Teaching Artist, Animation and Graphic Arts

Job Title: Part-Time Animation & Graphic Arts Instructor

Reports to: Digital Media Program Specialist

FLSA Status/Hours: Part-Time/25 hours per week

About Us

A Place Called Home is a dynamic, non-profit youth and community center in South Central Los Angeles. APCH provides educational programs, counseling, mentoring, music, dance, and art classes, fitness, and health and wellness opportunities. As youth participate in our programs, they discover interests and talents and develop a better sense of themselves and their place in the world around them. Our goal is to increase the likelihood that youth will stay in school, pursue higher education, attain viable jobs, and become active community members capable of making positive change in the world in which they live.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Digital Media Program Specialist, the Part-Time Animation & Graphic Arts Instructor will ensure program execution aligns with department goals, strategy, budget and expectations. Supports the implementation of program goals and REACH objectives under the guidance of the Digital Media Program Specialist. The Part-Time Animation & Graphic Arts Instructor designs and implements innovative, engaging, hands-on animation and graphic arts activities and community opportunities for APCH members

PROGRAM INSTRUCTION & CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

Facilitate and lead classes in various animation and graphic arts disciplines (2D Animation, Stop Motion, Illustration, Conceptual Design, etc.)
Contribute to a culture of collaboration and innovation that supports the creative identity and self-expression of South Central youth. Integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and REACH indicators into project planning, and ensure members have opportunities to showcase their work through digital portfolios, exhibitions, or public presentations as culminating experiences.
Facilitate Animation and Graphic Arts workshops and classes during the school year (August-May)
Conduct specialty Animation and Graphic Arts dosage to support general day camp(s) during the summer months (June-July)
Implement high-quality and engaging exposure-based lesson plans for different ages (elementary, middle school, teen) and levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
Ability to create their own lesson plans and curriculum to teach various levels and interests in Animation and Graphic Arts in alignment with the Digital Media Program Specialist.
Ensure curriculum is responsive to members' interests, culturally relevant, and incorporates a variety of instructional techniques and tools (e.g. project-based learning, independent assignments, group projects, etc.) Will evaluate success through surveys and youth feedback
Provide classroom and project management
Serve as a mentor and role model for members
Support maintenance of the Digital Media Lab

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Track attendance and program participation within the Digital Media program
Maintain accurate inventory of digital media equipment and classroom supplies, including submitting orders
Support the Digital Media Program Specialist and Associate Director of ACE on internal projects, culminating events, and with outside partners
Contribute feedback on lesson effectiveness and support tracking progress through class-based assessments and surveys.
Collaborate with other departments (Wellness and Learning & Career Development) to support multidisciplinary activities
Collaborate with the other ACE programs departments on culminating events and special projects
Support outreach opportunities as needed by the Digital Media Specialist or Associate Director.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Attend all required program meetings (Department meetings, Check-in with Supervisor, etc.) and attend outside meetings and events related to program needs and development
Work with the APCH programs team to enforce center rules and policies
Assist with the supervision of the Digital Media Lab during administrative and program hours
Assist with the supervision of members during program hours, special events and field trips
Adhere to agency behavioral guidelines when responding to members and mentor through actions, dress code, and language to encourage participation that promotes non-competitive and non-confrontational engagement
Contribute to ongoing development of program elements and policies
Adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards and values at all times
Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor and/or Associate Director of ACE

To perform this important job successfully, the Part-Time Animation & Graphic Arts Instructor must be able to fulfill all of the elements of the Job Description to the highest standard, and be able to work well with colleagues in a high-energy, collaborative environment with open communications. The ideal candidate will embrace the APCH culture of a learning organization and strive to constantly improve upon systems and services for the benefit of employees and our constituents; and will be demonstrably committed to their own ongoing personal and professional development. All employees are expected to contribute to ongoing growth and improvement in their departments via excellent job performance. Additionally, you are expected to speak up if you become aware of deficiencies and needs; and to offer solutions and make suggestions for improvements in your purview areas. Likewise, because each employee and each department is integral to the entire APCH community, we expect that as you focus on your area, you will also consider the big picture and the overall mission of the agency, and communicate with the appropriate individuals if/when you become aware of problems and/or have suggestions for ways and opportunities to make APCH stronger and better. Together, we can continue to take APCH to even higher levels of excellence and service to the community.

Technical and Performance Skills

Excellent Oral and Written Communication Skills

Professionalism

Customer Service

Time Management

Ability to multitask

Flexibility

Mission-Driven

Proactive

Dedicated to excellence

Detail-Oriented

Self-Starter

Resourceful

Innovative and Creative

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Preferred

G Suite Proficiency

Adobe Creative Suite Proficient

Strong organizational skills

Education/Training/Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Animation, Visual Arts, Digital Media or equivalent
1-2 years experience working with youth in a classroom setting
Knowledge and background in various animation or graphic arts disciplines

Physical and Mental Demands

Able to work in a dynamic and high noise level environment typical of a youth center
Walking, standing required on daily basis
Sitting and use of hands/vision for computer work for extended periods of time
Lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Able to communicate and convey accurate information
Type 45WPM

Additional Information

Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when necessary

Ability to work independently

Must work well with diverse populations of colleagues and constituents

A Place Called Home provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including but not limited to pregnancy), gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation, military and veteran status, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, citizenship national origin, age, physical and/or mental disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, A Place Called Home complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.