Artist Career Development Specialist

ArtWorks seeks an Artist Career Development Specialist that will play a pivotal role in shaping the professional trajectories of youth and teaching artist participants in ArtWorks’ apprenticeship program, gallery fellowship program, and creative service studios program. The primary responsibilities include designing and implementing workforce development curriculums for both youth and artists, leading engaging workshops on career-related and youth development topics and collaborating with subject matter experts to enhance training sessions.

ArtWorks is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse team. We believe in creating an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized applicants.

Job Title: Artist Career Development Specialist

Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive employee benefits package includes health insurance (80% paid by ArtWorks), life insurance with AD&D, ST and LT disability (100% paid by ArtWorks), generous paid time off, up to12 weeks for individual/family leave fully paid, 401k plan with ArtWorks match of 100% on first 4% of salary, 11 holidays and a year-end winter break of 5 days, $25 per month of cell phone reimbursement, and investment in career development. Vision and dental provided at employee cost.

Salary Range: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Job Type: Exempt – Part Time, 30 hours

Location: ArtWorks Administrative Office, 2460 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Reports to: Senior Director of Impact

Start date: March 1, 2024

About ArtWorks: Now in its 28th year, ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that has pioneered public art and economic impact throughout the region to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages. ArtWorks works alongside community leaders to build civic pride with art that beautifies the region, creating jobs for more than 300 artists annually, including young artists ages 14-24, to earn a living wage. The economic empowerment and mentorship that ArtWorks provides leads to upward mobility, which is critically important for young people who come from a majority of under resourced and underemployed neighborhoods and households. Since 1996, ArtWorks has employed over 4,000 youth and 3,500 creative professionals. The organization has completed more than 14,000 public and private art works of art, including public sculpture, light-based installations and more than 200 permanent outdoor murals, contributing to the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. Now headquartered in Walnut Hills, ArtWorks is part of the burgeoning arts district in Cincinnati’s historic second downtown.

Job Description

ArtWorks seeks an Artist Career Development Specialist that will play a pivotal role in shaping the professional trajectories of youth and teaching artist participants in ArtWorks’ apprenticeship program, gallery fellowship program, and creative service studios program. The primary responsibilities include designing and implementing workforce development curriculums for both youth and artists, leading engaging workshops on career-related and youth development topics and collaborating with subject matter experts to enhance training sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop a comprehensive workforce development curriculum tailored to youth and teaching artist participants across the apprenticeship program, the gallery fellowship program, and creative service studios program.
• Lead workshops and training sessions on career-related topics and ensure high participant engagement.
• Identify, collaborate, and coordinate with subject matter experts and professional facilitators to enhance training sessions.
• Evaluate participant progress and skill development through assessments and feedback.
• Maintain detailed and organized records of curriculum content, training schedules, and participant outcomes, with all documentation up-to-date and readily accessible throughout the year.
• Execute ongoing communications with program participants, including sending weekly program update emails and reminders during active programming.
• Plan and execute artist talk events for the public that support the growth and development of youth and artists.
• Understand industry trends and best practices in career development, as well as demonstrate alignment with national and expert recommendations, and incorporate new industry-relevant elements into the curriculum annually.
• Establish an alumni tracking system, to ensure ongoing support and engagement of youth and artists and understand long term program impacts.
• Implement an external job placement program for youth artists in the creative service studios.
• Design and implement two successful public art training programs, focusing on project development skills and community engagement skills for professional artists.
• Additional duties as needed.

Qualifications and experiences:

• Commitment to ArtWorks’ mission, values, culture and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Plan
• Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Education, Career Counseling, or a related field.
• Three to five years of experience in curriculum development, workshop facilitation, and career development, preferably in an arts or education-related context.
• Strong skills in evaluating participant progress using data to adjust programming as needed.
• Excellent organizational skills with a track record of maintaining detailed and well-organized records of curriculum content, training schedules, and participant outcomes.
• Previous experience in planning and executing public events, particularly artist talk events, that result in a positive participant experience.
• Experience in establishing and managing alumni tracking systems, with a focus on ongoing support and engagement strategies.
• Previous success in implementing job placement programs, particularly in securing placements for program graduates within the arts or related fields.
• Familiarity with public art initiatives and best practices in project development and community engagement for artists.
• Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours when needed.

Skills and abilities:

• Builds effective relationships through formal and informal networks, internally and externally.
• Collaborates by building internal and community partnerships with shared objectives.
• Champions diversity that recognizes the value of different perspectives and cultures
• Embraces change by adapting approach and demeanor to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Is resourceful in securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Plans and aligns work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Communicates effectively in a variety of communication modes.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and information management systems
• Adhere to ethical behavior and business practices.

The Payoff:

• Be part of an amazing mission and make a mark in transforming the Greater Cincinnati region with public art, building community, and investing in young artists.
• Help build a future home for ArtWorks with a site for permanent art studios, gallery, and event space to build a more vibrant community.
• Be part of a dynamic team that embraces a growth mindset and has fun.
• Be part of a collaborative, creative and flexible work culture that is people centered.
• Join a team that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in community-centered work that creates positive change. Read our full commitment here.

To Apply: Click Here with cover letter, resume and references