Arts Activity Specialist (Education and Workforce TEP)

GODDARD RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER•New York, NY

3d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) is a non-profit, multi-service organization focusing primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational. We are seeking a creative and skilled Arts and Crafts Specialist with a strong focus on DIY projects to join our organization. As an Arts and Crafts Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and conducting arts and crafts programs and workshops with an emphasis on do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques and projects. You will work closely with teenagers to inspire creativity, foster artistic expression, and provide hands-on guidance for various DIY art projects. The ideal candidate should have a passion for arts and crafts, a strong knowledge of DIY techniques, and the ability to inspire and engage participants. Under the supervision of the Summer Teen Program Manager, the Activity Specialists will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties:

Requirements

Experience in arts education, creative programming, DIY crafting, or visual arts instruction.
Experience working with youth in educational, afterschool, or community programs preferred.
Strong communication and facilitation skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage materials and project timelines.
Experience working in youth programs, community organizations, or educational settings preferred.
First Aid and CPR certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
Knowledge of various art mediums including painting, crafting, mixed media, and DIY design techniques.
Familiarity with Cricut machines or similar digital cutting tools preferred, or willingness to learn.
Ability to communicate information clearly, accurately, and professionally.
Ability to create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive creative environment for youth.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and youth participants.
Cultural competency and experience working with diverse youth populations.
Enthusiasm for mentoring and supporting teen development.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Highly motivated and committed to supporting youth development and the mission of the organization
Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout program spaces for extended periods during workshops and activities.
Ability to lift and carry arts supplies or materials up to 25 pounds.
Ability to set up and organize arts workstations and project materials.
Ability to use crafting tools, scissors, cutting tools, and digital crafting equipment safely.
Ability to supervise participants while they are using crafting materials and equipment.
Ability to maintain active supervision of youth participants across multiple program areas.

Responsibilities

Design and facilitate hands-on arts and crafts workshops for teens ages 13–19, adapting lesson plans to accommodate varying skill levels.
Develop a diverse range of DIY arts projects, including painting, crafting, upcycling, and mixed-media activities.
Create detailed project plans that include materials lists, step-by-step instructions, and visual aids for participants.
Demonstrate creative techniques and guide participants in the use of materials and tools.
Encourage participants to experiment with different materials and develop their own creative styles.
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing ideas and creative work.
Provide guidance and support to participants throughout the project process, including troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and creative leadership.
Utilize positive youth development strategies to address challenges and celebrate youth achievements.
Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and respect.
Support staff in implementing positive youth development and behavior management strategies.
Address behavioral concerns and assist with conflict resolution while maintaining a supportive environment.
Celebrate youth achievements and encourage participation in program activities and leadership opportunities.
Collaborate with other program specialists and instructors to integrate media activities across program areas.
Organize opportunities for participants to showcase media projects through exhibitions, screenings, or community events.
Collaborate with site leadership and other program specialists to integrate arts programming into broader program activities.
Support the planning and coordination of arts exhibitions, displays, and creative showcases highlighting participant work.
Assist with organizing program events, including the Family & Friends showcase event celebrating youth accomplishments.
Promote arts programming through social media, flyers, and community outreach initiatives.
Support the coordination of the Family & Friends showcase event, highlighting youth media projects and program achievements.
Evaluate the effectiveness of workshops and media programming by gathering feedback from participants.
Adjust workshop content and activities to improve engagement and learning outcomes.
Participate in pre-program training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Collaborate with program staff during daily check-ins and planning meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).
Maintain an inventory of media equipment, supplies, and software resources.
Maintain a safe and organized workspace during media production activities.
Assist with preparing program spaces for workshops and media production sessions.
Assist in ensuring that program spaces remain safe, clean, and organized.
Monitor recreational spaces and ensure proper care of equipment and materials.
Support daily program setup and closing procedures.
Ensure program activities adhere to organizational health and safety protocols.
Participate in pre-program training, staff meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Remain available to work evenings and weekends as required by program operations.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Summer Teen Expansion Program (TEP).
Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, families, staff, and community partners.
Support communication channels between youth participants, families, and program staff.
Collect feedback from participants and staff to help identify opportunities for program improvement.
Assist with preparing reports related to program activities, attendance, and participant engagement.
Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations and participant success.