Middle and High School Programs Manager

Urban ArtWorks is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to engage youth and communities in the creation of public art that inspires connections and honors their voices. Through our arts-based youth employment programs, community projects, and public art installations, our professional teaching artists facilitate opportunities for all people to have access to the transformative power of creating public art.

We are strongest when we embrace the creativity and diversity of the community we serve and believe that our deep commitment to cultural and racial equity is an investment in our mission and shared future. Urban ArtWorks is looking for someone who would be passionate about fostering our values of connection, anti-racism, expression, belonging, and integrity. Urban ArtWorks is in a period of expansion, and we are looking for a creative and organized Middle and High School Program Manager to expand and enhance our youth programming.

Scope of Responsibilities

In the middle and High School Program Manager role, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and supervising our Middle and High School school-based programs, Mural Apprentice Programs, Base Crew, and Youth Advisory Committee. You will work directly with community partners, schools, and program partner organizations to establish and develop MS/HS programs. You will recruit and hire Teaching artists for MS/HS programs. You will manage and supervise the Program Specialist who works at program sites to support Teaching Artists and youth apprentices. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of work
• Be an advocate for youth and Teaching Artists and support Urban ArtWorks’ organizational value of anti-racism
• Take lead on deepening current MS/HS program curriculum to increase culturally responsive practices and deepen community connections
• Work with Program Director, Program Specialist, and Base Crew Participants to formalize Youth Advisory Committee roles and processes
• Work with Program Director and Executive Director to develop new MS and HS program ideas and partnerships
• Supervise, train, and manage Program Specialists
• Actively recruiting, training, supervising, and managing a diverse team of Teaching Artists to support youth and community-based programs.
• Communicate with and respond to Program Director in a timely manner
• Develop participant communication strategies including: recruiting new youth participants, electronic, in-person, and phone communications, and building upon current participant handbook
• Make site visits to program locations to support Teaching Artist supervision and model program activities when needed
• Meet with the Program Director regularly to discuss upcoming projects, tasks, etc.
• Use Asana consistently to manage youth programs and projects
• Be responsive to the changing needs of our teaching artists and youth in our community
• Participate in meetings with community partners and Teaching Artists as needed
• Work with Program Specialist to ensure all demographic and program evaluations are completed
• Work with Program Specialist to coordinate end of Mural Apprentice Program graduations/celebrations
• Additional tasks as necessary inclusive of: participating in all-staff and program-staff meetings, collaborating on day-of tasks for youth program and community participation-related events, supporting community events on occasion, cultivating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for staff, participants, teaching artists, community partners, and programmatic volunteers.

Competitive Candidates will Possess:

• A belief system aligned with Urban ArtWorks’ values, vision, and mission
• A commitment to anti-racism
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Excellent listening skills
• Experience working with Middle- and High-school aged youth in out-of-school and school-based settings
• Familiarity with project management and scheduling tools such as Asana
• Computer skills in standard software Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Suite

Desired Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Education, Visual Arts Education, Arts Management) or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit program management or education setting
• Demonstrated experience working with Middle- and High-school youth in a nonprofit or educational arts setting
• Demonstrated experience developing arts-based curricula and lesson plans for Middle- and High-school classrooms or out-of-school programs
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and project management skills with the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple programs simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak publicly with partners, supporters, and the media
• Knowledge of Seattle’s Arts & Culture scene
• Visual arts background or appreciation

Urban ArtWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Urban ArtWorks, we go beyond the legal policy as we recognize, honor, respect, and welcome individuals with varied intersections and diverse personal lived experiences because not only is it the right thing to do, but it creates a more diverse, creative, and innovative organization. Urban ArtWorks provides equal opportunity to all candidates regardless of race, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, partner status, pregnancy/childbirth, or any other category protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.   BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folx, particularly those with a connection to the communities we serve, are strongly encouraged to apply.