Overview

Please apply directly here: https://www.firstexposures.org/photoinstructor

First Exposures seeks an experienced photography instructor with a passion for youth mentoring and digital photography. Our ideal candidate is highly skilled in digital 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.

During our academic year, we provide free photography classes on Saturdays where young people can have access to cameras, equipment, mentors, and teaching artists.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Digital Photography Instructor works directly with the Public Programs Manager and Darkroom Instructor to conduct curriculum planning and to ensure the needs of the programs are met. The Digital Photography Instructor teaches Saturday classes and leads activities for the mentees and their matched mentors. They should have demonstrated experience in digital photography and be passionate about teaching youth. Along with being adept at teaching the fundamentals of photography in a fun and engaging way, the ideal candidate will have experience tying the medium of photography with social justice. The instructor is also responsible for equipment maintenance and minor administrative duties related to the program.

The Digital Photography Instructor supervises their in-class T.A.

COMPENSATION:

The pay rate is $27/hr for 15 hours per week.

The Digital Photography Instructor is a non-exempt part-time position. The Digital Photography Instructor is required to be at First Exposures for class every Saturday from around 9 AM to 4 PM, as well as Thursdays for staff meetings. Teaching Artists are also paid for training and planning time, and First Exposures covers the cost of supplies. Time beyond 15 hours a week is at the Executive Director’s discretion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create thematic curricula and lesson plans
  • Teach weekly Saturday classes in digital photography using photo editing software.
  • Plan semester in collaboration with Darkroom 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.
  • Collaborate with darkroom instructor and teaching assistant each week in preparation for class
  • Plan and coordinate field trips, guest speakers, and special events with Program Manager
  • Clean, assign, and maintain cameras and laptops for student use and repair when needed
  • Maintain classroom resources such as cameras, batteries, ink & paper, and other supplies
  • Set up and disassemble classroom space each week before and after class
  • 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
  • Coordinate weekly shopping for class and inventory with other instructors and the Program Manager.
  • Support and encourage mentor and mentee leadership
  • Help build a sense of community in the classroom for mentors and mentees
  • Act as mandated reporter and contact Child Protective Services, Social Workers, CASA workers, case workers, and families depending on situational needs with the Director’s approval
  • Act as a public representative of the program

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Meet with the Public Programs Manager weekly about class planning and program
  • 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
  • Assist with fundraising events by coordinating classes, preparing materials, and helping with the installation
  • 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 digital photography
  • Knowledge of photo history, as well as contemporary art, film, and culture
  • 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 curricula for youth
  • Knowledge of Youth Centered Approach to teaching and planning
  • Proficiency with remote-first platforms such as Zoom, Asana, and Slack is preferred
  • Skilled in troubleshooting digital cameras and software like Adobe Creative Suite
  • Aligns with our Equity Statement
  • The ideal candidate would also be well-versed in analog photography

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. 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, resume, and 3 references
  • Priority will be given to candidates who apply by October 15th

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.

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