Lead Teaching Artist

Lead Teaching Artist 

Organization: Arts In Reach (AIR)
Location: In-person (Seacoast, NH) with occasional remote work 

Hours: Full or part time available

Compensation: $25/hr
Reports to: Director of Community Engagement

Position Summary

Arts In Reach (AIR) is a creative youth development program looking for a passionate, innovative, and experienced Lead Teaching Artist to excite and mentor young artists (ages 10-18). AIR inspires youth to be bold, elevate their voices, and shape their futures through free arts-based programming. If you love fostering self-discovery through expressive art-making and building inclusive creative communities, this is the role for you!

As our Lead Teaching Artist, you’ll design and lead engaging, affirming, and values-driven arts experiences. You’ll guide young people in artistic exploration, self-expression, and collaboration, ensuring they feel heard, empowered, and excited to create.

We’re seeking someone who:

• Is a skilled facilitator with expertise in visual, performing, literary, or interdisciplinary arts
• Can adapt to participant needs, making every session responsive and engaging
• Is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for youth

This in-person role requires travel to AIR programs across the Seacoast NH region, though some planning and admin work can be done remotely.

Key Responsibilities

Program Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead or co-facilitate engaging, arts-based learning experiences for youth ages 10-18.
• Adapt lessons in real-time to align with participant engagement, interests, and needs.
• Exhibit and guide trauma-responsive, gender-affirming, and inclusive teaching practices, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Foster a welcoming space through community-building activities, icebreakers, games, and reflective group discussions.
• Provide emotional and behavioral support, ensuring participants feel heard, valued, and included.

Mentorship & Artist Collaboration

• Recruit and onboard guest artists, ensuring alignment with AIR’s values and educational approach.
• Support guest artists in delivering accessible and engaging workshops.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive teaching environment that prioritizes youth voice and choice.

Curriculum Development & Program Planning

• Co-develop structured yet adaptable curricula with AIR staff and guest artists.
• Ensure program content reflects a balance of performing, literary, and visual arts.
• Integrate AIR’s values—respect for time, space, art, community, and self—into all programming.
• Collaborate with AIR staff to develop program schedules and refine curricula based on participant feedback.

Community Outreach & Representation

• Conduct outreach to community and referral partners alongside AIR staff.
• Assist in orienting new participants and families to AIR programs.
• Serve as a representative of AIR in the creative and cultural community, fostering partnerships and visibility.

Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of experience in arts education, youth facilitation, or community-based arts programming.
• Strong facilitation and teaching skills in at least one artistic discipline.
• Expertise in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive teaching methods.
• Ability to adapt lesson plans in real-time to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Experience mentoring artists, youth, and/or educators in a collaborative setting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Passion for fostering a supportive, creative, and inclusive learning environment.

Preferred Skills (Not Required but a Plus)

• Experience working with teens from diverse backgrounds.
• Background in interdisciplinary arts programming.
• Knowledge of community arts initiatives or nonprofit arts organizations.

Work Environment

• This role is primarily in-person, with programs taking place at community centers, schools, and partner locations across the Seacoast NH region.
• Some administrative and planning work may be done remotely.
• Work occurs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, depending on program activities.

Physical Demands

• Standing, walking, and leading activities for extended periods (2-4 hours at a time).
• Lifting and transporting materials (up to 25 lbs) such as art supplies, musical instruments, or workshop equipment.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and movement-based facilitation.
• Frequent use of hands for creating artwork, writing, or operating teaching tools.
• Use of computers, projectors, or other digital tools for lesson planning and presentations.
• Occasional driving or transport of materials to program sites across Rockingham and Strafford counties.