Community Arts Partnership Teaching Artist | College for Creative Studies

Community Arts Partnership (CAP): Teaching Artist

STATUS: Temporary, Part-time
DIVISION: Community Arts Partnerships (CAP)
REPORTS TO: CAP Co-Directors, Education & Outreach Manager, and Program Manager
SUPERVISES: n/a
FLSA STATUS: non-exempt

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CAP collaborates with Detroit community organizations to create art and design education, experiences, and resources for local youth and families in support of individual and community development.

In support of this mission, CAP provides programs that foster individual and community development through visual art and design classes & experiences that: are focused on art and design skill development, self-discovery, and self-expression; bring education in art, design, and new technologies to under-resourced communities; share career and educational opportunities in visual arts and design fields; and bring the arts to bear in the redevelopment of the Detroit area’s diverse neighborhoods and communities.

CAP has provided art and design programs throughout Detroit’s neighborhoods since 2001 and worked with more than 70,000 students. Artists from CCS and the community are trained and placed in a wide variety of programs serving predominantly low-income, underserved students from neighborhood schools, churches, libraries, and community centers. Programs are hands-on art making with custom art, craft, and design curricula. CAP Teaching Artists engage students in out-of-school, hands-on art making programs within 25 miles of CCS.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Have reliable personal transportation
Report to work site prepared and on time (no less than 15 min before class begins)
Write & deliver custom curriculum for assigned programs blending requested subjects with own art practice
Work with CAP administrative staff to procure appropriate supplies to support the curriculum in a timely manner
Document each program by submitting photos, attendance, forms, and paperwork in a timely manner as required
Retain and submit properly documented student artwork for consideration in exhibitions

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Artist – Must be a practicing artist demonstrable through education, exhibitions, portfolio, etc.
Teacher – Must have some experience teaching (formal or informal) and/or working in community programs.
Availability – Must be available to work during after-school hours (weekdays, roughly between 2pm and 7pm). There is a very limited need for daytime and Saturday classes during the school year.
Communication – Must communicate professionally and promptly with CAP staff, site staff, & students.
Teamwork – Must work well with others (CAP staff, site staff, students, etc.) in diverse environments.
Organization/Documentation – Must keep accurate paperwork & records and submit to the CAP office in a timely manner and must leave classroom/teaching spaces cleaner than they found them.
Technology – Must be able to use and navigate Google Workspace including Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, etc.
Detroit – Must be comfortable navigating & working in schools, community centers, churches, etc. located within Detroit
Professionalism – Must always behave in a professional manner; Teaching Artists represent CCS to the community.
Interest – Must demonstrate an interest in contributing to/investing in Detroit youth, their families, and neighborhoods.

DESIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Multilingual – We work in diverse communities, so language skills (specifically in Arabic & Spanish) will help us better serve our students

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This job mainly operates in after-school program environments in K-12 schools within 25 miles of CCS. Occasionally, Teaching Artists will be required to come to the CAP office, which is located on the CCS campus. The noise level in the office is usually moderate. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lead a classroom of students in an after-school art program setting, use a computer, communicate effectively in person, by phone, and virtually. Frequent interaction with others, including staff, faculty, students and third parties is required. The employee may occasionally be required to move art supplies or other objects weighing up to 25 pounds, including from low and high places. The ability to move around within the CAP office, program sites across Detroit, and attend off-site meetings and events are required. CCS will make reasonable accommodations that will allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT CCS

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. CCS, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. CCS fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design for the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

To Apply

Applicants must apply by June 30 th , 2025. The search will close when a suitable candidate is hired. Interested candidates should submit a 1 page cover letter and 1 page resume in PDF format to: [email protected]

CCS website: http://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/

The College for Creative Studies, a leading college of art and design, represents a community composed of individuals with many perspectives, personal experiences, values, identities and worldviews and we value the diversity this brings to our organization. CCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, height, weight, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions and educational practices and strives to provide an environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are part of our Core Institutional Values and we encourage applications from all individuals.