East Chicago - Arts Programming - YDP

The Youth Development Professional - Arts Programming is responsible for designing, implementing, and supervising high-quality, grant-aligned arts programs that engage youth and teens in creative expression across all five Boys & Girls Clubs of America Arts pillars: Applied Arts, Digital Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.

This role focuses on creating meaningful art experiences that align with BGCA Arts Engagement Goals (Arts-Specific, Arts-Enhanced, and Arts-Integrated) and guide participants through progressive levels of learning: Exposure, Creative Exploration & Skill-Building, and Demonstration. The professional will foster creativity, confidence, skill development, and youth voice through hands-on, project-based arts programming.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Arts Programming & Instruction

• Design, plan, and implement engaging, grant-aligned arts programs across all five Arts pillars:

• Applied Arts: Jewelry-making, woodworking, fashion design, functional art.
• Digital Arts: Graphic design, digital photography, animation, video production, digital music, storytelling.
• Literary Arts: Creative writing, poetry, scriptwriting, storytelling, journaling.
• Performing Arts: Dance, music, spoken word, theatre, movement, and performance.
• Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, pastel, and other visual art forms.

• Align all arts programming with BGCA Arts Engagement Goals:

• Arts-Specific: Building foundational skills in a specific art form.
• Arts-Enhanced: Using art to support learning in other subject areas.
• Arts-Integrated: Connecting art with academic or life skills learning outcomes.

• Create learning experiences across three levels:

• Level 1 - Exposure: Introduce youth to a variety of art forms and materials.
• Level 2 - Creative Exploration & Skill-Building: Support intentional practice and technical growth.
• Level 3 - Demonstration: Facilitate showcases, exhibitions, performances, portfolios, and culminating projects.

Youth Development & Engagement

• Build strong, positive relationships with members and serve as a mentor and role model.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment that encourages creative risk-taking and self-expression.
• Promote youth voice, choice, and leadership through project-based arts learning.
• Support youth in setting personal goals related to creativity, skill development, and self-confidence.
• Encourage emotional, social, academic, and creative growth of all members.

Program Operations & Grant Compliance

• Ensure all programming aligns with grant goals, outcomes, and reporting requirements.
• Collect and maintain documentation, attendance, and outcome data as required by grants and agency standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked art space with appropriate materials and supplies.
• Monitor inventory, request supplies, and ensure safe use of tools and materials.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Collaborate with Club leadership, staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance arts programming.
• Lead youth in arts-related field trips, workshops, and community engagement opportunities.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall Club operations.

• High school diploma or equivalent (some college preferred).
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with youth, preferably in arts, education, or creative programming preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development principles; experience with Boys & Girls Clubs preferred.
• Strong skills in one or more arts disciplines (visual, digital, literary, performing, or applied arts).
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate arts programming.
• Ability to motivate youth, manage behavior, and foster a positive learning environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal history background check.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a drug screen for all federally illegal substances.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.