The Director of Youth Programs will guide the next chapter of growth for the Young Artist Movement (YAM)program at Arts New Orleans, leading both its programmatic expansion and operational excellence. This role combines visionary program leadership with hands-on management – overseeing YAM Studios, the Diversion Program, and Juvenile Justice Intervention Center programs – while supervising a dedicated team of staff and contractors. The Director of Youth Programs will amplify YAM’s impact through strategic partnerships, funding development, and youth engagement, making it a household name in New Orleans and elevating it to national recognition as an exemplary arts-based youth justice program. The successful candidate will have a deep appreciation for the transformative power of arts in promoting wellbeing for youth and their communities, along with the management skills to lead a complex, multi-faceted program.
Job Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of experience working with youth ages 14-22, preferably including system-involved youth
- 5+ years of management experience, including supervising staff and managing contractors
- Experience developing and managing program budgets and fiscal oversight
- Experience in creating and facilitating arts-based programming or curriculum
- Strong knowledge of restorative justice approaches and trauma-informed practices
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and youth empowerment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
Preferred:
- Experience with youth justice systems and diversion programming
- Grant writing and fundraising experience
- Public art or community arts experience
- Experience working in New Orleans or similar urban environments
- Experience with technology integration in arts education
- Public speaking and community engagement experience
- Knowledge of local and national youth-serving organizations and networks
Personal Qualities:
- Deep appreciation for the transformative power of arts in youth development
- Ability to build authentic relationships across communities
- Compassion for youth and families impacted by the justice system
- Self-directed with strong initiative while being collaborative
- Commitment to centering youth voice and leadership in programming
Job Responsibilities
Program Leadership, Advocacy and Development
- Steward the relationship with the City of New Orleans to solidify YAM’s contract for juvenile diversion and ensure it becomes a long-term priority for the City
- Represent Arts New Orleans at local and national youth justice coalition meetings and connect YAM to national networks of artists and organizations focusing on the arts and juvenile justice
- Work closely with the Arts New Orleans Development Team to identify and secure new local and national funding sources, including through grants, donations and revenue-generating opportunities
- Work closely with the Arts New Orleans Public Art Department to identify and secure new public art commission opportunities for YAM
- Work closely with the Marketing Director to ensure YAM is well-represented across all communications platforms (website, social media, newsletter) including developing the goals and language for organizational storytelling about YAM
- Steward the relationship with Apple, Inc. as an essential funder and technology partner, embracing the integration of iPads & MacBooks into the arts education and public art design/documentation process
Staff Oversight and Support
- Oversee program implementation and ensure that all staff and participants align with, understand and adhere to YAM’s mission and policies
- Supervise Arts New Orleans employees including the Director of Youth Justice Interventions, Senior Youth Program Manager, Social Worker, and other team members as necessary
- Analyze current staffing structure and job descriptions to identify gaps and opportunities, then develop and execute hiring strategy for facilitators, operations coordinator, and other essential roles to optimize program operations and service delivery
- Oversee YAM contractors – Whole Village Art Therapy, external program evaluator, lead artists, and transportation and meal providers – including writing contracts and ensuring deliverables are met
- Onboard and train new lead artists and YAM program facilitators
- Develop and oversee YAM project and program schedules
- Oversee YAM public art projects from conception to completion, ensuring quality execution and adherence to timelines and budgets; directly manage projects as needed
- Collaborate with Arts New Orleans’ Deputy Director and Director of Public Art & Commissions for public art project management support, as necessitated by project scope and complexity
- Serve as a thought partner to our dedicated YAM staff and organize engaging professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of individual staff members, including in restorative approaches and effective classroom management
- Instill restorative approaches and trauma-informed practices in all aspects of the program
- Conduct regular meetings with team members for updates and issue resolution
- Ensure the proper care of the space, supplies, and equipment at the YAM studio and partner sites
- Lead program sessions when necessary
Youth Voice and Engagement
- Develop meaningful relationships with our youth artists, including being actively present and engaged during key moments throughout each program
- Establish formal processes for youth voices to guide the next chapter of YAM, such as a youth advisory board
- Involve youth in sharing their creativity and stories on social media
Administration, Evaluation and Documentation
- Oversee the evaluation of all YAM programs and monitor data collection to ensure consistent tracking
- Develop the annual YAM budget with approval from the President & CEO and Deputy Director, and manage expenses year-round to maintain fiscal responsibility
- Keep copies of all receipts and submit all expenses to contract accountant within one week of purchase
- Oversee and maintain organized records and materials in Microsoft SharePoint
- Use Monday.com project management software to track all projects and events
- Work closely with the Development Team to ensure accurate and timely submission of grant reports
- Ensure thorough completion of all paperwork as required for juvenile legal system referring agencies
Organizational Responsibilities
- Participate in bi-weekly Arts New Orleans staff meetings on Thursdays, 10am-12pm
- Support Arts New Orleans events (such as LUNA Fête) as required
- Attend key organizational fundraising events
- Speak publicly on behalf of the YAM program
- Serve as an Arts New Orleans team player by assisting with organizational and/or programmatic needs that may fall outside of YAM responsibilities
Schedule
The Director of Youth Programs schedule will be decided with their supervisor, the Deputy Director. Frequent attendance at YAM programs, which take place on weekday evenings and Saturdays during the school year, will be required.
Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time exempt employee position (40 hours/week). The salary is $70,000 – $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Starting salary determination considers:
- Years of experience working with system-involved youth (5+ years preferred)
- Previous supervisory and team management experience
- Experience with program development, restructuring, or organizational growth
- Specialized training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, or juvenile justice
- Arts programming or creative therapeutic intervention experience
- Contractor and vendor management experience
We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Arts New Orleans pays 100% of team members’ health insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan through Mutual of America, with Arts New Orleans matching 2% of your total salary
- Flexible vacation
How We Work
The Arts New Orleans team primarily works remotely, although we have a studio where team members often work and staff meetings are held. Soon, the organization plans to transition to a hybrid work model, with all staff expected to work in person at least two days per week. This job requires attendance at evening and/or weekend meetings, events or workshops. Arts New Orleans is involved in numerous community activations, including monthly art markets and public art unveilings. Additionally, team members regularly attend performances, gallery openings, art festivals, and other cultural activities!
Is Our Director of Youth Programs Role a Good Fit for You?
If you are passionate about making a difference in the arts, possess the outlined skills and qualifications, and thrive in a remote-first environment that values autonomy and connection, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.
About Arts New Orleans
Celebrating its 50th year of operations, the Arts Council of New Orleans (dba Arts New Orleans) is a private, nonprofit organization that supports arts and culture in the city. Our mission is to support public art and artists, creating work that inspires, connects, and enriches the community through creative expression. Our vision is to cultivate vibrant communities through the impact of arts and culture.
Arts New Orleans’ core pillars include:
- Empower & Develop Artists at All Levels: We provide professional development, resources, and economic opportunities for emerging and established artists. Through dedicated support and guidance, we equip artists to thrive, particularly those new to public art, while fostering connections to the broader New Orleans creative community.
- Create & Promote Art within the Community: We invest in the development of communities through the arts, leading the creation of new, accessible public art projects and showcasing art in ways that inspire, connect, and engage residents. From public art installations to markets, we bring art into everyday spaces, ensuring accessibility and a shared cultural experience.
- Foster Creative Expression & Opportunity for Youth: We empower youth – especially those with limited access to resources and opportunities – to explore the arts as a transformative tool for self-expression and healing. Through programs like Young Artist Movement, we increase access to creative outlets, foster collaboration, and support personal growth, offering young people the tools and inspiration they need to imagine and pursue a brighter future.
Learn more at https://www.artsneworleans.org/.
About the Young Artist Movement Program
Young Artist Movement (YAM) is an arts education and workforce development program that beautifies neighborhoods and connects youth to their communities through public art and placemaking. Now in its 10thyear, YAM was founded in 2016 by youth advocates, artists, and educators to provide transformative job and educational opportunities for local creative youth.
YAM primarily serves Black youth, ages 14-22, who demonstrate creative passion. Youth work closely with professional artist-mentors who provide insight into the creative process and teaching techniques and ensure artistic excellence. Our young artists have created inspiring and thought-provoking murals, sculptures, digital projections, and more. In every project, our goal is to:
- Cultivate young people’s sense of belonging and connection to their community as they transform public spaces through beautiful art and positively express their voices.
- Promote socio-emotional well-being through a caring and creative environment.
- Teach youth tangible professional and entrepreneurial skills that expand their future job and educational prospects.
YAM offers community-based programs at its Broad Street studio and at partner sites (“YAM Studios”), a diversion program for juvenile system-involved youth, and programs at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (the City of New Orleans youth detention facility).
Learn more at https://www.artsneworleans.org/collection/young-artist-movement-yam/.
How to Apply
Please email a cover letter (no more than two pages), resume, and three references to jobs@artsneworleans.org. Include your name and Director of Youth Programs in the subject line. Resumes submitted without a cover letter or sent by a job service will not be reviewed.
The application deadline is July 21, 2025. Interviews will be held July 28 – July 30.
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