Program Manager at First Exposures

FIRST EXPOSURES SEEKS PROGRAM MANAGER

Apply here: https://www.firstexposures.org/program-manager

• $30/hour for a 30-hour work week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• We offer a competitive benefits package.
• This is primarily an in-person position, on-site at First Exposures (San Francisco) with the possibility of remote work on occasion.
• Priority will be given to candidates who can start by early June

Position Summary:

First Exposures seeks an experienced Program Manager with a passion for youth mentoring, photography, and using creativity to empower the next generation of artists, creatives, and changemakers. Our ideal candidate must be highly knowledgeable in traditional black & white and digital photography with a commitment to bridging the medium of photography with social justice and community building.

The Program Manager collaborates directly with the Executive Director and the program’s Teaching Artists to ensure all programmatic needs are met. They oversee programming for Saturday classes, summer classes, and afterschool programming, which includes overseeing curriculum planning in partnership with instructors, onboarding and supervising program participants, coordinating any administrative needs as it relates to programming, as well as, developing additional programming with community partners. Additionally, the Program Manager engages with FX staff to coordinate exhibitions, events, and the annual art auction. They should have demonstrated experience in photography and education, as well as be passionate about engaging youth and adults in nurturing an empowering and creative learning environment.

About First Exposures:

First Exposures (FX) leverages the power of mentoring relationships and photography to empower young people to thrive, express themselves creatively, and become leaders in their communities. We nurture the academic and social development of youth impacted by socio-economic inequities by providing a program to uplift their self-confidence, develop their creativity, and gain a sense of community. Our summer, yearlong, and residency programs provide free classes and technology resources to FX youth. During our academic year, we provide free photography classes on Saturdays where young people can have access to cameras, equipment, mentors, and teaching artists.

Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule:

• $30/hour for a 30 hour work week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Occasional evenings for events will be required.
• This is primarily an in-person position, on-site at First Exposures (265 Shotwell St., SF) with the possibility of remote work on occasion.
• The Program Manager position is a non-exempt position.
• As a project of Tides Center, First Exposures offers competitive benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement benefits through a 403b program, employee assistance plans, and competitive vacation time/PTO. We also provide flexible scheduling and the ability to work some days from home when possible. We are not offering relocation costs for this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise Saturday program, summer classes, afterschool programming, and other collaborative program partnerships, including supervising Teaching Artists, TAs, and all program participants
• Support the instructors to develop and update the curriculum
• Screen, interview, and onboard prospective mentors, mentees, and other volunteers
• Plan and coordinate Mentor and Mentee trainings, matches, and evaluations
• Respond to concerns or questions from mentors and/or mentees, including issues that are sensitive, difficult, or confidential in nature, and escalate concerns to ED when needed
• Arrange part-time mentor coverage as needed when mentors are absent
• Lead recruitment strategies for program participants, including community outreach, in-school presentations, and other outreach activities
• Ensure weekly photo-documentation of classes, activities, and mentee work, including updating the digital archive for communications and social media
• Serve as backup social admin to Comms Manager as needed
• Responsible for shopping for class, including weekly program meals and class supplies
• Coordinate mentor/mentee outreach events, field trips, guest speakers, and special events with program staff
• Collaborate with program staff to plan and execute events such as exhibitions, potlucks, and the annual art auction
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and guide the direction of the summer residency and summer programs.
• Plan and lead bi-monthly meetings for the Youth Advisory Board, a cohort of mentee participants that help to make programming decisions for the year
• Build and maintain relationships with parents and caseworkers of mentees and serve as the main point of contact for oral and written communications
• Act as a mandated reporter and contact Child Protective Services, Social Workers, CASA workers, caseworkers, and families as needed with ED’s approval
• Act as a public representative of the program

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet weekly with the Executive Director and Instructors about programming
• Responsible for leading exhibition and art event planning as it relates to programming, such as print tracking, art install, public art and publications in conjunction with FX staff
• Assist with fundraising activities by preparing materials, helping with installations, executing plans, and attending events
• Working with Comms staff to help develop content
• Develop and manage any additional programs, including building relationships, events, and programs with community partners
• Engage regularly with the ED, Photography Instructors, mentees, and mentors.
• Recruit and manage volunteers for the other various needs of the program

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• BA in Photography, Non-profit Administration, or equivalent experience preferred
• Minimum of two years' background in youth mentoring or teaching experience
• Must have experience managing a large number of volunteers and/or groups of adults
• The ideal candidate has program management experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of both traditional and digital photography
• Knowledge of socially engaged art, photo history, and contemporary art is a big plus
• Compassionate and empathetic with an ability to bring joy into a learning environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with youth and adults, as well as our wider community base.
• Must be able to work effectively with a diverse population and underserved youth
• Experience in developing engaging curricula for youth
• Effectively manages a large number of volunteers, mentees, and teaching artists.
• Proactive in developing additional programming with community partners.
• Knowledge and implementation of a youth-centered approach to teaching and planning
• Skill in using and troubleshooting computer hardware and software including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom
• Ability to multi-task, keep organized, and handle multiple and competing priorities
• Aligns with our Equity Statement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to be present for classes for an average of three to five hours once a week, whether on feet or in a chair. Needs to have the ability to lift up to thirty pounds at a time to meet studio and supply needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Class and office space is located in the Mission District, SF. The position may also require the ability to work from home or other offsite locations. Class space is a shared-use space but reserved for programs during class.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please submit an application here with a cover letter and resume
• Priority will be given to candidates who can start by early June
• Please provide three references

First Exposures, a project of Tides Center, is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions. Also pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we encourage and will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise First Exposures/Tides Center in writing of special needs at the time of application.