Entry Level Visual Development Artist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Title: Youth Development Professional – Arts Programming

Reports To: Club Director
Status: Part-Time (up to 29 hours a week) Hours: 2pm to 7pm Monday- Thursday 2pm to 6pm Friday

Location: 2009 E. 138th St., East Chicago, IN 46312
Hourly Rate: $13.00 - $15.00 based on experience and education 

Position Summary

The Youth Development Professional – Arts Programming is responsible for designing, implementing, and supervising high-quality, grant-aligned arts programs that engage youth and teens in creative expression across all five Boys & Girls Clubs of America Arts pillars: Applied Arts, Digital Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts.

This role focuses on creating meaningful art experiences that align with BGCA Arts Engagement Goals (Arts-Specific, Arts-Enhanced, and Arts-Integrated) and guide participants through progressive levels of learning: Exposure, Creative Exploration & Skill-Building, and Demonstration. The professional will foster creativity, confidence, skill development, and youth voice through hands-on, project-based arts programming.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Arts Programming & Instruction

• Design, plan, and implement engaging, grant-aligned arts programs across all five Arts pillars:
  • Applied Arts: Jewelry-making, woodworking, fashion design, functional art.
  • Digital Arts: Graphic design, digital photography, animation, video production, digital music, storytelling.
  • Literary Arts: Creative writing, poetry, scriptwriting, storytelling, journaling.
  • Performing Arts: Dance, music, spoken word, theatre, movement, and performance.
  • Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, pastel, and other visual art forms.
• Align all arts programming with BGCA Arts Engagement Goals:
  • Arts-Specific: Building foundational skills in a specific art form.
  • Arts-Enhanced: Using art to support learning in other subject areas.
  • Arts-Integrated: Connecting art with academic or life skills learning outcomes.
• Create learning experiences across three levels:
  • Level 1 – Exposure: Introduce youth to a variety of art forms and materials.
  • Level 2 – Creative Exploration & Skill-Building: Support intentional practice and technical growth.
  • Level 3 – Demonstration: Facilitate showcases, exhibitions, performances, portfolios, and culminating projects.

Youth Development & Engagement

• Build strong, positive relationships with members and serve as a mentor and role model.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment that encourages creative risk-taking and self-expression.
• Promote youth voice, choice, and leadership through project-based arts learning.
• Support youth in setting personal goals related to creativity, skill development, and self-confidence.
• Encourage emotional, social, academic, and creative growth of all members.

Program Operations & Grant Compliance

• Ensure all programming aligns with grant goals, outcomes, and reporting requirements.
• Collect and maintain documentation, attendance, and outcome data as required by grants and agency standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked art space with appropriate materials and supplies.
• Monitor inventory, request supplies, and ensure safe use of tools and materials.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Collaborate with Club leadership, staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance arts programming.
• Lead youth in arts-related field trips, workshops, and community engagement opportunities.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall Club operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent (some college preferred).
• At least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with youth, preferably in arts, education, or creative programming preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development principles; experience with Boys & Girls Clubs preferred.
• Strong skills in one or more arts disciplines (visual, digital, literary, performing, or applied arts).
• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate arts programming.
• Ability to motivate youth, manage behavior, and foster a positive learning environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal history background check.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a drug screen for all federally illegal substances.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle tools and materials, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.