What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part Time Classroom Assistant – Studio Arts position at Edmundson Art Foundation dba Des Moines Art Center?
Position Summary
The Des Moines Art Center is seeking to fill 2 part-time Classroom Assistant roles in its Studio Arts department. The Classroom Assistant is responsible for providing support to children's Studio Arts classes and assisting with general studio organization and maintenance. Responsibilities include - but are not limited to - studio set up and tear down, materials distribution, and assisting instructors with demonstrations and general classroom management. This position is designed for individuals with interest in pursuing professional art education, and who have understanding of and interest in art materials and processes.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Youth Program Lead and interacts frequently with teaching artists, other classroom assistants, and students of all ages, among other Art Center departments and colleagues.
Essential Functions
- Assists studio instructor(s) with classes, distributing materials, helping and encouraging young students, clarifying instructions, and listening/anticipating instructor & student needs. Promotes classes, responds to inquiries, and processes drop-in registrations. Offers guidance as needed to students and faculty.
- Sets up studio tables, chairs/stools and distributes supplies; redistributes supplies and materials as needed; properly cleans & maintains all studio-related materials.
- Contributes to studio maintenance & cleanliness. Reports the status of both studios & supplies to the Department manager.
- Collects, mounts, and labels student artwork for display & exhibition.
- Assists at special community events as needed.
Other Responsibilities
Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance, and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other organizational policies.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Interest in art & art-making, with working knowledge of and/or experience with a variety of art materials.
- Passionate about working with children.
- Self-motivated & flexible attitude; able to act independently & solve problems with initiative.
- Excellent organizational & communication skills.
- Exhibits professionalism in interacting with staff & faculty; students, parents, & families; and the public.
- Flexible in scheduling to meet department & course needs; arrives at work consistently on time
Education, Experience, and/or Certification
Experience with children ages 4-12 preferred.
Decision Making
Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Studio Arts Manager & Youth Program Lead.
Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Physical Factors, Required Travel, etc.)
- Work is performed in an indoor studio Occasionally work is performed outdoors.
- This is a part-time position that runs concurrently with the Studio Arts department's class Breaks between terms will correspond to reduced hours. The schedule for this position requires general availability to work on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (~3:45-7:00pm) and Saturday days.
Equipment Used
- Art materials (paint, pencils, ink, clay, brushes, scissors, )
- Office Supplies (pens, staplers, pencils, paper cutter, )
- Packing supplies (boxcutter, tape gun)
- Simple tools (hammer, screwdriver, )
- Possible use of clay roller and pug mill
