Demo

Teaching Artist

Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum Salary
Seattle, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 6/7/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/5/2026
About The Role

Teaching Artists play an important role in SAM’s mission to create experiences that connect art to life. In this role you will support the execution of inclusive and engaging art experiences through thematic, interactive, hands-on workshops, and art-making experiences for a variety of age groups across all three of SAM's sites.

ABOUT SAM As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

Responsibilities

  • In collaboration with division staff, create arts-integrated lessons and activities, as needed curriculum may require alignment with learning standards, exhibition or collection themes, and internal rubrics for lesson development
  • Facilitate art activities, resources, and schedule for multigenerational audiences
  • Provide instruction to supporting art studio volunteers as needed
  • Create displays, demos, and visual aids to support designed art activity
  • Develop and submit written lesson plans and materials lists for each art project to coordinator by established deadlines
  • Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques that engage program participants
  • Attend scheduled on-site planning meetings and trainings
  • Assist with set-up and breakdown for each event, arriving on-site with ample preparation time prior to program start, remain after program end time
  • Track schedules, assignments, and operational changes via shared calendars and databases, communicating with division staff through electronic and in-person channels throughout
  • Maintain a welcoming environment and implement practices of equity and inclusion when engaging with volunteers, staff, and program participants
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of these experiences

WE ARE LOOKING FOR Required Qualifications

  • Combination of education and experience with interdisciplinary arts practice in educational or communal settings
  • One year of experience in workshop facilitation, community engagement in multigeneration settings, lesson plan design, and public speaking preferred
  • Ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse communities and groups
  • Must be on time, dependable
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and the public
  • Successfully complete self-directed work and work as part of a team
  • Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
  • Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
  • Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Expertise and knowledge of learning theories
  • Experience in a museum or similar environment

FLSA Status: On-Call, Non-Exempt Reports To: Senior Manager of School & Educator Programs, Senior Manager of Teen & Family Programs, Associate Director of Public Engagement Work Location: Onsite, Seattle Downtown, Volunteer Park, and Olympic Sculpture Park Work Schedule: The schedule for this is role is variable and work may take place during business hours, evenings, and weekends as directed by your supervisor. WORK CONDITIONS

  • Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise. Workspaces may include outdoor areas.
  • Approximately 30% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 70%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required when assisting at Museum events.
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with trustees, the public, and co-workers is necessary.
  • Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork.
  • Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.
  • Ability to transport up to twenty (20) pounds of equipment and supplies.

BENEFITS

On-Call SAM Staff have access to an onsite fitness facility and SAM’s museum library, can access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoy a 20% discount at the SAM Museum Shop and a 15% discount at SAM’s MARKET cafe, receive 2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked, have a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides home per year, and accrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

ACCOMODATION The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply! $26 - $57.20 an hour$57.20 per hour for instruction, and $26.00 per hour for planning and collaboration

Salary : $26 - $57

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