Arts & Design Instructor (Woodshop & Performing Arts)

Arts & Design Instructor (Woodshop & Performing Arts) (ADI) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-exempt 

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.  

Our Core Values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.   

The Arts & Design instructor will plan and lead hands-on art instruction in woodshop, visual arts, creative design, and performing arts for youth and adults. The instructor will design adaptable curriculum, guide individual and group projects, and support participant-led builds, showcases, and performances. The instructor will maintain safe and well-organized creative spaces, teach proper tool use and safety practices, and manage materials and timelines. The instructor will serve as a mentor and positive role model, building respectful relationships that support creativity, confidence, and collaboration. The instructor will engage families and community partners through various events and programs and will assist with administrative and funding-related tasks such as attendance tracking, documentation, reporting, and general program support.  The Arts & Design Instructor will report directly to the Manager of STEAM Education.

Responsibilities are but not limited to:

Youth Development & Relationship-Building 

• Build authentic, consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust, respect, and accountability 
• Serve as a mentor and caring adult presence, supporting youth social-emotional learning, leadership, and personal growth 
• Create and maintain a trauma-informed, healing-centered, and inclusive learning environment 
• Model BUILD values and support youth in developing conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork skills 
• Connect youth to BUILD resources, staff, and wraparound supports as needed 

Program Facilitation & Creative Instruction 

• Facilitate engaging, hands-on programs in woodshop, visual arts, creative design, and performing arts 
• Design and adapt curriculum that integrates skill-building, creative expression, and participant voice 
• Support participant-led projects, performances, showcases, and exhibitions that celebrate growth and community 
• Differentiate instruction to meet varied learning styles, ages, and ability levels 

Safe Space & Project Management 

• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming woodshop and creative learning spaces 
• Teach and enforce proper tool use, safety procedures, and shared responsibility 
• Manage materials, supplies, and project timelines with participants 
• Guide collaborative builds such as sets, props, installations, and group art projects 

Community & Family Engagement 

• Support outreach events, community activations, showcases, and public-facing programs 
• Build positive relationships with schools, families, and community partners 
• Represent BUILD programs with professionalism and a youth-centered lens at offsite events 

Data, Reflection & Continuous Improvement 

• Track attendance, participation, and outcomes using BUILD systems (e.g., Apricot, Paylocity, Cityspan, etc.) 
• Document youth progress, creative work, and program impact 
• Reflect on programming effectiveness and collaborate with the BUILD team to strengthen youth outcomes 

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in arts education, youth development, or a related field. Experience in mentoring or working with diverse youth populations is highly desirable. 
• Demonstrates proficiency across multiple fabrication and design disciplines, including woodworking, set construction, 3D design, and applied craft techniques. Shows a strong aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new tools, materials, and processes. 
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities. Ability to use technology and enter daily attendance into Cityspan and use other databases as required. 
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and other required clearances. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Experience working directly with youth and adults in community-based, after-school, or out-of-school-time settings 
• Background in woodworking, design, theater, performing arts, or creative arts education 
• Strong youth and adult program facilitation, classroom management, and relationship-building skills 
• Commitment to youth development, equity, and BUILD’s mission of violence prevention 
• Ability to balance technical instruction with mentorship and social-emotional support.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times 
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods (up to 6–8 hours per day) during program hours, workshops, and/ or activities. 
• Assist with setting up and moving program materials, supplies, and equipment as needed. 

BENEFITS 

• 401(k) plan + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)  

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc. considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
 

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
 

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment