Graphic Design Teaching Artist

About Creative Art Works

Creative Art Works ("CAW") is a 39-year-old nonprofit that improves the lives of thousands of under-resourced youth each year through in-school and out-of-school-time classes, community art-making events, and our renowned Public Art Youth Employment program. Working in NYC public schools, community centers, juvenile justice settings and parks, CAW provides dynamic arts experiences for youth who otherwise lack access. Our programs build confidence, unlock a love of learning, and teach valuable technical, developmental, life and job skills, all while creating profound connections between our young constituents, their art and their communities.

Summary

Creative Art Works seeks a dynamic and experienced multimedia teaching artist for opportunities this summer, late June – mid August. Expertise in Adobe Suite, with Indesign and Photoshop are required, with additional areas of concentration in desktop publishing and associated programs, digital photography and photo editing, copywriting, and presentation skills. All projects require strong storytelling skills. 

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong professional experience in their field, experience teaching teens and/or young adults; and will possess a passion for creative youth development. Teaching artists must have strong classroom management skills, be able to facilitate group discussions, and build community with intention and care. Experience working with at-risk youth and/or in underserved communities, in social or restorative justice and/or workforce development, a plus.

Responsibilities

• Commit to the duration of the program
• Collaborate with Program Management team to develop lesson planning and implement programs
• Represent Creative Art Works in interactions with program partners and other stakeholders
• Embrace the role of mentor and model respectful communication with other staff and students
• Participate in professional development sessions
• Deliver accurate and timely documentation, including attendance, evaluations and assessments, lesson plans, etc., as required.
• Commit to the artistic process as a vehicle for youth development
• Prepare youth and their work for exhibition/culminating event.
• Manage coordination of site with support of CAW Program Managers

Requirements

• BA/BFA in Digital Arts, Arts Education or a related field
• Will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Proficient with Adobe Suite, especially Indesign (print-ready as well as digital)
• Minimum 3 years of experience teaching youth in either school or community-based settings
• Strong cultural competency skills and comfort/experience in addressing social justice topics and socially-engaged art
• Passion for Creative Youth Development
• Strong classroom management skills
• Clear NYC’s PETS background check system and CAW’s background check system

Skills that are a “plus”:

• Master’s Degree
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish
• Ability to teach both visual arts and multimedia arts programs
• Experience in restorative justice and/or workforce development
• NY State Teacher Certification
• Experience working collaboratively with core teachers and managing teaching artist assistants
• New York City life experience strongly preferred

To apply

Please e-mail the following to [email protected] with “[Your Name]: Multimedia Teaching Artist” in the subject line, and include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References (their name, email, phone number and how you know them)
• Digital Portfolio
• Digital Portfolio with students’ work

Creative Art Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Creative Art Works does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age gender identity and expression, national orientation, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity.   

05/31/2025