.
- Some college coursework or a degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or a related field.
- Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
- Bilingual language skills.
Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate engaging visual arts lessons, workshops, and creative projects.
- Introduce students to artistic mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
- Expose students to influential artists, artistic movements, cultural traditions, and diverse forms of creative expression.
- Teach foundational art techniques, composition, color theory, and creative design.
- Encourage students to explore personal identity, culture, and community through artistic expression.
- Guide students in developing original artwork, individual portfolios, and collaborative projects.
- Prepare students for art exhibitions, galleries, showcases, and program events.
- Promote creativity, confidence, cultural awareness, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive learning environment.
- Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.
- Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year.
- Attend required meetings, training workshops, and special events, including those outside program hours.
- Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in the assigned specialty area.
- Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
- Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
- Prepare materials and supplies in advance and maintain an organized, safe activity space.
- Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for varied skill and grade levels.
- Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
- Build strong relationships with youth and encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
- Adapt activities based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.
- Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
- Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.
- Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
- Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
- Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
