Studio Facilitator: Programming

fullTime

Full-time
,

submitted by
Denise_Fisher

posted on
02.09.2026

contact
[email protected]
Studio Facilitator: Programming

Details and online application here:
The Opportunity

Studio Facilitators work one-on-one with Arts of Life artists to ensure they are active members of the Arts of Life community by supporting their development of creative practice, art materials, and professional development plans. As needed and in collaboration with other staff, this position also aids with artists’ personal care, including toileting and mealtime assistance. The Studio Facilitator: Programming is responsible for developing and leading programming, including off-site trips, and cultivating and stewarding relationships with artists, arts organizations, and other community partners.

Our Culture

At Arts of Life, we are proud to foster a culture of collaboration and respect. We strive to operate under a relatively flat hierarchy, meaning decision-making is not concentrated at the top of the organization but is distributed among team members. This enables collective decision-making, where all team members can contribute to and influence the direction of our initiatives. We highly encourage a healthy work-life balance, and our employees are welcome to use the studio facilities outside of regular business hours and on weekends.

Be Yourself

At Arts of Life, we are firmly committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We value your unique experiences and strongly encourage People of the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, trans, non-binary people, people with disabilities, system-impacted people, veterans, and people of all ages to apply.

The Role

AofL Culture: Foster a strong sense of belonging that emphasizes radical vulnerability and candor, promoting transparency and collaboration throughout your department.
Champion AofL Artists: Ensure artists are key contributors to the organization and the Art sector by maintaining strong working relationships, providing leadership opportunities, and including them in critical relationships and decisions.
Artists' General and Personal Care Supports: Develop, maintain, monitor, and participate in the artists’ general and personal care needs as required, requested, or documented in their planning materials.
Artistic Mentorship & Facilitation: Facilitate artists' practices to promote independence and professional development.
Documentation and Reporting: Supervise the documentation of all artists’ activities and provide reports upon request.
Space and Material Maintenance: Support maintenance of the studio, including general facility cleanliness and the proper use and care of materials.
Exhibitions & Events: Attend and provide support at occasional Circle Contemporary and Arts of Life events, as well as external exhibitions. Assist artists with transportation to/from external events.
Attendance & Billing: Implement and oversee attendance tracking & billing in accordance with agency policies.
Budget : Contribute to the financial health of AofL by supporting the financial goals set in the program budget.
Artists' Professional Development: Collaborate with and support studio artists in developing and implementing creative projects, on and off-site, to build community and drive engagement.
Steward Partnerships : Initiate and nurture strong partner relationships between studio artists, community-based artists, organizations, and businesses

From time to time, you may be assigned other job-related duties within your scope of practice.

What You’ll Need to be Successful

Bachelor’s degree in fine arts with an emphasis in painting, drawing, or mixed media, a comparable active (at least two years) arts practice, or commensurate experience in the arts.
Two years of experience supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities preferred.
Registered Direct Support Person (DSP) in the state of Illinois or willing to pursue registration through Arts of Life.
A valid driver’s license
Ability to lift/carry up to 44 lbs.
Ability to perform basic physical moves such as kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and twisting
CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to pursue registration through Arts of Life.
Fully vaccinated (2 Pfizer/Moderna or 1 J&J) + recommended boosters

Knowledge, skills, and behaviors:
An excellent skill set in abstraction, realism, or mixed media arts and a broad familiarity with art materials.
Knowledge of proper artwork handling is preferred.
Takes initiative; is dedicated and creative, with strong organizational and time management skills.
Commitment to the process of artistic skills development as an avenue for growth and independence for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Experience with social service agencies a plus.
Proficient in using MAC platforms and the Google Suite
Working knowledge of social media platforms.
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Experience delegating to and supervising interns or volunteers preferred.
Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the collective to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance program effectiveness.

Compensation & Benefits

$41,600/Year
Health
Dental
Vision discount program
FSA (after 12 months of service)
Dependent Care Account (after 12 months of service)
Transit Account (after 12 months of service)
Generous PTO and sick days
Parental Leave
Costco Membership
Retirement Savings Plan

Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) on-site position. Generally, a weekday, daytime position with hours approximately from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, Arts of Life is an operating art studio, and your hours will fluctuate during events, exhibitions, or other times. Your workload may require you to work longer days or weekends to complete your job duties. You will work with your supervisor to develop a schedule that meets both your needs and the studio's needs.
Apply here:

Contact Info:
Andreana Donahue
[email protected]

Job Type: Permanent

Compensation: $41,600/yr

Location: Chicago, IL