Art Club Leader

EPACENTER

Job Description

Art Club Leader (Part‑Time)

Organizational Overview

EPACENTER is a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural engagement, headquartered in East Palo Alto, dedicated to inspiring imagination and activating the creative potential of all who seek greater access to artistic opportunities in San Mateo County. EPACENTER unites individuals of every age through artistic expression, supports career pathways in creative fields, and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community. EPACENTER presents a dynamic range of after-school and weekend programs that invite young people to explore digital, visual, culinary, and performing arts through hands-on projects that foster self-expression, collaboration, and community pride.

Position Overview

Art Club Leaders are early‑career creatives who independently lead children and teens in fun, project‑based arts activities during EPACENTER’s after‑school hours on weekdays. Working one to five days per week based on their availability, Art Club Leaders plan and small cohort sessions of 10-15 elementary, middle, or high school students, guiding youth through short‑term projects in visual art, music, dance, design, digital media, film, photography, or mixed‑media explorations. Art Club Leaders receive paid training in creative youth development practices and ongoing coaching from senior staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Working in collaboration with program staff, design and deliver engaging project‑based sessions for a consistent cohort of up to fifteen youth, fostering experimentation, collaboration, and artistic skill‑building.


• Model safe and respectful studio practices, manage materials, and ensure a welcoming environment that reflects EPACENTER’s commitment to equity and inclusion.


• Encourage youth voice by integrating participants' ideas into project choices and showcasing opportunities. 


• Document student progress through photographs, reflection prompts, and brief end‑of‑session reports.


• Track daily attendance and basic outcome data


• Participate in regular training and coaching sessions on Creative Youth Development, trauma‑informed practice, and culturally responsive facilitation.
  
  

Training and Professional Development

• Paid onboarding covering EPACENTER policies, youth‑development frameworks, and facilitation fundamentals. 


• Monthly workshops led by staff and guest artists on project design, conflict de‑escalation, and inclusive leadership.


• Opportunities to co‑present at student showcases and contribute to program curriculum planning.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable passion and beginner‑to‑intermediate skills in at least one artistic discipline.


• Experience leading or co‑leading activities with children or teens in camps, after‑school programs, or community settings is highly desired.


• Strong communication, reliability, and enthusiasm for working with diverse young people.


• Ability to work between one and five weekday afternoons between two and six‑thirty PM, plus occasional weekends for events or exhibitions. 


• Successful completion of a Live Scan background check and mandated reporter training.

Position Details Status: 

This is a temporary, semester-long, part‑time, entry‑level role ideal for emerging creatives who want hands‑on experience facilitating project‑based arts activities with youth. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and able to work weekday afternoons. A weekly schedule will be established for each program cycle, based on mutual availability and program requirements. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The position involves active movement throughout studios and communal spaces, periods of standing, and light lifting up to twenty‑five pounds. The after-school studio environment is energetic, and Art Club Leaders interact directly with youth of all backgrounds on a daily basis. EPACENTER provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer EPACENTER is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected categories covered by EPACENTER’s nondiscrimination policy.