Arts and Wellness Specialist - Photography Program

Position Description Title:

Arts and Wellness Specialist -

Photography Program Organization:

Athens Photographic Project. Non-profit 501(c)3

Hours:

Full-time (Flexible 32-40 hours per week)

Benefits:

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Reports to:

Program Director Location:

434 W. Union St. Athens, Ohio 45701 Deadline to apply: May 15, 2026 for full consideration. Open until filled

Preferred Start Date:

July 1, 2026 Background The Athens Photographic Project (APP) is a peer-run community that supports mental health and wellbeing by empowering people through photography to discover creativity, identity, and connection. For 25 years, APP artists and staff have embraced photography, self-expression, and peer support as essential components of mental health recovery in Athens, Ohio. Today, APP is expanding its peer-run mission to support the growth and accessibility of arts, wellness, and peer support services for people in recovery throughout Southeast Ohio. Our Athens-based photography program is the most established and long-lasting photography community in the country to provide expressive photography classes, exhibitions, and workforce development services as integrated components of mental health support. Our Athens photography program integrates arts education, peer support, and community building, all within a supportive but challenging classroom environment. APP classes are held at our Art Studio and at community based and residential behavioral health partner sites. Our innovative program model is recognized nationally and APP artists are honored continuality for their contribution of insight, creativity, and advocacy to the community. Position Overview APP is seeking a full-time Arts and Wellness Specialists to join our Athens-based photography program. As an APP Arts and Wellness Specialist, you will work in a collaborative, peer-driven environment to lead photography classes for new, emerging, and established artists in Athens County. The Arts and Wellness Specialist will support the production and display of APP artwork through exhibitions, sales, and mental health awareness campaigns. At APP, you will provide the ongoing support and outreach necessary to ensure our programming is accessible to adults and teens who have been affected by a mental health and/or substance use challenge. The Arts and Wellness Specialist position utilizes photography-based curricula, workshops, and equipment to offer individuals a powerful and transformative set of tools in their recovery journey. An Arts and Wellness Specialist at APP will have benefited from formal training in photography and/or other art media. Lived personal experience with a mental health or substance use challenge, or professional experience in the behavioral health sector will additionally provide applicable skills and knowledge that is helpful for this position. We're looking for someone compassionate, reliable and comfortable leading groups, especially in discussion-based or peer-centered settings. As a Community Arts and Wellness Specialist, you'll use photography and creative practice to support individuals in their recovery through relationships, consistency and engagement. What You'll Do Facilitate photography groups in APP studios and community settings Support artists one-on-one and in groups Develop and adapt photography curriculum Help organize exhibitions, workshops and community events Maintain a digital archive of artwork Provide recovery-informed support within your training Collaborate with staff, partners and behavioral health providers Qualification Bachelor's degree required Experience with photography, self-expression, and visual storytelling Working knowledge of camera use, photo history and digital editing Preferred Skills and Experience Group facilitation or teaching experience Strong interpersonal and organizational skills Experience with exhibitions, collaboration or community partnerships Lived experience with recovery Compensation and Benefits $21/hour Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) $5,000 annually Paid time off Ongoing professional development Wellness opportunities How to Apply Send a cover letter and resume to APP Program Director, Lacy Davis, at lacy@athensphotoproject.org by May 15, 2026.

Learn more:

www.athensphotoproject.org

Pay:

$21.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person