Job Title: Teen Art Studio Instructor and Community Program Outreach Assistant
Organization: Rapid City Arts Council
Location: Rapid City, SD
Hours: 16-20 hours/week (part-time)
Compensation: $16.00 per hour
Reports to: Education Director
Position Summary:
The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, community-minded individual to fill a dual role as our Teen Art Studio Instructor and Community Program Outreach Assistant. In this position, you will plan and deliver high-quality visual arts instruction to middle and high school students (grades 6–12), develop an inclusive, safe studio environment that encourages artistic risk-taking and skill development. Outside the classroom, you will also serve as a key representative for our educational initiatives by helping to coordinate our Art Adventureprograms, managing partnerships and schedules with local schools, partner organizations, and assisting with community outreach events.
Key Responsibilities:
Education Oriented
- Teen Art Studio Instructor Related:
- Provide visual art instruction to students grouped between grades 6 and 12, between 15 to 20 students per class.
- Set up for class (30 minutes included in schedule).
- Clean up after class to ensure space is ready for the next group (30 minutes included in schedule).
- Maintain the classroom space throughout the academic year.
- Implement prepared lesson plans based on National Arts Standards.
- Present weekly topics based on a curriculum to build skills and artists while emphasizing studio habits and artistic discipline.
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance, helping students evaluate their work and reflect on their accomplishments.
- Adapt instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of students as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of student participation and attendance.
- Communicate with students and parents about plans, class activities, scheduling, or as needed.
- Maintain a well-organized and safe studio space, ensuring all materials are available and in good condition.
- Ensure efficient and safe use of all art materials, tools, and classroom supplies (this includes storage and safety training when applicable).
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages creativity and artistic expression where students feel encouraged to take risks and explore new techniques.
- Support and inspire students in their artistic projects, ensuring they stay focused and engaged.
- Coordinate the annual student art exhibition.
- Provide excellent customer service for students and their parents.
- Monitor student behavior, ensuring a respectful and collaborative atmosphere.
- Maintain communication and updates with the Education Department and other RCAC staff as needed.
- Other duties as assigned by Education Director.
- Community Program Outreach Assistant Related:
- Communicate with partnered schools, community program partners, teaching artist(s), and/or art instructors to schedule and coordinate visits, lessons (content and format), and weekly instruction.
- Maintain scheduling for each partner in this program.
- Coordinate meetings and communication with each partner as needed.
- Communicate scheduling, logistics, or other concerns as needed.
- Reach out to new schools or partners as needed.
- Coordinate and deliver Art Adventure Kit totes to Fifth grade school partners.
- Coordinate resupply, pickup, or exchange of totes as needed.
- Partner with the Education Director as needed to accommodate requests, purchase supplies, and to create, develop, and/or update lesson plans.
- Provide outreach support at events, tables, or booths, related to these initiatives (or others) as scheduling allows.
- The responsibilities for the Fifth-grade Art Adventure coordination will require the use of your personal vehicle.
- Coordinate and prepare materials for the Fourth-grade Art Adventure program.
- Other duties as assigned by Education Director.
Education Guest, Studio Member, Administrative, and Clerical Support
- Provide assistance to students enrolling or checking in/out of classes or events. Answer questions or provide support as needed regarding future classes, enrollment, or other issues.
- Maintain accurate records related to students, classes, and other programs within the Education Department and organization as needed.
- Run, maintain, and develop reports and records of education programming participant data and attendance records.
- Utilize scheduling software to post, manage, and edit class offerings as needed.
- Answer phones, respond to, and monitor email communication in a timely and professional manner.
Guest Services
- Welcome guests and students to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Keep the front desk area and lobby clean and secure.
Organizational
- Maintain a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors by following safety protocols, monitoring access to facilities, and promptly addressing any safety concerns or emergencies.
- Assist with the planning and execution of educational events, both on-site and scheduled off-site outreach events. This includes staffing, installation and de-installation, documenting engagement, collecting surveys, and onsite support.
- Work with all RCAC staff members and departments to support the overall mission and objectives of the organization. This may involve participating in team meetings, contributing ideas for program development, and assisting with various special projects or initiatives.
Qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in instruction or practice of studio art, or instruction in a related field.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with donor databases and basic fundraising tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Passion for the arts and community engagement.
- A strong desire to grow as an educator.
- Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Education, or a closely related field.
- Preferred: a record of success in creating or developing lessons, curricula, or other instructional related materials.
- Note: Candidates with education or instructional experience in a separate field will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
- Note: Candidates considered finalists for this position will be asked to provide instructional examples and/or a demonstration of instructional methods they may employ during Teen Art Studio classes.
Work Environment:
This is a part-time role with a base schedule of Tuesday, sThursday, and Saturday. Weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons are required for Teen Art Studio instruction. Position is on-site at The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. Position reports to the Education Director.
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About the Rapid City Arts Council:
Founded in 1968, the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve.
Through a public-private partnership with the City of Rapid City, RCAC supports creative placemaking and economic development efforts, and is responsible for the management of the civically owned Dahl Arts Center, home to 6 visual art galleries, a 250+ capacity events center, five classrooms, and a curated permanent collection of local and regional art.
RCAC focuses on these key areas:
- Advocacy: Driving public awareness and conducting cultural planning that aligns with the city's foundational development policies to advance the role of the arts.
- Dahl Arts Center Management: Overseeing the 39,000-square-foot facility, which serves as a hub for arts and community engagement.
- Community Arts Opportunity Grantmaking: Supporting local arts nonprofits through the City’s Arts Contingency Fund, enhancing the sustainability of the arts in our community.
- Galleries: Providing exhibitions, presentations, and performances that celebrate the diversity of regional artists.
- Arts Education: Offering programs for individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering lifelong engagement with the arts.
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to [email protected] by 8/17/26.
Pay: $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
