Art Instructor

Turn Creativity Into Connection

Do you love making art—and helping others discover what they can create?

We’re looking for an enthusiasticArt Instructor who can bring creativity, encouragement, and a little bit of joyful messiness to the YMCA! Whether participants are picking up a paintbrush for the first time, experimenting with a new technique, or proudly showing off their latest masterpiece, you’ll help create experiences where people canexplore, learn, build confidence, and belong.

As part of our YMCA Experience team, you’ll plan and lead fun, engaging art programs for children, youth, and/or adults. You don’t just teach art—you create a welcoming space where participants can express themselves, try something new, connect with others, and have fun along the way.

What you’ll bring to the canvas: creativity, patience, positive energy, great people skills, and a genuine desire to help others grow.

Position Summary

The Art Instructor, working as part of the YMCA Experience team, is responsible for planning and leading engaging, high-quality art programs for children, youth, and/or adults. The Art Instructor creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants can explore their creativity, develop artistic skills, build confidence, and connect with others.

This position provides excellent customer service and builds positive relationships with participants and families while delivering organized, age-appropriate art instruction. The Art Instructor demonstrates the YMCA’s core values ofcaring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of their work.

Essential Functions

• Plan, prepare, and lead engaging art classes, workshops, and activities appropriate for the ages, abilities, interests, and experience levels of participants.
• Teach foundational art concepts, techniques, and safe use of materials while encouraging creativity, exploration, and individual expression.
• Create an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment where participants feel valued and encouraged to participate.
• Adapt activities and instruction, when reasonably possible, to support different learning styles, abilities, and participant needs.
• Prepare the program space and materials before each class and ensure appropriate cleanup and storage following activities.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of participants and follow YMCA procedures related to safety, emergency response, participant conduct, and child protection.
• Monitor art supplies and equipment and communicate purchasing, replacement, or maintenance needs to the appropriate supervisor.
• Build positive relationships with participants, parents, caregivers, members, volunteers, and coworkers.
• Communicate program information and participant needs professionally and respectfully while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Respond to participant questions, concerns, and feedback with excellent customer service and involve a supervisor when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate attendance, incident, program, or other required records.
• Participate in required staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Support YMCA programs, events, and initiatives as appropriate.
• Follow YMCA policies, procedures, safety standards, and applicable licensing or regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties related to the position as assigned.

YMCA Competencies

• Engaging Community
• Developing Self and Others
• Creating Quality Experiences
• Inclusion
• Communication
• Safety and Responsibility

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements of this position will vary depending on the art activities and program setting. The employee may regularly need to stand, sit, move throughout the program space, demonstrate art techniques, set up and clean up materials, and transport program supplies.

The position may involve exposure to common art materials such as paints, adhesives, clay, inks, or cleaning products. Employees are expected to follow established safety procedures for the materials and equipment used in each program.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.  The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.  

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. 

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  

• May be required to work evenings and weekends based on program needs.

DISCLAIMER

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.

Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT

The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.

Qualifications & Benefits

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age 18. 
• Knowledge of or experience with art techniques, materials, and creative instruction appropriate to the programs being offered.
• Experience working with children, youth, adults, or groups is preferred.
• Experience teaching or facilitating art activities is preferred; equivalent education, training, volunteer experience, or demonstrated artistic experience may also be considered.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with participants, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to organize activities, manage groups, and create an engaging learning environment.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an environment where people of different backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel welcomed and valued.
• Ability and willingness to complete YMCA-required training and certifications within established timelines.
• Must meet applicable YMCA, licensing, background screening, and age requirements for the position.

BENEFITS

• Free individual membership 
• Program discounts
• Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Employee Assistance Program
• Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20+ per week