Resident Visual Arts Faculty, Full Time, 11 months/year position

CATA is seeking a talented, versatile visual artist and teaching artist eager to contribute to an innovative arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our community.

 

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Resident Visual Arts Faculty designs and teaches visual arts workshops for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries, giving them opportunities to explore painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture/tactile arts, and more.

 

Individuals participating in these workshops include people with disabilities across a wide span of ability and ages, including children, teens, adults, and elders. Most CATA workshops are designed for a specific age group, such as high school students with special needs or adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Faculty teach in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and other partner sites across Berkshire and Columbia counties.

 

The CATA Resident Visual Arts Faculty position is a full-time position with salary and benefits, working 36 hours per week for 11 months a year with August off. We would also consider a 40 hour/week position for the right candidate. 

 

The position requires a commitment to work on Monday through Thursday 9:00am - 5:30pm (inclusive of a 30-minute lunch break) and Friday 9:00am - 1:30pm. You will teach approximately 10-12 one-hour workshops weekly, plus meeting and prep time. Some additional evenings and weekends may occasionally be required with advance notice. Position reports to CATA Program Directors.

 

Develop, plan, and teach compelling group workshop series that nurture the creativity of CATA artists in alignment with our strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability in painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, photography, and other visual art forms

 

Develop innovative curricula and assessments under the direction of supervisors: create written project descriptions with key learning outcomes; tailor projects in response to needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; evaluate progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and program partners 

 

Lead one-on-one workshops in adaptive painting for people with disabilities who require a higher level of support in the creation of their work, using adaptive painting techniques tailored to individual needs 

 

As a faculty artist working in CATA partner settings, exercise strong listening and communication skills and model CATA’s organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges to support strong relationships with partners

 

Support CATA art exhibits and events by helping curate, frame, and install art exhibits and by working with a team to ensure the success of events

 

Actively participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, and meetings, and apply learnings to develop your teaching. Openly receive performance feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement

 

Mentor and support CATA artists in exploring roles including curating and installing exhibits, assistant teaching workshops, and assisting in public programs; help recruit guest artists including curators and art installers 

 

Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned

 

Qualifications 

·      Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a related field, or equivalent life/work experience

 

·      Working visual artist with a minimum of three years teaching experience in a range of settings

 

·      Knowledge and ability to teach a broad range of studio practices including but not limited to: painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more

 

·      Excellent time management and communication skills

·      Demonstrated ability to work within a management structure, reporting to supervisors  

 

·      Ability to adapt and modify teaching for people of all abilities and ages, exercising empathy, sensitivity, and inclusion to successfully engage a broad age range of participants from elementary school to elder care

 

·      Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; demonstrate cultural competence and foster inclusion; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights. Candidates with previous training in Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed teaching, and DEI preferred

 

·      Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY with mileage reimbursement

 

Compensation: 

A compensation package of $31.50 per hour for a 36-hour workweek, 11 months a year (with August off but pay and benefits continuing), totaling $54,432 annually. CATA’s excellent benefits package includes: 

·      100% employer-paid health, dental & vision insurance premiums for employees, retroactively effective to hire date (valued between $8,000 - $9,500 annually depending on plan)

·      Family health, dental and vision packages 

·      401k retirement savings plan with 4% employer match 

·      Generous paid vacation (two weeks in first year increasing to three weeks after second year, plus separate sick time)

·      Paid holidays including all federal holidays plus days before and after Thanksgiving; three extra December days, two floating religious holidays, birthday holiday, and extra “restorative days” 

·      Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel

·      Short- and long-term disability coverage; Life insurance; Paid family leave

·      Dedicated training to develop teaching skills, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and autism-informed training, plus the opportunity to apply for funds to support your individual professional development

·      Invitations to special events and programs

·      CATA is a qualified employer under the PSLF federal student loan forgiveness plan

·      Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community

How To Apply:
Candidates should send a resume and brief cover letter that describes how their qualifications and experience match the need.

Apply here: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/cataarts/jobs

All inquiries and materials will be confidential.