Educational Outreach Program Coordinator

Position Description:

Educational Outreach Program Coordinator – Part-time (approx. 20 hours per week)

The Center for Art in Wood, formerly the Wood Turning Center, seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to lead our Tree to Form educational program within the Philadelphia and Bucks County School District for grades K-12 and The Center’s onsite educational programming. Tree to Form is a multi-disciplinary collaborative program that explores the creative process utilizing wood as the medium.

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude and collaborative spirit, and be a great motivator and supervisor working with artists and staff on program and curriculum development, school and community outreach, classroom and group management, and artistic production.

The Tree to Form program and The Center’s educational programming are entirely grant funded and, as such, compensation will be based upon successful implementation of the program and securing of required funding.

Responsibilities:

• Service Delivery and Execution
  • Develop, manage and oversee The Center’s educational programs including; educational programs at The Center, in the community, in partnership with other organizations, and with the public school programs
  • Manage and oversee educational content of The Center’s in-school programs
  • Oversee the development and execution of arts educational programming and curriculum content consistent with The Center’s mission and program goals
  • Ensure the development of appropriate curriculum plans
  • Foster the educational experience via hands-on developmentally appropriate and highly interactive methods, which are also consistent with PA academic standards
  • Develop procedures and policies for safe and effective operation of the overall program
  • Hire and supervise site coordinators and assistants, teaching artists, and consultants
  • Maintain reports and accompanying data with regard to program for funding purposes
  • Continue to develop curricula with Center staff and school administrators as required
  • Provide performance evaluation and feedback for all activity and group leader positions within the program
  • Orient and train staff to program, highlighting process and learning opportunities
  • Plan and lead regular meetings with staff
  • Develop or coordinate professional development and curriculum support workshops opportunities for teaching artists and staff on best practices in arts education and out-of-school time programming
  • Be available to facilitate activities with youth participants, build relationships, and provide referrals and support
  • Develop and maintain internal calendar and database of schools participating in the program
  • Ensure appropriate paperwork for program is maintained, e.g., background checks for instructors, parent approval for program participation, etc.
• Youth Recruitment and Outreach, Community and School Relationship Development
  • Develop and oversee educational programs at The Center, with potential community partners, and educational offerings in the community.
  • Work with artists to develop educational programming to compliment artists’ works and shows at The Center
  • Develop and oversee student recruitment plan. With program staff, conduct ongoing outreach at school(s) and in community, including classroom presentations, guest workshops, and participating at relevant events.
  • Establish and maintain communication with members of the school staff about student needs and aspects of the after school program
  • Meet regularly with principal/administrators and work closely with school staff
  • Facilitate partnerships with appropriate public and private agencies that provide services to students and families to broaden the impact and reach of The Center’s services and help position The Center as a community resource
  • Market and promote program to school administrators and teachers
  • Provide Tree to Form curricula to teachers and classrooms as required
  • Engage instructors and coordinator teaching schedules as required
  • Provide evaluations to teachers, students and parents to assess success of program
• Reporting, Administration and Evaluation
  • Establish a system for evaluating programs and content to measure satisfaction and effectiveness
  • Establish performance standards for all personnel to assure that contractual service objectives are attained
  • Ensure performance targets are met
  • Develop and maintain records needed for program administration
  • Monitor program budget, provide needed information for financial reporting
  • Prepare information for funder reports and assist to secure donations and funding for the program as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching in elementary or secondary schools and developing curriculum material
• Must be a creative thinker who is able to conceive and implement curricular content
• Ability to take initiative and reach out to work with diverse constituencies, including school administrators and educators and teaching artists
• Excellent writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to effectively engage with children and youth
• Knowledgeable about Philadelphia’s arts, and culture sector
• Must be organized with the ability to multi-task and coordinate overlapping activities
• Computer proficiency in MS Word and Excel
• Minimum of Bachelors Degree, preferably in Education or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience working in after-school environment with youth in urban communities. Teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with arts education programming for middle and high school youth in community-based and after-school settings.
• Experience working with artists and teachers on curriculum development related to school standards. Familiarity with Philadelphia School District a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and energize multi-disciplinary work teams to respond to needs and get results
• Strong rapport and commitment to supporting youth. Ability to translate youth development theory into practice
• Completion of background clearances, including: PA Child Abuse History, PA State Police Criminal Records Check, and FBI Criminal Background Check
• Access to a car to purchase and deliver supplies and materials as needed
• Excellent communication skills, including computer and interpersonal skills

About Us:

Founded in 1986, The Center for Art in Wood, formerly the Wood Turning Center, is an arts and educational institution whose mission is leading the growth, awareness, appreciation and promotion of artists and their creation and design of art in wood and wood in combination with other materials.

Since its inception, the Center has organized over 40 exhibitions to showcase creativity and craftsmanship (twelve of which have toured to museums around the US), published 12 major catalogues focusing on various aspects of wood art and the artists (the Challenge VII catalogue was awarded 2nd place for its design by the American Association of Museums in 2009), sponsored 16 annual international residency programs for competitively selected wood artists, scholars and photojournalists from around the world and partnered with more than 50 Delaware Valley schools to present hands-on wood turning classes and educational programs for students.

To Apply:

Email a cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications for the position, your resume, salary requirements, and 3 work-related references to albert@centerforartinwood.org. Please indicate “Director of Education Programs Position” on subject line of email.

The Center for Art in Wood is an equal opportunity employer.