Arts & Design Instructor; Woodshop & Performing Arts

Arts & Design Instructor (Woodshop & Performing Arts) (ADI)

40 hours, Full-time Non-exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.

Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.

The Arts & Design instructor will plan and lead hands‑on art instruction in woodshop, visual arts, creative design, and performing arts for youth and adults. The instructor will design adaptable curriculum, guide individual and group projects, and support participant‑led builds, showcases, and performances. The instructor will maintain safe and well‑organized creative spaces, teach proper tool use and safety practices, and manage materials and timelines.

The instructor will serve as a mentor and positive role model, building respectful relationships that support creativity, confidence, and collaboration. The instructor will engage families and community partners through various events and programs and will assist with administrative and funding‑related tasks such as attendance tracking, documentation, reporting, and general program support. The Arts & Design Instructor will report directly to the Manager of STEAM Education.

• Build authentic, consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust, respect, and accountability
• Serve as a mentor and caring adult presence, supporting youth social‑emotional learning, leadership, and personal growth
• Create and maintain a trauma‑informed, healing‑centered, and inclusive learning environment
• Model BUILD values and support youth in developing conflict resolution, communication, and teamwork skills
• Connect youth to BUILD resources, staff, and wraparound supports as needed

• Facilitate engaging, hands‑on programs in woodshop, visual arts, creative design, and performing arts
• Design and adapt curriculum that integrates skill-building, creative expression, and participant voice
• Support participant‑led projects, performances, showcases, and exhibitions that celebrate growth and community
• Differentiate instruction to meet varied learning styles, ages, and ability levels

• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming woodshop and creative learning spaces
• Teach and enforce proper tool use, safety procedures, and shared responsibility
• Manage materials, supplies, and project timelines with participants
• Guide collaborative builds such as sets, props, installations, and group art projects

• Support outreach events, community activations, showcases, and public‑facing programs
• Build positive relationships with schools, families, and community partners
• Represent BUILD programs with professionalism and a youth‑centered lens at off‑site events

• Track attendance, participation, and outcomes using BUILD systems (e.g., Apricot, Paylocity, Cityspan, etc.)
• Document youth progress, creative work, and program impact
• Reflect on programming effectiveness and collaborate with the BUILD team to strengthen youth outcomes

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in arts education, youth development, or a related field. Experience in mentoring or working with diverse youth populations is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates proficiency across multiple fabrication and design disciplines, including woodworking, set construction, 3D design, and applied craft techniques. Shows a strong aptitude and enthusiasm for learning new tools, materials, and processes.
• Strong organizational and administrative…