Creative Jobs in New York

About the Organization

Founded in 1973, Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) multi-service organization supported by government agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals. KCS aims to develop and deliver a broad range of social service programs to meet the community's various needs.

Position Summary

The Education Department is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and experienced Elementary Creative Arts Instructor to join our Westchester team. This role is central to our Kids Program/Creative Studio, where you will inspire elementary school students and introduce them to the vibrant world of visual arts. The successful candidate will be well-versed in creating and teaching hands-on arts projects, with the unique ability to engage, motivate, and connect with young students over a 12-week period.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement engaging creative art lessons using various artistic mediums, teaching foundational art skills while encouraging imaginative exploration.
• Plan interactive, hands-on projects that allow students to actively create, experiment, and express their unique ideas.
• Create flexible lesson plans that accommodate and challenge students of different grade levels within a single classroom.
• Monitor student progress and provide individualized attention during class activities, tailoring your instruction to support different learning styles, paces, and needs.
• Prepare, polish, and organize students to showcase their finished art projects at live events, exhibitions, or studio performances at the end of the semester.
• Must be fully confident, capable, and comfortable handling all instructional and behavioral responsibilities without a teacher’s aide.
• Maintain a respectful, inviting, and high-energy classroom environment that perfectly balances fun, discipline, and learning.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive learning space, strictly adhering to KCS’ high standards for classroom conduct and safety protocols.
• Actively engage with both students and their families to build positive relationships, communicate progress, and support overall child development.
• Clearly identify and specify the classroom materials and supplies needed for each planned project.
• Set up and organize all necessary materials and equipment before class begins, ensuring everything is ready for the students.
• Ensure the classroom is properly cleaned up, organized, and restored after each class session.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall success of the Education Department.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. A Master’s degree and/or a valid teaching license is preferred.
• Minimum of one year of experience in art instruction, youth education, or creative art teaching is required, with a strong preference for working with elementary-level students.
• Prior experience working with immigrant communities or within multicultural settings is highly preferred.
• Fluency in English is required; bilingual proficiency in English and Korean is highly preferred.
• Must possess excellent classroom management skills, the ability to work independently without an aide, and a deep passion for fostering creativity in young learners.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Knowledge

• Must have a strong, proven background in the creative arts, with a specific focus on translating artistic techniques and projects into engaging, age-appropriate lessons for younger students.
• Possess an energetic, positive, and enthusiastic attitude, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, inspire, and manage young learners in a creative studio setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a working knowledge of how to effectively interact, communicate, and build trust with both the children and their families.
• A deep understanding of cultural differences and the ability to work effectively and empathetically with individuals from diverse and multicultural backgrounds.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, and execute creative art projects and lessons that are structurally, developmentally, and safety-suitable for elementary school children.
• Proven ability to confidently manage, inspire, and lead a classroom of more than 10 students independently, without the assistance of a teacher's aide.
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally—both verbally and in writing—in English (with bilingual proficiency in Korean highly preferred). Must be able to actively listen, speak, and be clearly understood in a busy studio environment.
• A strong, active commitment to fostering a supportive, safe, and inclusive learning environment where all students feel welcome, encouraged, and valued.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and the practical ability to work effectively, respectfully, and empathetically with students and families from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Skills

• Strong detail-orientation with a proven ability to multitask, manage schedules, prepare and organize project materials, and track student progress effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively alongside KCS staff, parents, and community partners.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with a natural ability to foster a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Proficient in using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) for lesson planning, tracking attendance, and handling program documentation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Must be available to work on Saturday mornings or afternoons throughout the 12-week program duration.
• Ability to stand, walk, and demonstrate dance movements for extended periods, up to the full duration of the shift.
• Ability to reach, bend, squat, and lift up to 25 lbs. to assist students, manage props, and maintain the studio setup. Fine motor skills and hand dexterity required to operate computer software (Google Workspace) and audio equipment.
• Ability to maintain composure, exercise sound judgment, and respond immediately and effectively to crisis or emergency situations involving minors.
• Comfort working in a high-energy, vibrant studio environment that is frequently noisy and features bright overhead lighting.
• Comfort working outdoors and engaging directly with the public during community festivals, street outreach, or open-air performances as needed.
• Ability to travel locally to represent KCS for community outreach, staff meetings, and special events.

Note

Your labor allocation and project assignments may include responsibilities related to various program areas and projects, including but not limited to AAF Programs. Employment remains strictly at-will. Project assignments, labor allocation, compensation, title, hours, and duties may be modified based on organizational, operational, or funding needs in accordance with applicable law.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)

Work Location: In person