Photography Instructor

Position Type: Part-Time
Location: 81-14 257th St, Floral Park, NY 11004( In-Person)

Agency Overview:
Commonpoint is a multifaceted community center dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the quality of individual, family, and communal life throughout New York City, offering services to people of all ages, ability levels, life stages, and backgrounds. They strive to meet the evolving needs of their community of over 100,000 members, ranging from providing in-school and after-school programs, professional and career development, assistance with food insecurity, legal services, financial counseling, mental health services, senior classes, dementia care programs, and tax preparation assistance, to name a few. Commonpoint has grown tremendously over the last five years and now has a mission-driven staff of 3,000 and operates over 80 sites across the five boroughs.

POSITION/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The photography specialist will receive training from the International Center of Photography (ICP), including a curriculum and methodology for critically engaging with photographic concepts and vocabulary. Specialists will receive technical support from ICP and coaching and mentorship from a professional photographer/arts educator from Development Without Limits. Prior photography experience is optional, but a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to explore visual arts through photography are essential. The photography specialist's role is to facilitate and implement program activities for a group aged 11 and up.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create a supportive and nurturing group environment.
• Ensure the safety of all the students.
• Responsible for managing classroom space in an organized and clean fashion.
• Set up lights, backdrops, and props for daily activities.
• Manage supplies and maintain stock and equipment in an organized fashion.
• Ensure that cameras, computers, and other technical needs are maintained and prepared for students.
• Attend professional development training as required by the agency and program contract- Initial Training will take place off-site, all day- in NYC.
• Prepare materials and handouts for lessons.
• Provide age-appropriate activities according to the program activity schedule and class.
• Implement lesson plans following the ICP curriculum.
• Create and coordinate photography exhibits.
• Quickly identify and seek to resolve conflicts and behavioral problems in consultation with the Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• At least two years of academic preparation in art or recreation discipline or other equivalent training.
• Good communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to speak professionally to staff, participants, and school staff.
• Demonstrated skills and competency as an instructor and artist.
• Positive classroom management skills are a crucial requirement for this role.
• Experience creating and facilitating relevant curriculum.
• Facilitate a demo session of 20-30 minutes.
• Previous photography experience preferred.
• Editing skills for photos and videos.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Standing : Staff will be on their feet for extended periods (1-4 hours), especially during activities or supervision, fostering an active and engaging environment for the students. .
• Walking and Movement: Frequent movement around the program space is essential for effectively supervising students, guiding activities, and providing support during homework, thereby ensuring a dynamic and interactive atmosphere.
• Lifting: Staff may need to lift materials (up to 20 pounds), such as books, supplies, or equipment for activities. Occasionally, lifting heavier items (up to 50 pounds) may be necessary, though this is rare and can be managed with assistance.
• Minimal Travel: While travel is generally not required, staff may occasionally need to travel to different program locations within the local area, depending on departmental needs.

JOB DETAILS:

• Salary: $20-$22 ( Hourly).
• Working schedule: Part-time position; Monday- Thursday, Afternoon/Evening/ Weekend Hours 12-15 hours a week.
• Non-Union Position.
• Location: MS 172 81-14 257th St, Floral Park, NY 11004.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please include the Role “ Photography Instructor” and Site “MS 172” you are applying for in the subject line. Due to the high volume of applications, only qualified candidates will be contacted for further consideration.