About New Urban Arts

New Urban Arts is a nationally recognized community–based art studio and gallery for high
school students. Since 1997, we have served over 6,000 Providence teens and 200 artists. Each year, our public programs reach over 2,000 visitors and participants. Our mission is to build a vital community that empowers young people as artists and leaders to develop a creative practice they can sustain throughout their lives. Our core program, Youth Mentorship in the Arts, brings Providence public high school students together with local artists, building powerful mentoring relationships through the arts. We also offer summer programs, post–secondary advising and programs through a satellite site at Central High School.

Overview

The Studio Director designs, manages, and oversees year–round arts programs for high school students and artist mentors. They connect with the community (high school students, artist–mentors, parents, and school personnel) to create a welcoming learning environment that is flexible and consistent. They manage and supervise the art program team and work closely with the deputy director to assess the effectiveness and ensure the feasibility of programs. They strive to foster a rewarding workplace that is stimulating and trusting, where the mission of New Urban Arts can thrive.

The Ideal Candidate

Our ideal team member would be a self–motivated, creative individual with a deep
commitment to building relationships and community through creativity and who has strong leadership, management, and communication skills. New Urban Arts looks for team members who believe in a transparent, relational, and positive culture where all voices are heard. Our existing team is excited to work with someone who has a strong understanding of youth development, along with racial and queer justice. We are looking for someone comfortable working with a diverse network of artists in a highly collaborative studio community.

Responsibilities

Ensure New Urban Arts’ educational programs at 705 Westminster Street are designed and delivered to meet the highest standard:

• Manage and supervise program staff (6), interns (1–2), and volunteers (12–15).
• Design and implement program strategies so that New Urban Arts’ programs work
  toward the organizational mission, embody its values, work toward its educational
  goals, and satisfy obligations to funders.
• Manage and implement the recruitment, professional development and evaluation of
  artists and educators.
• Infuse New Urban Arts’ programs with the best ideas from community–based arts
  education field, youth development field, and contemporary artistic work.
• Develop and pilot new programs and initiatives.
• Oversee youth leadership program and support youth–led activities.
• Cultivate existing relationships and implement strategies that will maximize the
  synergies among program areas.
• Oversee community building efforts and studio celebrations and traditions to further
  develop meaningful relationships between high school students, artists, and educators.
• Oversee design and use of storefront studio space to reflect and embody the values of
  New Urban Arts.
• Support other organizational efforts as necessary.

Create a culture and environment in which young people, artists, and educators can grow and thrive:

• Ensure that every youth enrolled in our programs is offered and encouraged to develop a consistent, stable relationship with an adult mentor and provided support whenever necessary.
• Ensure that all students, staff, and guests feel welcome and safe.
• Sustain a positive work environment and culture as a learning community.
• Support advancement efforts for future program growth.
• Manage program budget.

Engage our constituents, stakeholders, and the broader community in support of and
participation in New Urban Arts’ programs:

• Seek out and build partnerships and opportunities that are beneficial to New Urban
  Arts’ programs and students.
• Oversee the ongoing recruitment and engagement of high school students.

Along with the Deputy Director:

• Set annual program plan, including goals, outcomes, indicators, and calendar. 
• Support program evaluation, including measuring the diversity of the student body,
  attendance, and impact.
• Ensure that the physical studio is safe and that safety measures are in place for students and volunteers.

Qualifications

• A commitment to New Urban Arts’ mission and values.Five years of experience in a director–level position with similar responsibilities OR an advanced degree in education, arts management or related field and three years of experience.
• Experience with high school students and interest in working with high school students in a community setting.
• Three years’ experience supervising and managing educator teams, including
  volunteers.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
• An ability to work in a shared and open office space.
• An ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Flexibility, inclusive, responsive and solutions focused.
• Familiarity with various data systems for tracking student outcomes.

Unsure if your qualifications exactly match what we are looking for? We encourage you to
apply! The application is not overly burdensome and we would love to know what makes you excited about this opportunity!

To apply

E–mail resume, and cover letter (two pages max) to Business Manager Jeannie Castillo–
LaPierre, jeannie@newurbanarts.org, subject: Studio Director. No calls please. Send your
resume and cover letter as two separate attachments; do not include them in the body of your email. PDF is the preferred file format.

New Urban Arts is an equal opportunity employer;
BIPOC candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.