Program Coordinator

About Free Arts NYC

Free Arts NYC empowers youth from underserved communities through art and mentoring programs to develop their creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed. For 25 years, we have strived to level the playing field and create equity in the creative space by providing high-quality arts and 1:1 mentorship programs for the next generation. Every year, we partner with over 40 schools, community centers, and transitional housing facilities to provide free programming for 1,600 young people through 2 core programs. The team consists of 13 (FT and PT) and the 2 million dollar annual budget is raised through corporate engagement opportunities, foundation grants, individual giving campaigns, unique partnerships and an Annual Art Auction honoring major figures in the contemporary art world including: FUTURA, KAWS, Julia Chiang, Eddie Martinez, Sam Moyer, Lawrence Weiner among others.

The Teen Arts Program follows an in-depth, long term mentoring model for young people ages 13-21 who are interested in exploring the arts academically or professionally through three interdependent tracks. Opportunities include portfolio development, artist studio visits, skill building workshops, creative company visits and paid internships.

Free Arts Days pair 25-50 children ages 6-12, with a volunteer for an afternoon of art-making and mini mentoring supported by individuals or corporate sponsors.

The Program Coordinator role is an opportunity for an emerging arts educator to work with and learn from a passionate team of Program Managers. This role is critical in supporting the 5 person program team. Key responsibilities, all while learning the ins and outs of running, a program include: communication with youth and mentors, support in person and virtual workshops, and track important program data. The Positions works closely with all Program Managers and reports to the Senior Manager of Internships and Alumni.

This role is Full-time Non-Exempt and is expected to work a TUESDAY through SATURDAY SCHEDULE

Responsibilities Include:

Supporting workshop and program execution:

• Attend all workshops for the Teen Arts Program and the Free Arts Day Program.
• Assist in workshop execution:
• Prepare meeting materials
• Take detailed attendance notes
• Virtual workshops - open zoom rooms, assume host functions, track the chat, manage break out rooms and surveys
• In-person workshops - arrive 1 hour early, prepare the space for participants, gather all materials, provide assistance during the event as needed, restore the space afterward
• Order supplies for participants and programs as needed, keeping meticulous records of receipts and submitting expenses to finance

Communicating with participants:

• Work with Program Managers to assess communication needs for each program cycle
• Ensure that participants receive and respond to all programmatic requests for information
• Follow up with participants and mentors as needed
• Support volunteer and teen recruitment through application reviews and communication
• Support in the communication for launching programs

Data tracking:

• Input data into Salesforce to track participant activity, workshop attendance, company partners, artists and events related to program activities
• Track and maintain all participant records
• Track and maintain all mentor records
• Track and maintain records from companies hosting workshops and internships

Successful candidates for this position will:

• Have passion for youth development and arts access
• Approach their work with a strong equity lens and be dedicated to the principles of equity and inclusion
• Feel equally confident working in-person as working virtually
• Be willing to take charge and shift focus with short notice
• Quickly learn new systems
• Communicate clearly and be willing to ask questions to confirm understanding

In addition, we prefer candidates to have:

• Any level of degree in a related field such as studio art, design, illustration, education, etc.
• An interest in careers related to arts programming, mentorship, extra-academic learning programs
• Their own artistic practice or aspirations

Other:

Free Arts NYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to seeking a diverse staff with respect to gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, class, educational background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. All applicants are welcome.

Hybrid Work Environment: Currently Free Arts is operating with a hybrid of remote and in office work and in-office presence is required as needed. Proof of vaccination is required for employment.

Physical Demands: The day-to-day operations of this role require the use of a MacBook Pro, the ability to appear and participate in video conferences and can for now be completed from a satellite or home office. This role regularly requires the employee to report to the office or an event location and sit, walk and stand as well as use hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment and lift up to 30lbs.

This job description is not designed to cover or constrain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, generally the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.