Job Description

This one to three week (elective), full-time temporary position is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week, including preparatory work for curriculum development ahead of the camp session.

Camp MASS MoCA occurs in August. Teaching assistants work from 8am–4pm (Camp sessions run Monday–Friday, 9am–3pm.)

The Camp MASS MoCA Teaching Assistant adheres to and facilitates Teaching Artist developed curriculum to provide museum experiences and art making opportunities for students grades 2–5 and/or grades 6–9 (during middle school camp sessions.) Goals for campers include building confidence in looking at contemporary art, providing tools for engaging with a wide range of visual art and media, and forging connections between campers, the works of art on view, the history of art, and the artists and programmers who make MASS MoCA’s exhibitions come to life.

This position requires the ability to work a full week during camp and time spent learning camp schedules and the curriculum, developed by teaching artists, based on exhibitions on view at MASS MoCA. Teaching Assistants are required to work with our Teen Activator cohort (camp counselors) and a possible Camp Teaching Artists to provide assistance on set up, break down, organization, schedule adherence, etc, of art making workshops and programs during camp hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The primary role of teaching assistants is to facilitate the execution of program schedules, (providing time checks and keeping momentum of schedule), preparing situations for workshops (set up and break down), facilitating camper check-in and check-out with Teen Activators, and be a primary liaison between camp groups and Public Programs Staff.
• Camp Teaching Assistants support facilitation of a variety of museum-wide workshops for school-age campers which include interactive discussions and hands-on art-making activities.
• Learn camp curriculum developed by Teaching Artists, based on themes from an exhibition on-view, with consultation and advice from Public Programs Staff.
• Work closely with Teen Activators (camp counselors) and Teaching Artists to share responsibilities based on Public Programs standard of camp organization and execution.
• Participation in preliminary meetings and training sessions
• Adhere to Massachusetts camp regulations (information session provided by Public Programs) and provide necessary response for first aid and camper access needs. .
• Adhere and activate to MASS MoCA’s statement of equity through plurality and Commitment to Community Values, People, and Place.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the role and the work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The Camp Teaching Assistant may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be working towards a Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience and desire to work in education, art administration, art history, or the performing arts. This is an entry level position.
• Provide background check materials including Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), employment is contingent upon this
• Exemplify experience having a self sustained art practice that is translated to camper workshops.
• Experience working with children in an intensive camp setting is preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates that are local to the Berkshires, providing opportunities for local artists in the region. (Not a requirement to apply. This position does not provide housing for teaching assistants.)
• Experience teaching within museum settings and/or fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• The candidate should be skilled as an effective communicator and have strong writing skills, and the ability to articulate the program to young children.
• Able to work independently and as a team player
• Committed to DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion) work and fostering a sense of belonging, dignity, and justice for all visitors.
• Enthusiasm for and experience working with people in an educational or customer service environment.
• Ideally, has an outgoing, positive personality with a knack for connecting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

Work Conditions:

• The workday is split between indoors and outdoor activities. Teaching assistants should be able to adapt their schedule for rain, and other weather conditions out of their control.
• This position may require extended hours, teaching assistants will manage their own schedule outside of camp hours, and timecards will be approved by the Public Programs Manager.
• Teaching Artists should be able to manage their own workload and fit program needs into time allotted for program development and during camp weeks.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit for periods of time and move for distances across the museum. This role is able to accommodate a wheelchair user.
• Must be able to wear PPE as necessary.
• People of all abilities are encouraged to apply.
• This position is based on site at MASS MoCA’s North Adams campus; regular in-person attendance is required.

Compensation:

• Paid weekly $19.50/hour

Application Process: Interested candidates should apply online with a resume and cover letter.

About MASS MoCA:

MASS MoCA is a vibrant non-collecting art museum with approximately 300,000 square feet of exhibition space dedicated to visual art and projects by contemporary artists. Formerly a 19th century factory, these exhibition spaces are unconventional, vast, soaring galleries spanning multiple buildings. Half of that space is dedicated to rotating 10–16 month exhibitions of which we present 4 to 6 large-scale exhibitions per year, along with smaller projects and commissions. The additional space is dedicated to long-term exhibitions in conjunction with artists, estates, and collections that run from 10 months to 25 years. MASS MoCA frequently works directly with artists on the fabrication of new commissions and large-scale site-specific installations.

MASS MoCA was founded in 1999, not only as a contemporary art museum and performing arts venue, but also as a creative campus with a regional, national and global impact. MASS MoCA is one of the world's liveliest centers for making and enjoying today's most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA is able to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. From its beginnings as the major textile mill Arnold Print Works in the mid-19th century, to its days as the Sprague Electric Company in the mid-20th century, to its current iteration as a globally renowned contemporary art museum and fabrication center, the 24-acre MASS MoCA campus has a rich history of serving as the economic engine of the city of North Adams and the surrounding region.