Weekend Improvisation Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Here's a professional job description tailored to SHINE Recovery Café, SHINE Youth Café, SHINE Schools, SHINE House, and For the Love of the Arts.

Arts Instructor

For the Love of the Arts, Inc.
Serving SHINE Recovery Café, SHINE Youth Café, SHINE Schools, SHINE House, and Community Programs

Position Title

Arts Instructor (Part-Time/Contract)

Reports To

Program Director or Assigned Program Manager

Position Summary

For the Love of the Arts is seeking passionate, creative, and dependable Arts Instructors to lead engaging arts education experiences that promote creativity, wellness, recovery, prevention, and personal growth. Instructors will teach participants of all ages through a variety of artistic disciplines while supporting the mission of SHINE to inspire hope, resilience, and positive life outcomes through the arts.

Arts Instructors may teach at one or more of the following programs:

• SHINE Recovery Café
• SHINE Youth Café
• SHINE Schools Initiative
• SHINE House
• Community workshops and special events
• Summer camps and outreach programs

Areas of Instruction

Qualified instructors may specialize in one or multiple disciplines, including:

Visual Arts

• Drawing
• Painting
• Watercolor
• Acrylics
• Mixed Media
• Sculpture
• Pottery & Ceramics
• Printmaking
• Graphic Design
• Digital Art
• Photography

Performing Arts

• Acting
• Theatre
• Musical Theatre
• Improvisation
• Stage Production
• Public Speaking

Music

• Voice
• Piano
• Guitar
• Violin
• Percussion
• Ukulele
• Music Theory
• Songwriting
• Music Production
• Audio Recording

Dance

• Hip-Hop
• Ballet
• Jazz
• Contemporary
• Modern
• Cultural Dance
• Creative Movement

Media Arts

• Videography
• Film Production
• Podcasting
• Animation
• Content Creation
• Social Media Production

Literary Arts

• Creative Writing
• Poetry
• Spoken Word
• Storytelling
• Journaling

Culinary Arts

• Healthy Cooking
• Baking
• Food Presentation
• Nutrition Education

Creative Entrepreneurship

• Selling Artwork
• Branding
• Marketing
• Small Business Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Portfolio Development

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate arts classes.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment.
• Adapt lessons for youth, adults, families, and individuals in recovery.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, wellness, recovery, and prevention concepts into instruction when appropriate.
• Encourage creativity, confidence, teamwork, and personal expression.
• Maintain classroom safety and manage participant behavior professionally.
• Prepare lesson plans and materials in advance.
• Track attendance and submit required program documentation.
• Participate in showcases, exhibitions, performances, and community events.
• Collaborate with SHINE staff and community partners.
• Maintain program equipment and supplies.
• Represent the organization professionally within the community.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching or facilitating arts classes.
• Demonstrated skill in one or more artistic disciplines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage diverse populations.
• Passion for mentoring and empowering youth and adults.
• Organized, dependable, and self-motivated.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, or after-school hours as assigned.

Preferred:

• Degree, certification, or professional experience in the arts.
• Experience working with youth, schools, nonprofits, or community organizations.
• Experience supporting individuals affected by trauma, substance use disorders, or mental health challenges.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, demonstrate artistic techniques, and facilitate activities.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds of supplies or equipment.
• Ability to travel between program locations when assigned.

Schedule

Flexible based on programming needs, including:

• Weekday school hours
• Afternoons
• Evenings
• Friday Youth Café programming
• Summer programming
• Community events and showcases

Why Work at For the Love of the Arts?

Join a mission-driven team that uses creativity to transform lives through recovery, prevention, education, and community wellness.

Core Competencies

• Creativity
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Cultural Competence
• Collaboration
• Flexibility
• Communication
• Positive Role Modeling
• Problem Solving
• Integrity

Equal Opportunity Employer

For the Love of the Arts is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

I can also create a Lead Arts Instructor job description and separate specialty descriptions (Music Instructor, Theatre Instructor, Dance Instructor, Visual Arts Instructor, Digital Media Instructor, Culinary Arts Instructor, etc.) using the same SHINE branding and format.

Join our mission to provide arts and wellness for all!