Program Coordinator

A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a creative youth development nonprofit and community art
center serving youth and young adults across the South County communities of San Diego.
Established in 2001, ARTS has served thousands of youth and families through high-quality
arts education, community-based projects, and supportive services.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Program Coordinator will plan, design, and implement ARTS On Campus programming, rooted in Creative Youth Development (CYD) program characteristics, as well as other methodologies, including Collaborative for Academic Social Emotional Learning framework (CASEL), Healing-Centered Engagement (HCE), restorative practices, etc. at school campuses and community sites throughout the South County region of San Diego, mainly in partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). The Program
Coordinator will oversee daily operations of ARTS On Campus programming, supervise and
support teaching artists to deliver high-quality programs, guide program assistants and
interns, communicate regularly and effectively with parents and partners, and lead a team
toward successful program outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

● Bilingual Spanish is required.
○ Full professional proficiency in Spanish and English, with the ability to read,
write, and communicate effectively in both languages.

● Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in project and/or
program management. Program management, non-profit work experience, and
experience working with schools and districts strongly preferred.
● Passion for designing transformative art programming that is healing-centered,
culturally-relevant, and fosters community-building.
● Experience working with teaching artists, curriculum/program design, and an
understanding of how to make arts programming age-appropriate and culturally
relevant for elementary, middle, and/or high school age youth.
● Demonstrate a warm, respectful, and trustworthy rapport with youth, families,
interns, volunteers, teachers, and community members.
● Experience with data management, project management, and/or program evaluation
tools preferred.
● Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
● Successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprinting security clearance with the DOJ and FBI.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Coordination (80%)
● Coordinate the daily operations of “ARTS On Campus” programming for the
2025-2026 academic school year, centering the design and delivery of programs
that are arts-centered, stimulate creativity, connection, and build art-making skills.
● Oversee Teaching Artists contracted for ARTS On Campus programs:
○ Support the Teaching Artist and Program Assistant team to set up learning
spaces, supplies and materials, and documentation.
○ Create and distribute programmatic timelines and schedules for program
design and implementation.
○ Monitor program budget, including procurement of program supplies.

○ Conduct continuous check-ins with the ARTS on Campus team to
understand program development, student engagement, logistical support,
etc.

● Serve as the primary point of contact at ARTS for the school district, school sites,
and community partners, as well as parents/families, to facilitate program success.
○ Communicate with youth and families (email, text) about programming
reminders, upcoming events, and opportunities. Share announcements about
upcoming events and opportunities.

● Coordinate outreach efforts, alongside district partners, for recruiting youth
participants in ARTS On Campus programs. Activities include, but are not limited to:
preparing content for program flyers and other communications assets; leading
communication with school administrators and community partners; conducting
informational sessions at the ARTS Center and other community locations;
supporting email and social media strategies to amplify recruitment efforts.
● Coordinate program development and logistics with district partners during
planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of each program.
● Work with the Programs Manager in planning and developing successful final
exhibitions, meet community engagement and fundraising goals, and offer youth and
families access to follow-on programming.
● Support other programming and events at ARTS, as necessary.
● Support the work of the Advancement department by coordinating documentation
efforts in programs, providing copy/content for newsletters, marketing, and
development materials, etc.
General Admin (20%):
● Attend regular All-team, department, and 1:1 meetings.
● 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.
● Support documentation and evaluation of programming, when necessary.
● Represent ARTS in a professional and friendly manner at all times.
● Be available for other duties as assigned.