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Job Description
Description Are you looking to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers, makers, and leaders — through the power of art? The Art Specialist is a dynamic youth development professional responsible for planning, delivering, and overseeing engaging, hands-on visual arts experiences for middle and high school-aged members. This role harnesses the power of creative expression, artistic exploration, and project-based learning to help members build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and career readiness. More than an instructor, this role is a catalyst — transforming creative energy into real-world competencies that open doors. The Art Specialist curates a welcoming studio environment where members explore diverse artistic mediums while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and authentic self-expression. As a mentor and positive role model, this position ensures every member feels seen, valued, and inspired to reach their potential. Why the
Arts Matter:
Building Skills for Life & Career Creative problem-solving ranks among the most in-demand skills across every major industry. Art builds resilience — learning to iterate, fail, and improve is the foundation of a growth mindset. Visual communication is a core literacy in today's digital economy. Collaborative art projects mirror real-world teamwork, deadline management, and shared ownership. Portfolio development gives youth a tangible, compelling record of their capabilities for college and career. Requirements Prepare Youth for Future Success Actively and collaboratively engage as a team member with Woodlands Impact Center staff to meet program goals. Demonstrate leadership to meet conduct, safety, life, and employability skills development goals of members. Plan, prepare, and administer daily art experiences and activities while providing supervision of high school members. Develop written experience plans detailing activity purpose, materials required, step-by-step instructions, and life and employability skills addressed. Deliver Club program objectives consistent with organizational goals and mission. Record daily attendance of members participating in activities. Ensure members are encouraged to participate in impactful experiences and receive instruction and constructive feedback to develop artistic and creative skills. Recognize and celebrate members' positive behavior, effort, and accomplishments. Continuously evaluate experiences and adapt programming to meet member interests and developmental needs. Serve as a positive role model with a sincere interest in member success. Art Program Responsibilities Plan and facilitate a variety of visual arts experiences including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, graphic design, photography, digital art, crafts, and cultural arts. Teach artistic techniques while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Maintain an organized and safe art studio environment. Manage art supplies, materials, and equipment responsibly. Organize displays, showcases, exhibitions, and member art galleries to build member pride and community visibility. Incorporate career exploration opportunities related to creative industries and the arts. Foster an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation through artistic expression. Collaborate with community artists, volunteers, and partners to enhance programming opportunities. Additional Responsibilities May oversee special programs and events, including art showcases, community art projects, field trips, and service-learning opportunities. Participate in implementation of other Impact Center activities as needed. May be required to drive the Impact Center van periodically. Assist with maintaining a clean and organized Impact Center, including sweeping, mopping, wiping tables, washing dishes, decorating spaces, and organizing supplies. Any other duties as assigned. Workforce Skills Cultivated Through Art Every project, critique, and creative challenge in this program is intentionally designed to develop transferable workforce skills. The table below maps artistic practice to career-ready competencies — making the value of every activity visible to members, families, and future employers.
Artistic Practice:
Transferable Workforce Skills Developed Drawing & Painting:
Attention to detail, patience, and iterative self-improvement Sculpture & 3
Visual communication, brand literacy, digital software proficiency
Photography:
Technical operation, storytelling, composition and framing
Digital Art & Animation:
Technology fluency, multimedia production, file organization Mixed Media /
Collage:
Resourcefulness, conceptual thinking, material innovation
Art Critique & Peer Review:
Oral communication, giving and receiving constructive feedback
Portfolio Building:
Personal branding, professional presentation, self-advocacy
Exhibition Planning:
Project management, public relations, event coordination
Cultural Arts Projects:
Global awareness, empathy, cross-cultural communication
Collaborative Murals & Group Projects:
Teamwork, compromise, shared ownership of outcomes Skills & Traits of an Ideal Candidate Passion for
Visual Arts & Youth:
Brings infectious enthusiasm that motivates even reluctant members to pick up a brush or open a design file
Creative Facilitation:
Designs experiences where youth discover their own voice rather than simply copying the instructor
Communication & Relationship Building:
Connects authentically with teens; builds trust that extends beyond the studio
Coachable & Adaptable:
Pivots fluidly based on member energy, supply availability, or unexpected moments of inspiration
Organization & Self-Management:
Manages materials, lesson plans, attendance, and timelines with minimal oversight
Positive Behavior Recognition:
Catches members doing things right and amplifies it to build a thriving studio culture
Mentorship Mindset:
Sees every member as a future creative professional worthy of honest investment and feedback Ability to
Inspire Confidence:
Nurtures self-expression and risk-taking in a safe, judgment-free environment Qualifications Preferred (Bachelor's in Fine Arts, Art Education, Graphic Design, etc.) Minimum (Associate's degree) Equivalent experience accepted (2+ years professional art/facilitation) Youth development coursework as a plus
