Lead Teaching Artist – Visual Arts and Youth Development at Mural Arts Philadelphia – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Lead Teaching Artist – Visual Arts & Youth Development

Position Summary

We’re looking for a Lead Teaching Artist to design and teach dynamic, project-based visual arts classes for middle and high school students. This role combines curriculum design, mentorship, and collaboration—perfect for an educator or practicing artist who thrives in community-based settings and believes in art as a tool for youth empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver hands-on art lessons that encourage exploration, experimentation, and self-expression.
• Guide students through individual and collaborative projects, including indoor and outdoor murals.
• Create a positive, inclusive classroom that supports students of all abilities and backgrounds.
• Collaborate with the Art Education team and site partners to meet learning and engagement goals.
• Mentor and supervise an Assistant Teaching Artist.
• Maintain attendance, documentation, and student work records.
• Attend professional development sessions and instructor labs.
• Ensure a safe, organized, and culturally responsive learning environment.

Why Join Us

• Work within a nationally recognized arts organization that values both artistic excellence and social impact.
• Lead students through creative projects that beautify Philadelphia and celebrate community stories.
• Join a collaborative network of artists, educators, and changemakers.
• Gain professional growth through bi-weekly development sessions and project showcases.
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Compensation & Benefits

This is a part-time position. The hourly rate is $27.00 per hour. This position is expected to work Monday through Thursday for a total of 25 hours per week. Mural Arts offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan options for eligible employees.

Lead Teaching Artists receive the following Time Off Benefits:

• Vacation time available when classes are not in session.
• Sick Time
• Paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the entire week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity and inclusion in all forms. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of experience teaching visual arts to middle or high school youth (school or community setting).
• Strong knowledge of contemporary art practices, art history, and multiple media.
• Experience working with diverse and underserved youth populations.
• Excellent classroom management, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to design lesson plans aligned with developmental and educational standards.
• Comfort engaging in multicultural, multilingual, LGBTQ+, and community-based spaces.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Proficiency with Google Suite; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop a plus.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Updated Pennsylvania Child Abuse, Criminal Background, and FBI clearances (or willingness to obtain upon an offer of employment).

Additional Attributes

• Experience leading collaborative public art or mural-making projects.
• Strong mentorship mindset—able to guide an assistant teaching artist and inspire students.
• Creative problem-solver with the flexibility to adapt to evolving project goals.
• Interest in connecting art education with community engagement, storytelling, and social justice.
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