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Lead Photographer

Employment type

Part-Time

Posted

8 days ago

Location

Los Angeles

Description

Venice Arts is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to ignite, expand, and transform the lives of Los Angeles’ low-income youth through photography and film education, and to use our participatory storytelling practices to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities around the world.
Venice Arts seeks a part-time Lead Photographer to teach in its award-winning Art Mentoring and Education Program, with an assignment of three-to-four academic year classes and one Summer Media Arts Camp class. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while classes are largely expected to be in-person, remote teaching may also be required. Working under the Director of Education, responsibilities include:

Syllabi Planning and Development

• Plan age- and experience-appropriate syllabi for assigned classes aligned with Venice Arts’ learning objectives and reflecting its highly experiential, project-based pedagogy.

 

Teaching

• Teach three-to-four photography classes at the beginning to advanced levels during the academic year, and one session of daily Media Arts Camp, which meets daily during the month of July.
• Assure that all photography students participate in program evaluation.

 

Supervise Mentors, Assistants, and/or Interns Assigned to Classes

• Orient and support volunteer photographers, working as mentors in the classroom, Teaching Assistants, and/or Interns, to assure a child-centered classroom experience and close mentoring of all students.

 

Culminating Exhibition

• Work with students to edit work and write their bios for an annual culminating exhibition.
• Work with the Education Team to install student work and realize the annual exhibition.

 

Archive

• Complete rough edits of student work in a timely manner, delivering to the Director of Education for fine selections for the Archive.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
 

Note: Venice Arts adheres to strict COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. This position is required to work on-site so long as there are no shut-downs to our sector.
 

General: The ideal candidate is a graduate of a photography program (graduate degree preferred, but not required), with documentary, photojournalism, and/or street photography experience strongly preferred. Candidate is personable, an excellent communicator, and able to self-initiate and work independently. Must posses a high level of technical expertise with cameras, computers (Apple), and software (Adobe Suite); experience with audio capture and multi-media a strong plus, as is experience with project-based learning. Must posses valid California Driver’s License with a clean record for at least five years, and must be willing to transport students in Venice Arts’ van.
 

Arts education background: Candidate has at least two years experience teaching photography to young people (middle- and high-school strongly preferred); experience teaching at the beginning to advanced levels an asset. Candidate demonstrates knowledge of historic and contemporary photographers and photographic practices; and is highly proficient at building a syllabus with sequenced lessons that build youths’ conceptual knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity, while demonstrating an experiential, and project-based approach to learning. An understanding of the educational equity needs of low-income youth a plus, as is being bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural. Experience designing/delivering photo workshops remotely, a plus. A working artist is preferred.

Schedule and compensation: This part-time position pays $22,500 per annum and receives a benefits package that includes health, vacation, and the opportunity to contribute to a 401(k). There is some flexibility in the work schedule, although afternoons and Saturdays will be required during the academic year.

 

To apply

Send résumé with a cover letter highlighting relevant experience to [email protected] Please indicate “Lead Photographer” in subject line. Please: No phone enquiries or walk-ins. Portfolio, curricular, or other materials may be requested if an interview is scheduled.