DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR

FIRST EXPOSURES SEEKS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR

First Exposures seeks an experienced photography instructor with a passion for youth mentoring and development. Our ideal candidate is highly skilled in digital and traditional black & white photography with an enthusiasm to use photography and education as tools for youth and community empowerment.

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.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Photography Instructor works directly with the Public Programs Manager to conduct curriculum planning and to ensure the needs of the programs are met. The Photography Instructor teaches classes and leads activities for the mentees with the support of their matched volunteer mentors and FX program staff. The instructor is also responsible for equipment maintenance and minor administrative duties related to the program. 

The Photography Instructor is a non-exempt part-time position. This role will require a 12-hour workweek with an additional 12 hours of pre-semester planning, 12 hours of post-semester wrap up, and 10 hours of flexible time to accommodate trainings and meetings. Time beyond 12 hours a week is at the Executive Director’s discretion. Pay range is $22 - $24/hr based on experience.

The Photography Instructor role may have the opportunity to be expanded to include more hours for a candidate who is experienced as a darkroom and photo studio manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• • Teach weekly classes in digital photography using photo editing software.
  • Plan semester in collaboration with FX Photography Instructor and Program Manager.
  • Develop a curriculum that fosters community while prioritizing educating mentees on the key concepts and technical aspects of photography, including the use of Lightroom and/or Photoshop.
  • Clean, assign and maintain cameras and/or laptops for student use and repair when needed
  • Set-up and disassemble classroom space each week before and after class 
  • Maintain classroom resources such as film, paper, batteries, or ink & paper supply and other supplies
  • Responsible for regular digital archiving of mentee work
  • Meet with mentors to debrief on mentee progress and discuss concerns as needed
  • Communicate with mentees and mentors regularly regarding classes, attendance, and projects. 
  • Maintain attendance records and arrange part-time mentors to support mentees when mentors are absent.
  • Handle and coordinate weekly shopping for class and inventory with other instructor.
  • Act as mandated reporter and contact Child Protective Services, Social Workers, CASA workers, case workers and families depending on situational needs with Director's approval

• Support and encourage mentor and mentee leadership 

• Act as a public representative of the program

 OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meet with Public Programs Manager weekly about class planning
• Communicate with parents and caseworkers as needed
• Address mentor and/or mentee issues and questions and escalate concerns when needed
• Assist FX staff with assessing mentor/mentee matches at the beginning and end of the program
• Assist coordination of end of semester events such as exhibitions, potlucks, and evaluations
• Engage regularly with the Executive Director, Public Programs Manager, other Photography Instructor, mentees and mentors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Arts in Photography or equivalent experience 

• Minimum two years background in youth mentoring or equivalent teaching experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Highly experienced in both digital and traditional photography
• Compassionate and empathetic with an ability to bring joy into a learning environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be able to work effectively with diverse populations
• Experience in developing engaging curriculum for youth
• Knowledge of Youth Centered Approach to teaching and planning
• Skilled in troubleshooting digital, film cameras and software like Adobe Creative Suite
• Ideal candidate has experience managing a darkroom and/or photo studio
• Aligns with our Equity Statement
• Please note First Exposure employees are required to complete criminal background checks and show proof of their being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to lead 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. 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. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Training from outgoing Photography Instructor starting May 1st until May 20th

• Curriculum planning with FX Photography Instructor June 6th until June 17th
• Summer classes start June 20th and Fall classes begin early September

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please submit an application here with a cover letter and resume by April 25th, 2022

• Include a sample 12 week curriculum teaching basic digital photography with one lesson plan.

• 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.

When applying, please note that you saw the job posted on the NOVAworks Job Board. If you need help with your resumé, please see a NOVAworks Career Advisor.