Y Arts Teaching Artist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Program Director, with additional supervision from the Executive Director, the Y Arts Teaching Artist, as part of the media arts team, will co-facilitate media arts classes with another artist for youth in middle and high school. Programs occur during school, after school, and in summer at various school sites, community centers, and YMCAs. Pay for artists includes additional compensation for travel and prep time. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Implement program activities based on the curriculum provided.

• Ensure a safe and nurturing environment.

• Be welcoming to all students and staff.

• Working with additional staff, supervise a group of up to 25 youth.

• Following YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical situations and behavior management, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. 

• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and actively participates in meetings. 

• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some college or a degree in media arts is preferred. Equivalent experience will substitute for formal education. 

• Experience working with youth, specifically middle/high school, is also preferred.

• Reliability/Promptness/Self-starter

• Must be a team player

• Must successfully pass the pre-employment screening requirements, which include a background check and, depending on sites worked, fingerprinting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in program activities in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings.

• Ability to transport equipment to sites. Assistance can be provided if needed.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Y Media Works is a youth media program serving sites throughout Metro Detroit, with a main focus area within Detroit proper. The program’s goal is to teach young people the creative process behind photography, video production, and other media-based projects, depending on the program segment. Some technical instruction is included with a strong focus on positive mentorships with local artists and creating an understanding of the myriad career possibilities in media arts.