Youth Arts Program Manager

March 2026

Position Available: Youth Arts Program Manager

About Arts on the Block (AOB):

Arts on the Block is the only youth workforce development organization in the Washington, DC area that offers youth the opportunity to learn about the intersection of art, design, and business through real-world art projects. AOB strives to create a world where every young person has the opportunity to explore, create, and thrive. We offer apprenticeship, education, and collaboration that empower creative youth to imagine and shape fulfilling futures, join the creative workforce, and contribute to the quality of life of their communities.

Position Summary:

AOB is seeking a collaborative Youth Arts Program Manager to lead The Apprentice Program (TAP). This role offers a hands-on opportunity to build and guide a small studio team, mentor teenage apprentices, and deliver high-quality mosaic centered visual arts and workforce development programming. The position oversees up to 20 apprentices and leads up to three studio assistants, shaping a creative, supportive studio culture while managing curriculum, commissioned mosaic projects, and program delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Leadership: Deliver the TAP program, focusing on visual arts education within the Advancing Youth Development framework.
• Team Management: Lead the TAP studio team, including onboarding, training, and coaching TAP studio assistants in the execution of the mosaic-centered projects.
• Curriculum Development: Build upon and implement our visual arts curriculum tailored to a diverse population of high school-aged creatives.
• Client Relations: Manage client relations for commissioned projects and document artwork production.
• Professional Development: Support and evaluate the professional development of apprentices, including job training, life skills training, and technology adoption.
• Event Preparation: Prepare the studio and apprentices for events, and attend and staff events as needed.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or higher, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Experience with commissioned and public art projects; mosaic experience is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing visual arts curricula for high school-aged or older youth.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse range of individuals.
• Demonstrable business competence, including leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.

Work Environment and Hours:

In-person required onsite at the Mosaic Studio, 30-35 hours per week.

Operational hours from Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé and portfolio or relevant work samples to: aob@artsontheblock.com

Please include “Youth Arts Program Manager” in the subject line. Applications must be received by April 18th for the most favorable consideration.

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay: $35.00 per hour
• Contract Type: One-year contract position
• Schedule: 30-35 hours per week

Arts on the Block is committed to diversity and does not discriminate based on gender identity, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.