Community Outreach and Engagement Teaching Artist

MCG Youth

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SUMMARY:

The Community Outreach and Engagement Teaching Artist is responsible for implementing community engagements for the MCG Youth mobile studio. The teaching artist works individually and collaboratively to implement learning experiences that engage students through the arts and technology.  The teaching artist fosters creative capacities in students that promote artistic abilities, positive pro-social behavior and coping skills leading to successful progression through school to higher education and/or employment. The teaching artist has other responsibilities relating to visiting artists and exhibitions, daytime and after-school programming.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Essential duties and responsibilities include, and are not strictly limited to, the following:

 

Program Delivery and Collaboration (up to two thirds of time):

• As directed, plans and executes creative programming in keeping with MCG Youth curricula, specifically utilizing the mobile studio.

• Maintains relationships with regional schoolteachers and community partners and actively collaborates with them. 

• Notifies supervisor of potential new opportunities stemming from current community engagements. 

 

Visiting Artist & Exhibitions (up to one-third of time):

• Maintains correspondence with key MCGI stakeholders. Manages awards and scholarship details.

• Drafts content and creates Visiting Artist Exhibition support materials and gallery guide as directed.

• Curates and maintains artwork within gallery space.

 

Additional Duties:

• Assists in daytime and after-school programming on-site and in community as needed.

• Procures and prepares materials necessary for program delivery.

• Performs upkeep on studio equipment.

• Develops and assists in developing curricula for MCG Youth in-school classes.

• As needed, advises partnering teachers on artistic curricula, related instruction, and project requirements.

• Assesses students’ participation and progress according to criteria which have been established internally or by community partners. Documents progress and maintains records as required.

• Participates in and supports student recruitment efforts, including those related to in-school presentations and visiting artist workshops. 

• Coordinates and communicates with co-workers, students, parents, and local high school teachers and counselors on student events and projects.

• Notifies supervisor of equipment failures and problems with the mobile studio (vehicle).

• Attends and actively participates in professional development, staff meetings, and staff training sessions. 

• Assists in daytime and after-school programming on-site as needed.

• Documents engagements for grant reporting and marketing purposes.

• Continuously looks for cutting-edge contemporary art practices (new ways to communicate through visual arts media from the historically relevant to contemporary forms).

 

• Exhibits understanding and internalization of company values: influence, respect, listen, shape, and embrace.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. 

 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and 1-2 years previous experience working with youth in formal or informal settings; 2-3 years previous experience in an art, social service, or public-school environment and moderate proficiency in a broad range of traditional and contemporary artistic and studio practices are required. Also, must have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and an insurable driver’s record and be capable of driving a Mercedes Sprinter.

 

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Listening:   

• Attends to verbal and non-verbal cues that create a deeper understanding of the message.

• Allows others to speak without unnecessarily interrupting them.                                                                   

• Asks clarifying questions that elicit clearer or more detailed information.                                                  

• Confirms understanding by paraphrasing or summarizing what others have said.

                           

Speaking:   

• Presents information clearly, concisely, and logically. Focuses on key points.                         

• Gives the listener time to process information and ask questions.                                               

• Reads others’ body language and adjusts tone and style accordingly.

• Uses plain talk to explain complex or technical concepts. Varies content, style, and form to suit the subject, the purpose, and the needs of diverse audiences.                                         

• Captures and holds others’ attention. Uses language, inflection, pauses, and body language for increased impact.  

 

Creative and Innovative Thinking:   

• Sees old problems in new ways and has novel approaches to solving those problems.       

• Sees opportunities for creative problem solving while staying within the parameters of good practice. Generates unique but workable and useful solutions to difficult problems.               

• Thinks in terms of desired outcomes, not just reactive, quick solutions. Finds ways to turn the ideal into reality. Experiments with new ideas, methodologies, and procedures.                             

• Visualizes potential problems and solutions without needing tangible, “real-life” examples. Can discuss and project the aspects and impacts of issues and decisions.                                                     

Development and Continual Learning:  

• Applies own talents to work assignments, and hones the competencies needed in current job.       

• Looks for better ways to perform routine aspects of job.                                                                                   

• Asks for and uses feedback to improve performance. Seeks and acquires new competencies, work methods, ideas, and information that will improve own efficiency and effectiveness on the job.            

• Finds and maximizes opportunities for growth and development from multiple sources.                    

• Sees failure as an opportunity to learn from past results and continues to learn and grow.

 

Valuing Diversity: 

• Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people. Creates an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.                             

• Seeks different points of view and leverages diverse perspectives in group processes and decision-making. Checks own views against the views of others.                                                                   

• Supports fair treatment and equal opportunity for all. Listens to and objectively considers the ideas/input of others. Respects the talents and contributions of all individuals.                                                

• Strives to eliminate barriers to diversity; ensures that new barriers to diversity are not built.                                                                                                                       

Operating Equipment:

• Learns the functions, purposes, and limitations of new equipment, and practices using it.                 

• Accurately sets up and calibrates tools and machines.                                                                                         

• Routinely inspects equipment and adheres to the proper maintenance schedule.                

• Follows safety and other regulations when handling and operating equipment.                                      

• Uses equipment for its intended purpose only, protecting it from damage and misuse.                       

• Responds quickly to malfunctions, seeks assistance as needed and ensures equipment is fully operational prior to using it again.                            

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a worker to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The worker must possess the mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the worker is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear. The worker is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel. The worker is required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer screen, reading, and preparing and analyzing documents.  Light to moderate lifting may be required. Regular, predictable attendance is required.

 

Studio work may require additional physical capacity to perform activities which would include movements such as lifting and carrying, bending and twisting, and crouching and stooping. The worker must be able to lift 10-20 pounds repeatedly and up to 50 pounds periodically.

 

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

 

Submit a resume and cover letting to resumes@manchesterbidwell.org to be considered.

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EOE