idealist.org

Title: Program Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Program Staff

Secondary Supervision of: Interns, Volunteers, Teen Assistants


Overview

Founded in 1932 by a group of local parents, the Community Art Center has propelled close to 8000 Cambridge youth to develop themselves artistically, academically and socially. We do this by providing a combined total of approximately 3000 program hours per year through two central programs and one large event: the School Age Child Care Program, the Teen Media Program and the Do It Your Damn Self!! National Youth Film and Video Festival. Winner of a Coming Up Taller award in 2006, the Community Art Center maintains a long history of quality youth development, arts based programming. The Community Art Center is in a process of organizational evolution, including a large scale facilities renovation and the launching of a new strategic planning process.


The Community Art Center seeks an enthusiastic, highly committed Program Director to help the Art Center successfully navigate this period of change while continuing programmatic excellence and a positive youth culture. The Program Director will work to maintain effective organizational structure while building investment of staff and youth participants. Enthusiasm, willingness to serve and sense of humor welcome. Two year commitment required.




Responsibilities


STAFF SUPERVISION

Lead program staff in the mission of the agency, including guiding and supporting social, emotional, intellectual and artistic growth of the youth
Management of program staff and visiting artists: including hiring, supervision, reviews, and individual supervision meetings
Maintain a positive attitude and encourage a healthy work environment for the program staff, keeping the welfare of students central to all endeavors


PROGRAMMING

Design curriculum framework for all programs to ensure consistency, program excellence, and adherence to best practices in youth development
Prepare annual programmatic goals and participate in the planning and implementation of programmatic evolution in line with organizational strategic plan
Ensure programs are in line with program descriptions in grant proposals and viceversa
Lead staff, youth representatives, and board members in participating in the evolution of the Community Art Center Logic Model. Oversee measurement of participant outcomes and assess program effectiveness
Facilitate student transitions between Community Art Center programs and to other programs as needed
Lead staff in the execution of seasonal program presentations and plan and research opportunities for performances outside of the Community Art Center
Provide direct service support to programming as needed including helping to lead youth in coordinating and executing annual DIYDS!! National Youth Film and Video Festival
Make referrals as appropriate to student needs and coordinate follow-up services
Develop a more meaningful youth leadership system within programs that supports further youth development as well as youth mentorship through focus on higher education, and career development


YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE

Work with staff & youth to maintain and build the Community Art Center culture as a “safe space” where student behavior and interactions are positive and where young people’s opinions, ideas, and actions are valued
Work to maintain and build investment and involvement of youth in organization; in particular, find and develop meaningful ways for youth to give feedback on programs, community and organizational growth
Advocate for youth in school, community and home, working with other providers as necessary to meet the needs of youth
Develop systems to involve Community Art Center alumni as appropriate


ADMINISTRATION

Manage program budget within budget restraints
Support Development and Events Coordinator with reports on programs required for administration and funders
Serve as a member of the Community Art Center management team, responsible for making key organizational decisions and participating as a leader in organizational meetings as needed
Represent, promote, and advocate for the Community Art Center externally at funder meetings, outreach events, performances, public forums, online, and other venues
Manage educational and artistic collaborations that further the Community Art Center’s mission and in accordance with organizational goals and strategic plan
Work with administrative and operations staff to ensure cleanliness and organization of program space and safety of program equipment

Required Qualifications

Experience in supervising teams of 2 or more staff members
Experience writing and executing arts based curriculum with preference given to those with experience in youth development/arts based after school programs
Strong belief in the arts as an empowering educational tool
Experience in and demonstrated commitment to youth development
Proactive approach to problem solving
Ability to juggle multiple projects and responsibilities
Excellent writing and communication skills,
PC, Mac, and web literacy
Excellent organizational skills


Additional Desired Qualifications

Advanced understanding of and experience in youth media programming
Ongoing artistic practice in at least one art form offered at the Community Art Center (dance, theater, visual arts, media) with preference given to media artists (film, video, photography)
Experience with Logic Model and outcomes measurement frameworks
Demonstrated 5-10 year youth development experience
Outstanding outreach and youth organizing skills
Commitment to working with low income and/or at risk youth from various racial and ethnic backgrounds
Creative, motivated, dynamic and outgoing individual
Masters Degree preferred
Verbal fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish

Please send a cover letter and resume through email to: eryn@communityartcenter.org

Please note that resumes submitted without a formal cover letter will not be considered.