Teaching Artist

Building Beats; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Building Beats seeks skilled Teaching Artists to facilitate high-quality programming across partner sites in NYC. You will deliver Building Beats curriculum with excellence, build relationships with youth and site staff, and uphold the organization’s standards for facilitation and program quality.

Responsibilities include delivering diverse residencies, coordinating with schools, and maintaining thorough administrative records while continuing professional development and trainings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of experience facilitating youth programs, or 5+ years without a degree.
• Experience writing or facilitating curriculum (≥3 years).
• Knowledge of NYC K–12 landscape, PYD, SEL, and PBL.
• Strong commitment to serving underserved youth in NYC communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Building Beats residencies of varying lengths including workshops and year-long programs.
• Deliver instruction aligned with Building Beats curriculum and standards.
• Build relationships with school site staff and youth participants.
• Complete lesson planning, attendance, reporting, and background checks.
• Represent Building Beats with professionalism and consistency.

Skills

Youth program facilitation

Relationship building

Curriculum delivery

Project-based learning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

2+ years youth program facilitation

Tools

Google Workspace

Airtable

Digital audio workstations

Job description

Building Beats is seeking skilled and professional Teaching Artists to facilitate high-quality programming across partner sites. Teaching Artists are responsible for delivering Building Beats curriculum with excellence, building strong relationships with youth and site staff, and upholding the organization’s standards for facilitation and program quality.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate Building Beats residencies of varying lengths (one-day workshops, short-term series, semester-long, and year-long programs)
• Deliver instruction aligned with Building Beats curriculum and facilitation standards in:
• Music Production
• DJing
• Podcasting
• Music Coding
• Songwriting
• Music Journalism
• Lead engaging, project-based sessions that build technical skill and confidence, with a strong focus on facilitation excellence
• Participate in monthly professional development sessions and attend all required trainings
• Complete all required administrative tasks (lesson planning, attendance, reporting, communication, background checks)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school site staff
• Represent Building Beats with a high level of professionalism and consistency

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of and alignment with Building Beats’ mission
• Bachelor’s degree + at least 2 years of experience facilitating youth programs in a nonprofit or afterschool setting OR at least 5 years of experience facilitating youth programs in a nonprofit or afterschool setting (no degree required)
• At least 3 years of experience writing and/or facilitating curriculum
• Knowledge of the NYC K–12 education landscape
• Knowledge of:
• Positive Youth Development (PYD)
• Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
• Project-Based Learning (PBL)
• Strong knowledge of music history, particularly hip-hop history and values
• Experience working with underserved youth in NYC, including:
• NYC public school students
• Justice-impacted youth
• Immigrant communities
• Foster care populations
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence, professionalism, and continuous learning

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience overseeing afterschool programs
• 5+ years of experience writing curriculum for nonprofit organizations in NYC
• 5+ years working in youth development or education nonprofits
• Active creative practice in music, the arts, or digital media
• Bilingual (Spanish, French, Mandarin, Farsi, Russian a plus)

TECHNOLOGY

• Proficiency in Google Workspace
• Familiarity with Airtable or similar systems
• Familiarity with Digital Audio Workstations
• Experience with relevant creative software based on area of expertise

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to pass required background checks, including:
• NYC Department of Education and Department of Health fingerprinting
• National Sex Offender Registry clearance
• State Central Registry clearance
• Criminal History Disclosure clearance
• Ability to work at least 2 days per week on-site
• Consistent attendance and punctuality

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regular attendance and extended periods of sitting and computer use (5+ hours/day)
• Standing for extended periods for class facilitation
• Ability to use standard office equipment
• Ability to travel locally
• Occasional lifting for program or event setup

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Building Beats is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees.