Work Location:
Approximately 80% remote with 20% spent engaging with the local community and/or working at in-person events and workshops
Compensation: $22/hour
Hours: 10-20 hours per week not to exceed 20 hours per week except during event weeks
Organization Summary:
Handmade Arcade is the spark that ignited Pittsburgh’s robust maker community. Predating all other local craft-focused markets as well as Etsy, Handmade Arcade has been a leader in Pittsburgh’s maker movement since 2004, becoming a nonprofit in 2017. Handmade Arcade now hosts multiple markets each year and provides year-round workshops and educational opportunities for makers hoping to grow their businesses. Handmade Arcade is dedicated to Pittsburgh’s craft, maker, and arts community and is committed to improving quality of life and economic success for our region’s makers.
Mission:
Handmade Arcade empowers makers of all ages by providing them with professional development and connections to customers.
Vision:
Handmade Arcade envisions an inclusive artistic community where all makers are empowered to share their craft and to achieve their creative potential and financial goals.
Values:
Equity
Transparency
Handmade Arcade champions collaboration, creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in our vibrant creative community. We empower artists and makers at all stages of their journey, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging fresh ideas and approaches.
Position Summary:
The Education Coordinator is a new position responsible for supporting the implementation of Handmade Arcade’s annual maker accelerator programs and maker education and support programs.
Reporting Relationships:
The Education Coordinator reports to Handmade Arcade’s Executive Director.
Responsibilities: Program Coordination and Implementation:
Coordinate day-to-day operations of Handmade Arcade’s maker education & support programs (i.e. BIPOC Maker Accelerator program, Youth Maker Accelerator program, Maker Mentor Program, Maker Affinity Groups, and Crafted Conversations Education Series)
Create program timelines and project plans for all maker education & support initiatives
Serve as a primary point of contact for all education and support program participants
Create and update maker education & support program application materials and webpages
Process program applications and manage maker accelerator program jurying processes alongside Program Operations Manager
Manage communications with guest speakers, workshop leads, program mentors, and other contributors to maker education & support programs
Track program metrics, attendance, participant progress and feedback, and program outcomes for grant reporting and program evaluation
Support evaluation efforts through data collection and participant surveys
Manage program budgets and track program expenses
Manage sourcing, purchasing, organizing, and delivering program supplies
Work closely with the Program Operations Manager to develop and refine educational content for all maker education & support programs
Work closely with contracted artists and experts to develop and implement workshop lesson plans
Lead all virtual and in-person Youth Maker Accelerator workshops and meetings
Create and/or update education program materials, including toolkits, presentations, practice templates, and other resources that support maker professional development according to Handmade Arcade’s brand guidelines
Ensure maker education & support curriculum reflects diverse perspectives, is responsive to the communicated needs of makers, and addresses participation barriers faced by makers from historically marginalized backgrounds, including adjusting, reiterating, or reimagining programs as needed
Participant Support & Community Building:
Build relationships with education program alumni and maintain an engaged community network of makers
Connect program participants with relevant opportunities, resources, and support services
Contribute content to the Maker’s Digest, a monthly maker e-newsletter
Provide on-site support to maker accelerator program participants at in-person Handmade Arcade markets
Lead grassroots marketing and outreach efforts and recruitment strategies for all maker education & support programs to grow participation numbers
Build relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, and arts partners
Collaborate with Program Operations Manager and Development Manager on cross-promotional opportunities and integrated programming
Represent Handmade Arcade at community events and arts gatherings as needed
Minimum Qualifications & Skills:
Demonstrated commitment to Handmade Arcade’s values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, financial sustainability, and collaboration
At least three years of experience in teaching, arts education, community engagement, and/or program coordination
Knowledge of or ability to learn about the needs of creative entrepreneurs, makers, and artists building their small businesses
Willingness to be a team player and collaborate closely with staff, contractors, and other team members
Exceptional interpersonal communication, facilitation skills, and relationship-building abilities with diverse groups of people
Commitment to high standards of customer service
Ability to self-direct work and resourcefully work through challenges in fast-paced environments
Strong understanding of best practices related to teaching artistry, workshop implementation, and/or classroom management
Commitment to culturally responsive education practices
Weekday daytime availability required for non-event periods, weekend and evening availability required for workshops and/or event periods
High degree of technological competency and interest in new technology (Handmade Arcade uses Squarespace, Google Drive, Neon CRM, Jotform, and other technology on a daily basis)
Ability to perform other related duties as needed and/or required
Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with students ages 13-19 preferred
Experience working with makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs preferred
Essential Functions:
Move inside event venues of various sizes to communicate with program participants and event attendees
Present in front of groups of people both in-person and virtually
Move items weighing 25-35 pounds for workshops and events
Operate a computer and other necessary event/office machinery, including copy machine, printer, and electronic payment device (i.e. point-of-sale system)
Other Requirements: Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
Pennsylvania Criminal History Record
FBI Clearance
Why It’s Great to Work for Handmade Arcade:
Competitive hourly pay rate
Work remotely
Paid vacation and sick time
11 holidays
Flexible schedule (sometimes includes evenings and weekends as needed for meetings and events)
Independence and innovative thinking encouraged
Modest monthly reimbursement available for remote work expenses
Collaboration with the region’s talented and robust maker, arts, and craft community and like-minded nonprofit organizations
Supportive and engaged board of directors and volunteers
Values-driven nonprofit committed to transparency and equity
Handmade Arcade is an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends heavily on the effective employment of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran’s status, or any characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
