Program Assistant

A Reason To Survive; National City (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in National City is seeking a Communications Specialist to support after-school arts programming for K-6 students. The role involves classroom management, collaboration on student exhibitions, and requires strong communication skills. With a part-time commitment of 8-18 hours weekly and a pay range of $18.00 - $22.00/hr, this opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about arts education. Candidates must possess a high school diploma and experience in arts or child development is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Preferred experience in arts education or child development.
• Passionate about transformative art programming.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of arts-centered programming.
• Aid classroom management for groups of K-6 students.
• Collaborate on culminating exhibitions for youth artwork.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Proficiency in Google Suite

Spanish language skills

Tagalog language skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Coursework in arts education or child development

Job description

This range is provided by A Reason To Survive. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$18.00/hr - $22.00/hr

Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt. 8-18 hours per week.* Afternoon and early evening availability is required.

Location: ARTS Center and partner school sites. In-person.

Reports to: Program Coordinator (ARTS on Campus)

Dates: January 19, 2026 - May 29, 2026

A Reason To Survive (ARTS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of creativity to build stronger communities in South County San Diego, is seeking a Communications Specialist to join its creative and innovative team. Reporting directly to the Communication & Design Manager, this role involves creating communication and design materials, documenting ARTS events and activities, and managing ARTS's social media platforms.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ARTS On Campus brings fun, hands-on, culturally relevant arts programming to K-6th graders to the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) and National School District (NSD) school campuses. The Teaching Artist will deliver after-school programming at the assigned school site. Through this opportunity, youth will engage in visual arts programming and present their pieces at culminating exhibitions that families can attend. Students will develop creativity and curiosity, grow community, and build confidence through collaboration and positive self-expression.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the delivery of arts-centered programming that stimulates creativity, connection, and builds art-making skills for Spring 2026 programming.
• Aid in classroom management and instruction of groups of up to 20 elementary-aged students each (grades K-6), to create individual and collaborative visual and/or multimedia art projects.
• Collaborate with Teaching Artist to host successful, culminating exhibitions by collecting, installing, displaying, deinstalling, and distributing youth work at the end of session.
• Prepare classroom spaces before and after instructional sessions (set up tables, organize materials, power on laptops/tablets, arrange seating, etc).
• Work closely with the Program Coordinator and Teaching Artist to understand program goals, timelines, and expectations.
• Track and organize art supplies (inventory, restock needs, safe storage, labeling, as needed).
• Work collaboratively in a school environment and with various school community members.
• Implement and organize program evaluation documents, such as attendance sheets, program surveys, etc.
• Demonstrate a warm, respectful, and trustworthy rapport with youth, families, interns, volunteers, teachers, and community members.
• Maintain availability during after‑school hours with advance notice.
• Have reliable and consistent means of communication and transportation.
• Understand, assess, and adapt to the learning needs of diverse student populations.
• Participate in relevant trainings, retreats, and meetings for curriculum development, classroom management, and other best practices.
• Perform general administration duties, such as monitoring email, Slack, Gusto, etc.
• Attend monthly all‑team meetings and program meetings.
• Support documentation and evaluation of programming, as necessary.
• Be available for other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Coursework or professional experience in arts education, child development, academic mentoring, non‑profit administration, etc. preferred.
• Passion for transformative art programming that is healing‑centered, culturally‑relevant and fosters community‑building.
• Experience working in early childhood settings preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Google Suite.
• Successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprinting security clearance with the DOJ and FBI.
• Spanish and/or Tagalog language skills preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to stand, sit, and squat for up to 4 hours while delivering instruction.
• Able to walk, jump, run, and move around uneven ground surfaces.
• Able to sit at a desk and view a computer screen for up to three hours.
• Able to speak into and use a telephone.
• Able to lift and transport up to 25 pounds.
• Able to push/pull, may involve use of arms/hands, feet/legs.
• Able to reach overhead or below shoulder level.
• Able to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.

At‑Will Employment Status.

HOW TO APPLY

ARTS is hiring for three Program Assistant positions at two school districts with a focus on early and upper elementary grade levels. Please share in your cover letter if you are best qualified for any of the following:

• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at National School District (Grades 2-6)
• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at National School District (Grades K-1)
• Teaching Artist - ARTS on Campus at Chula Vista Elementary School District (Grades 1-6)

Please email the following items in PDF format to: [e-mail]

1) Your current resume/CV, and

2) A cover letter stating your interest and qualifications for the position (2 pgs max.)

Email subject line: "Program Assistant - ARTS On Campus - Spring 2026"

Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 19th, 2025.

Applications will be read and responded to on a rolling basis, as we are hiring for multiple program assistants.