Teen Programs Living Life as an Art – Program Coordinator

Job Description

The Raleigh Living Life as an Art Program is a transformative initiative that engages and empowers Raleigh teens through community service, nature exploration, and creative expression. The Program Coordinator will lead the design, implementation, and management of this innovative program, ensuring it aligns with the program’s core mission to connect young people with their communities, the natural world, and their creative potential.

This position is ideal for a dynamic individual who is passionate about youth empowerment and has experience coordinating projects related to community engagement, environmental stewardship, and the arts. The Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that the program meets its objectives of enhancing community participation, fostering nature appreciation, and promoting artistic expression, all while developing leadership and cultural awareness among participants.

Our department is all about creating vibrant, inclusive, and exciting programs that connect our community to recreational opportunities! As part of the City of Raleigh, you’ll join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and innovation while working in a supportive and dynamic environment. This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to inspire, empower, and connect with people, especially our youth and teens, in meaningful ways. If you’re ready to be part of something impactful and rewarding, we can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and coordinate hands-on activities in community service, environmental exploration, and artistic expression.
• Facilitate teen-led community projects, such as mural painting and urban gardening, in partnership with local nonprofits, private businesses, and other government agencies.
• Plan and organize outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, focusing on environmental education and sustainability.
• Coordinate art, music workshops, and creative writing sessions to nurture participants' creative potential.
• Foster leadership skills by providing opportunities for youth to lead activities, mentor peers, and engage in public speaking.
• Youth Development & Leadership:
  • Organize cultural exchange events and incorporate multicultural perspectives into all program activities.
  • Recruit and engage youth from diverse backgrounds to participate in program activities.
  • Actively engage youth in meaningful, hands-on projects that promote civic responsibility, environmental stewardship, and artistic growth.
  • Mentor participants to encourage leadership and teamwork while fostering a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.
  • Facilitate peer mentoring and leadership workshops to help youth develop valuable life skills.
• Community Collaboration:
  • Build partnerships with local artists, environmental educators, and community organizations to provide enriching experiences for participants.
  • Work closely with cultural organizations to integrate multicultural elements into program activities.
• Evaluation & Reporting:
  • Track program outcomes and assess participant progress in areas such as leadership development, artistic growth, and environmental awareness.
  • Prepare regular reports on program impact and suggest improvements based on feedback from youth participants and partners.
• Operating City Vehicles
  • Transporting materials in city vehicles
  • Transporting participants and staff in city vehicles
  • This position requires the ability to safely operate and transport program participants, equipment, and materials using a variety of City of Raleigh non-CDL vehicles. Vehicles may include, but are not limited to, cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, passenger vans, cargo vans, and mini-buses. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be comfortable driving vehicles of varying sizes and configurations as part of daily job responsibilities.

Typical Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher level of education preferred in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Sports Management, Business Management, Social Work, or related field.
• Specialized training/education and/or certifications related to working with youth and/or teens.
• Relevant experience working with teens in programming, planning, engagement, and facilitation.
• Teaching (Middle, High School)
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Career / Life Coaching
• This position requires the ability to safely operate and transport program participants, equipment, and materials using a variety of City of Raleigh non-CDL vehicles. Vehicles may include, but are not limited to, cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, passenger vans, cargo vans, and minibuses. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and be comfortable driving vehicles of varying sizes and configurations as part of daily job responsibilities.

Or

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements outlined in law or regulation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in recreation, youth development, social work, environmental studies, arts education, or a related field.
• 2 years of experience working in youth programming or project coordination.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience in working with community organizations, artists, or environmental groups is a plus.
• Passion for youth development, environmental programming, and creative arts.

License and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License required; Class B CDL preferred
• CPRP or CPRE preferred
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid/AED training

• Ability to manage multiple projects and engage youth with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience in outdoor recreation and environmental education.
• Familiarity with artistic disciplines such as music, culinary arts, visual arts, or creative writing.
• Ability to work independently and develop program plans with limited guidance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Medium Work:
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Visual Acuity:
Visual acuity is required to perform the following duties: preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, and extensive reading.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed both inside and outside. The worker is exposed to both extreme cold and heat, with temperatures below 32 degrees and above 100 degrees, each for periods exceeding one hour. The worker is subject to noise: There is enough noise for the worker to shout to be heard above the ambient level.