MCG Youth's Design Arts Teaching Artist will utilize both traditional and contemporary art making processes. Various media are used for creative expression in this space including painting, drawing, printmaking, fibers, fashion design, light weight sculpture, and installation art. Qualified applicants should possess strong art making foundations in painting, drawing, printmaking, and textiles.

SUMMARY:

Works individually and collaboratively to implement learning experiences that engage students through the arts and technology. Develops 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. Actively participates in a community of practice with fellow teaching artists and program leadership to continually refine instructional effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential duties and responsibilities include, and are not strictly limited to, the following:

• Develops students’ artistic and social skills through MCG Youth educational programs.
• Communicates clear and consistent expectations for student performance and conduct.
• Works with students to identify and make progress on attainable performance and behavior goals.
• Develops curricula for MCG Youth and Arts in-house and/or in-school classes. Collaborates with other Teaching Artists in developing programming.
• Establishes relationships with regional schoolteachers and community partners, and actively collaborates with them as needed. Provides artistic and educational support to enhance curricula, instruction, and project needs.
• Assesses student progress and maintains records using Department of Human Services, school or MCG Youth developed criteria, project evaluations, and tools.
• Assists in the preparation and installation of exhibits, receptions, workshops, and special projects.
• Generates written reports on projects as required by the Program Coordinator and/or Executive Director.
• Ensures studio is clean and prepared for instruction.
• Reports necessary studio repairs to Executive Director.
• Participates in and supports student recruitment efforts, including those related to in-school presentations and visiting artist workshops.
• Attends and actively participates in professional development, staff meetings, and staff and intern training sessions.
• Coordinates and communicates with co-workers, students, parents, and local high school teachers and counselors on student events and projects.
• Exhibits understanding and internalization of company values: influence, respect, listen, shape, and embrace.
• Other duties may be assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from 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 arts, social service, or public school system environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Some technical or practical experience in a professional or community-based arts organization is preferred. Relevant studio-specific technical skills required.

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 & 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 & 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, seeking assistance as needed and ensuring equipment is fully operational prior to using it again.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The employee is frequently required to operate a car, van or mini-van, and must be licensed to drive in the state of Pennsylvania and have an insurable driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to chemicals, moving mechanical parts or outside weather conditions. The employee may be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Please provide a resume and cover letter to be considered.

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15233 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15233: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person