Join the Octagon Team
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The Octagon Center for the Arts is a 501c3 non-profit community art organization located in downtown Ames. The Octagon has been a cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966. The Octagon serves more than 30,000 people annually through education classes and outreach programs, rotating exhibits, retail gallery shop and special events such as the Octagon Art Festival.
Mission Statement: The Octagon Center for the Arts encourages interaction and creative self-expression by providing inclusive opportunities and spaces that bring people together through art.
Youth Outreach Educator (Americorps)
The Youth Outreach Educator provides art experiences and arts education to youth in the Greater Ames community with the purpose of 1) reducing barriers to the arts; 2) demonstrating the value of the arts; and 3) raising awareness of the Octagon Center for the Arts programming.
Responsibilities:
Summer Art Camp
— Create lessons for children and youth for one-day and/or one-week summer art camps at the Octagon (under the supervision of the Education Director)
— Assist in preparing the materials and the classroom for each day of camp
— Teach the lessons: instructing students about proper use of materials and safety issues; guiding students in exploration and problem solving; and encouraging self-expression
Ames Farmers’ Market Outreach
— Create a new make-and-take art project each month for children/youth each, including a short handout for caregivers
— Prepare materials for 50 – 100 participants
— Guide children and youth in exploring the art materials and completing the project on Farmers’ Market Day
— Tally visitors to the booth and review effectiveness of the project afterwards with respect to quality of feedback from children/youth and parents, cost of materials,
sufficiency of supplies/materials
Youth Arts Outreach
— Create art focused outreach activities for children and youth (under the supervision of the Octagon Education Director)
— Prepare materials and travel to site
— Assist the Education Director in guiding children and youth in exploring the art materials and completing the activities
— Track numbers of children/youth participating and review effectiveness of the activities afterwards with respect to quality of feedback from children/youth, parents, parents;
cost of materials; and sufficiency of supplies/materials
Qualifications:
— Interest in the arts and belief in the value of the arts
— Experience working with children (babysitting, tutoring, teaching, mentoring, etc.)
— Ability to work independently
— Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
— Strong written and verbal communication skills
— Ability to develop a lesson plan by creating samples, articulating the goal, breaking down the necessary steps, and gathering all the materials and equipment needed
— Awareness of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) issues and/or a willingness to receive DEI training
— Computer literary (use of a word processor)
— Display responsibility and time management by arriving on time and dressed appropriately
— Use interpersonal skills to maintain a professional, respectful work environment
Supervision:
The Youth Outreach Educator reports to the Education Director. The YOE would attend supervision meetings with the Education Director and staff meetings. The Octagon staff are
primarily structured as a team and staff support other departments as needed; the YOE could participate in events or activities of other (non-education) departments, if desired.
Physical Requirements:
The Youth Outreach Educator would need to be able to stand for long periods, stoop to interact with children, lift up to 20 pounds, and travel to outreach sites in Story County.
Accommodation may be possible.
Hours and Timeline:
Anticipated service schedule:
Term Length: 3 months
Service Location: Octagon Center for the Arts, Ames, Iowa
A minimum time member agrees to serve a minimum of 300 hours, averaging 25 hours/week over three months. Regular service hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM and one Saturday a month at the Ames Farmers’ Market (7 AM to 1 PM).
To apply:
Please remit a cover letter and resume, outlining your interest in the position, qualifications, and references to Beth Weninger at:
Octagon Center for the Arts
427 Douglas Ave
Ames, Iowa 50010
Or email the materials to Beth Weninger at education@octagonarts.org
Art Instructors
Octagon Classes, Workshops & Camps
The Octagon is always looking for passionate artists and teachers — those who wish to share their craft or foundational skills to a full range of developing artists and patrons. Instructors do not have to have a degree in education or fine arts, but teaching experience is a plus. Classes can cover a multitude of media and a wide variety of ages. We are interested in both in-person and virtual formats. Click here to complete an application. Questions? Email Beth at education@octagonarts.org.
Learn more about the Octagon’s mission and values here and its history here.
Have a question or concern? Submit a message below or email info@octagonarts.org.
