Under the direction of the Program Director and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, the Program Specialist of Visual Arts, serves as a leader at the Johnston location and is responsible for the administration, operation, and supervision of their designated team and program areas. These areas include SEL-integrated Arts & Visual Arts. The Program Specialist is responsible for all program revenue, expense, quality, and retention goals as well as overseeing a professional well-trained service team that offers participants consistent, exceptional customer service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with leadership and teaching team, to develop, explore, refine, and implement arts integrated lessons utilizing SEL, visual, and performing arts.
• Responsible for the approval of lesson plans and support implementation.
• Assist Art teachers with identifying and incorporating appropriate accommodations to serve students of all abilities.
• Lead staff meetings, promptly and prepared.
• Support of classroom and teacher needs during instruction time.
• Assist with hiring and training of program staff.
• Assist with the review and approval of lesson plans, newsletters, calendars, and other necessary administrative work in the designated format by the provided timeline.
• Assist with staff scheduling and arrange for qualified substitutes to teach scheduled classes when necessary.
• Monitor and maintain inventory and ordering of all program supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Ensure the health and safety of each participant and maintain a safe and clean program site.
• Be a positive influence and advocate of the YMCA program of the arts.
• Ownership of the goals and objectives of the YMCA and work to achieve them.
• Assist in the implementation of high-quality showcases highlighting students’ work.
• Identify and incorporate appropriate accommodations to serve students of all abilities.
• Take part in all training or in-service activities to develop proficiencies required in performing job responsibilities.
• Maintain positive relationships, and open communication with YMCA personnel, participants, administration, and volunteers.
• Participate in program enhancements including, but not limited to Birthday Parties, Special exhibits, and Family Nights.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruit volunteers and build effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeking opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or specialized training certificate in one of the above program areas is required.
• 5 years practicing the specialized training and 5 hours annually of continuing education in a related field.
• 2 years’ experience in a lead role in their specialized field
• 2 years minimum experience in building curriculum in their specialized field.
• 4 years minimum experience in teaching specialized classes for participants of all K -8th graders.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Present a professional image to participants and the general public.
• Strong decision-making skills, versatility, initiative, and human relations skills.
• Enthusiasm and the ability to work well with participants and develop harmonious relationships with staff, and members.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to assist in developing and implementing class curriculum in alignment with strategic program goals.
• Safety certifications and all training and certifications within the required timeframe.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Ability to work irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends on occasion.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal communication.