Classroom Assistant (Part-time)

The Des Moines Art Center is a museum, art school, and sculpture park in Iowa's capital city, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. As one of the state's oldest cultural organizations and an American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution, the Art Center is a dynamic employer grounded in public service, collaboration, and meaningful community impact.

Our historic facility, situated within Greenwood Park, features three architecturally significant buildings designed by Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier, and is home to one of the most prolific collections of 20th- and 21st-century art in the Midwest. Through exhibitions, public programs, and educational experiences, the Art Center connects people with art and ideas, cares for visitors, art, and community, and fosters lifelong learning. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is central to this work and is reflected across every aspect of our mission and programming.

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant provides support to youth studio art classes, assisting with general studio organization and maintenance. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, studio set up and tear down, materials distribution, and general classroom support during instruction. This is a classroom support role and does not involve independent instruction or curriculum delivery. The position is well suited to a person with an interest in art education, and who has an understanding and interest in art materials and processes.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with youth art students and fostering creativity, remains attentive to their surroundings, is action oriented, and is energized by the prospect of having a positive impact on the Studio's student experience. They communicate calmy and respectfully, and behave with poise and professionalism in unexpected and/or emerging situations. They are comfortable working as part of a team and are committed to creating a welcoming, safe experience for all who enter the Art Center.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Youth Program Manager and interacts frequently with teaching artists, other classroom assistants, and students of all ages, among other Art Center departments and colleagues.

Essential Functions

• Serves as a welcoming ambassador for the Art Center, fostering an inviting and engaging environment that helps build community among students, families, and faculty.
• Greets students and guardians before classes and takes attendance. Enforces youth pick-up and drop-off policies.
• Supports teaching artist(s) during classes by handing out materials, encouraging students, reinforcing directions, and anticipating teaching artist and student needs. Responds to general questions and directs students to staff as needed.
• Works closely with teaching artist(s) to ensure classes run smoothly, providing support as directed.
• Sets up and breaks down studio tables, chairs/stools, and supplies before and after each class; hands out materials as needed throughout class.
• Encourages students to clean up after themselves and care for tools and materials, and maintains a tidy, well-cared-for studio environment. Reports any classroom or supply needs to the Department Manager.
• Assists staff with collecting, mounting, and labeling student artwork for display & exhibition as needed.
• Assists at special community events as needed.

Other Responsibilities

Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance, and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Interest in art, with working knowledge of and/or experience with a variety of art materials.
• Passionate about working with children.
• Self-motivated and flexible attitude; able to act independently and solve problems with initiative.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Exhibits professionalism in interacting with staff, teaching artists, students, parents, families, and the public.
• Flexible in scheduling to meet department & course needs; arrives at work consistently on time

Education, Experience, and/or Certification

• Prior experience working with children/students in a classroom, camp, or studio setting preferred.
• Customer service, childcare, or camp counselor experience preferred.

Decision Making

Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Senior Studio Arts Manager & Youth Program Lead.

Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Physical Factors, Required Travel, etc.)

• The schedule for this position requires general availability to work on weekday evenings (~3:45-7 pm) and Saturdays (~9 am-4 pm). This position generally schedules up to 10 hours per week in September – May. During the summer, hours are expanded to match the Art Center summer camp schedule.
• This is a part-time position. Hours and responsibilities vary depending on the class schedule. During breaks between terms this position may have reduced or no hours.
• Work is performed in an indoor classroom setting. Occasionally work is performed outdoors.
• Duties are considered light work and may require occasionally exerting up to 40 lbs. of force.
• Essential physical requirements include moving within the classroom to retrieve art supplies, set up tables and chairs, and assisting students.
• Must be able to operate and handle various art tools, media, and supplies (e.g., brushes, scissors, clay, paints).
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, or assistive methods

Equipment Used

• Art materials (paint, pencils, ink, clay, brushes, scissors, )
• Office Supplies (pens, staplers, pencils, paper cutter, )
• Packing supplies (boxcutter, tape gun)
• Simple tools (hammer, screwdriver, )
• Possible use of clay roller and pug mill

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties & responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent is required to follow instructions and to perform the duties requested by his or her supervisor.

Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager, is the Art Center's recruiter for this role. Please reach out with questions or other follow up: jmcglynn@desmoinesartcenter.org.