Arts & Design Instructor (Woodshop & Performing Arts)

Arts & Design Instructor (Woodshop & Performing Arts) (ADI) (40 hours Full-time) Non-exempt

BUILD Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed self-motivated and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention violence prevention and youth development organization based on Chicagos West Side. Since 1969 BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the citys most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.

Our Core Values: Empathy Passion Persistence and Innovation.

The Arts & Design instructor will plan and lead hands-on art instruction in woodshop visual arts creative design and performing arts for youth and adults. The instructor will design adaptable curriculum guide individual and group projects and support participant-led builds showcases and performances. The instructor will maintain safe and well-organized creative spaces teach proper tool use and safety practices and manage materials and timelines. The instructor will serve as a mentor and positive role model building respectful relationships that support creativity confidence and collaboration. The instructor will engage families and community partners through various events and programs and will assist with administrative and funding-related tasks such as attendance tracking documentation reporting and general program support. The Arts & Design Instructor will report directly to the Manager of STEAM Education.

Responsibilities are but not limited to:

Youth Development & Relationship-Building

• Build authentic consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust respect and accountability
• Serve as a mentor and caring adult presence supporting youth social-emotional learning leadership and personal growth
• Create and maintain a trauma-informed healing-centered and inclusive learning environment
• Model BUILD values and support youth in developing conflict resolution communication and teamwork skills
• Connect youth to BUILD resources staff and wraparound supports as needed

Program Facilitation & Creative Instruction

• Facilitate engaging hands-on programs in woodshop visual arts creative design and performing arts
• Design and adapt curriculum that integrates skill-building creative expression and participant voice
• Support participant-led projects performances showcases and exhibitions that celebrate growth and community
• Differentiate instruction to meet varied learning styles ages and ability levels

Safe Space & Project Management

• Maintain a safe organized and welcoming woodshop and creative learning spaces
• Teach and enforce proper tool use safety procedures and shared responsibility
• Manage materials supplies and project timelines with participants
• Guide collaborative builds such as sets props installations and group art projects

Community & Family Engagement

• Support outreach events community activations showcases and public-facing programs
• Build positive relationships with schools families and community partners
• Represent BUILD programs with professionalism and a youth-centered lens at offsite events

Data Reflection & Continuous Improvement

• Track attendance participation and outcomes using BUILD systems (e.g. Apricot Paylocity Cityspan etc.)
• Document youth progress creative work and program impact
• Reflect on programming effectiveness and collaborate with the BUILD team to strengthen youth outcomes

• High School Diploma required. Bachelors degree in Fine Art Education Social Work or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in arts education youth development or a related field. Experience in mentoring or working with diverse youth populations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates proficiency across multiple fabrication and design disciplines including woodworking set construction 3D design and applied craft techniques. Shows a strong aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new tools materials and processes.
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities. Ability to use technology and enter daily attendance into Cityspan and use other databases as required.
• Effective communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and other required clearances.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Experience working directly with youth and adults in community-based after-school or out-of-school-time settings
• Background in woodworking design theater performing arts or creative arts education
• Strong youth and adult program facilitation classroom management and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to youth development equity and BUILDs mission of violence prevention
• Ability to balance technical instruction with mentorship and social-emotional support.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 68 hours per day) during program hours workshops and/ or activities.
• Assist with setting up and moving program materials supplies and equipment as needed.

BENEFITS

• 401(k) plan 2% match
• Medical Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

BUILD Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex citizenship ethnic or national origin age disability medical status military status veteran status marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information ancestry or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization including hiring recruiting promotion termination layoff recall leave of absence compensation benefits and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather BUILD Inc. considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense the circumstances surrounding it the proximity in time of the conviction and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment