This is a full-time position based in New Orleans. This role is open to candidates who currently reside in the greater New Orleans area or who are willing to relocate at their own expense.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email a cover letter (no more than two pages), resume, and three references as a single PDF document to jobs@artsneworleans.org. Include your name and YAM Lead – Program + Operations in the subject line. Resumes submitted without a cover letter or sent through job service (i.e., Indeed, LinkedIn, etc.) will not be reviewed.
Applications will be accepted through April 8, 2026, or until the job is filled. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis as applications are received.
ABOUT THE YOUNG ARTIST MOVEMENT (YAM)
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 creative placemaking.
Youth ages 14–22 work alongside professional artists to create murals, sculptures, and digital works while developing leadership, creative, and entrepreneurial skills. YAM programming includes community-based studio programs, diversion programming for system-involved youth, programs at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center, youth leadership initiatives through the YAM Council, and workforce development opportunities through the YAM Fellowship.
POSITION SUMMARY
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations serves as the operational backbone of the Young Artist Movement (YAM) at Arts New Orleans, ensuring the successful implementation of programs while supporting the wellbeing and engagement of youth participants.
This position combines program implementation leadership, operational management, and youth support coordination across the YAM ecosystem. Working closely with the Director of Youth Programs and collaborating with teaching artists, therapists, contractors, and partner organizations, the YAM Lead – Program + Operations ensures that programs run smoothly, youth receive meaningful support, and operational systems remain organized and effective.
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations plays a key role in coordinating programming across YAM’s core program areas, including community-based studio programming, diversion programming for justice-involved youth, and programs within the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC). The role also supports youth workforce development initiatives and youth participation in public art projects across the city.
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations supports the coordination and operational alignment of YAM’s evolving program ecosystem, including community-based studio programming (YAM Studios), diversion programming for system-involved youth, programs at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center (JJIC), youth leadership initiatives such as the YAM Council, and emerging workforce development pathways including the YAM Fellowship.
In addition to managing program logistics and operational systems, the YAM Lead – Program + Operations helps ensure that youth participating in YAM programs have access to holistic supports that promote wellbeing and stability. This includes coordinating referrals for social services and wraparound resources when appropriate and supporting the integration of therapeutic approaches within the program environment, including art therapy services provided by contracted partners.
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations also supports program accountability by maintaining accurate program records and producing reports for internal and external stakeholders as requested or required, including documentation that supports evaluation, funding compliance, and organizational storytelling.
The successful candidate will bring strong organizational and project management skills, experience working with youth and community programs, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of arts in promoting wellbeing, belonging, and opportunity for young people.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Implementation Leadership
• Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of YAM programs across multiple sites including the YAM studio, partner organizations, and the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center
• Support the successful delivery of YAM programs including YAM Studios, diversion programming, and justice-involved youth programming
• Maintain program schedules and coordinate logistics for workshops, public art projects, and youth workforce development initiatives
• Assist teaching artists and program facilitators in delivering engaging and well-organized programming experiences
• Provide operational support for YAM public art projects from planning through installation
• Support youth participation in exhibitions, public art installations, and community events
• Ensure program environments reflect YAM’s values of creativity, belonging, and restorative practices
Operations and Program Systems Management
• Maintain operational systems used to track YAM programs and projects, including project management platforms such as Monday.com
• Coordinate program schedules, logistics, and internal communication across staff, contractors, and partner organizations
• Maintain organized documentation of program activities, contracts, attendance records, and evaluation materials
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, attendance, project timelines, and operational systems
• Produce reports and summaries of program activities for internal leadership, funders, and partner organizations as requested or required
• Support the preparation of program documentation needed for grant reporting, contract compliance, and organizational evaluation
• Coordinate with Arts New Orleans’ Development and Communications teams to ensure accurate program data and documentation are available for reports and storytelling
• Maintain organized digital records of program materials and reports within organizational systems
• Coordinate program logistics including supplies, equipment, transportation, and meals when required
• Assist in onboarding and coordinating teaching artists, facilitators, and contractors
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations plays a critical role in ensuring that YAM programs are well-documented, accountable to partners and funders, and able to clearly demonstrate their impact on youth and community.
Youth Support and Wellbeing Coordination
• Support the integration of trauma-informed and restorative practices throughout YAM program environments
• Coordinate referrals for youth participants and families to appropriate social services and wraparound supports when needs arise
• Serve as a liaison between YAM staff, partner organizations, and service providers supporting youth wellbeing
• Coordinate scheduling and integration of therapeutic services including art therapy provided by contracted partners
• Work closely with therapists, program facilitators, and partner organizations to support youth engagement and wellbeing
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes belonging, creative expression, and positive youth development
Collaboration with Arts New Orleans Departments
• Work closely with the Director of Youth Programs and Deputy Director to ensure alignment with organizational priorities
• Collaborate with the Public Art Department on youth-led public art initiatives and installations
• Work closely with the Development Team to support timely preparation of grant reports and documentation required by funding partners
• Work with the Marketing Team to gather images, stories, and program documentation that highlight YAM’s impact
Organizational Responsibilities
• Participate in bi-weekly Arts New Orleans staff meetings
• Support Arts New Orleans events such as public art unveilings, art markets, and LUNA Fête when required
• Assist with cross-departmental initiatives that support organizational priorities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3–5 years of experience working in youth development, arts education, nonprofit programs, or community-based organizations
- Experience coordinating programs, projects, or operational systems across multiple stakeholders
- Strong organizational and operational management skills
- Experience working directly with youth ages 14–22 in educational, creative, or community settings
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience maintaining program documentation and administrative systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required for youth programming
- Preferred
- Experience working with youth impacted by the juvenile legal system or other systems of care
- Experience coordinating referrals to social services or wraparound supports for youth and families (case management)
- Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and restorative justice practices
- Background or training in youth/workforce development, social work, counseling, art therapy, or related fields
- Experience supporting arts-based programming or public art projects
- Experience using project management platforms such as Monday.com, Asana, or Trello
- Experience coordinating contractors or managing vendor relationships
- Experience working in New Orleans or similar urban environments
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
- Deep appreciation for the transformative power of arts in youth development
- Ability to build authentic relationships with youth, artists, and community partners
- Compassion for youth and families impacted by systemic inequities
- Strong organizational instincts and attention to detail
- Self-directed with initiative and strong follow-through
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support program success
- Commitment to centering youth voice and leadership through safe, welcoming, and inclusive programming
- Commitment to fairness, transparency, and equity
COMPENSATION
The starting salary for this position is $70,000 annually. This is a full-time exempt employee position.
Compensation is paid on a semi-monthly basis in 24 equal pay periods, with payroll issued on the 15th and the last day of each month. Applicable federal, state, and other required payroll taxes will be withheld in accordance with law. Arts New Orleans will pay the employer-required payroll taxes associated with this position.
Benefits include:
• Arts New Orleans pays 100% of employee health insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% employer match
• Flexible vacation policy
SCHEDULE
The YAM Lead – Program + Operations schedule will be determined with their supervisor, the Director of Youth Programs.
Regular attendance at youth programs will be required. YAM programming frequently takes place during weekday evenings and Saturdays.
HOW WE WORK
Arts New Orleans operates in a remote-first environment, with a shared studio space used for meetings and collaborative work but will be transitioning into a space for a couple of days per week. Our work extends well beyond the desk: staff regularly engage with the community through monthly arts markets, public art unveilings, performances, festivals, and other cultural events across the city.
IS THIS ROLE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU?
At YAM, young people are not just participants. Our young artists are creators, leaders, and the driving force behind the movement. We build spaces where youth imagine big ideas, caring and skillful adults support them, and together we bring those big ideas to life.
If you are a highly organized, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in highly-collaborative, youth-centered environments, this role may be a strong fit.
You create space and structure for young brilliance to flourish. You can hold youth, schedules, logistics, deadlines, and demands all at once and while creating an environment that feels steady, thoughtful, and grounded. You understand that behind every successful program is a team of people and systems working in harmony to ensure the execution of meaningful programming.
You care deeply about young people. Not just as participants, but as individuals navigating real life. You build authentic relationships and create structure that helps youth thrive without creating rigidity. You provide firm support without sacrificing accountability. You listen to youth, hear them, and you respond. You are a connector, linking youth to the people, organizations, and resources they need to succeed.
You are a “big dreamer” who understands that big ideas don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone built the conditions for them to succeed. You believe in the brilliance of young people and find joy in helping them bring their big ideas to life.
If you take pride in making meaningful work run smoothly and in helping young people show up authentically, stay engaged fully, and grow exponentially, we encourage you to apply.
ABOUT THE ARTS COUNCIL OF NEW ORLEANS
Now in its fifth decade, 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 improve the quality of life in New Orleans by supporting, activating, and investing in our city’s greatest natural resource: our artists, cultural producers, and creative community.
Building on the abundant cultural wealth and creativity of our community, Arts New Orleans envisions a New Orleans in which arts and culture play a pivotal role in all areas of policy, planning, and placemaking. We believe art and artists should be central to all community and economic development efforts – from public health to public safety, education to infrastructure.
We do this through special initiatives along with a variety of ongoing programs, including:
- Public Art & Placemaking – From managing the City of New Orleans’ public art collection to private client commissions, we offer support for a wide range of creative and placemaking projects
- Young Artist Movement (YAM) – An arts education and workforce development program that connects youth to civic issues
- LUNA Fête – New Orleans’ annual festival of light, art, and technology
- Arts Market – A bi-monthly series of fine arts and craft markets in City Park and Marsalis Harmony Park
- Grantmaking – Administering state and city support for arts & cultural initiatives
- Unframed – Large-scale mural program in downtown New Orleans
For more information, visit www.artsneworleans.org.