Arts Program Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)

Summer 2025 - Canada Summer Jobs

The Port Moody Arts Centre is seeking qualified, creative, and enthusiastic Arts Program Assistants with experience working with children to support the delivery of our Summer Art Camps and Arts Education programs more generally. Working closely with the Arts Program Manager, the Arts Program Assistant will be immersed in all aspects of Arts Education Program development and delivery, including recruiting and managing a team of youth volunteers, and designing systems to streamline program logistics. This role actively contributes to fostering an inclusive and encouraging environment where participants of all ages and experience levels can explore and experiment with a variety of art-making materials and practices. It provides a meaningful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in education, program delivery, leadership, and operational systems design within a dynamic non-profit community arts organization. The Arts Program Assistant will gain hands-on experience in leadership, program coordination, and systems design while fostering an inclusive community environment.

The Arts Program Assistant position and its duration are subject to funding approval through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

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About the PoMoArts

PoMoArts, the Port Moody Arts Centre Society, is a not-for-profit community-arts organization that creates art experiences to engage, challenge, and awaken opportunities for connection. We provide art education, exhibitions, and community art experiences in the City of the Arts with various partners and artists each year.

We are supported by a thriving community of artists, volunteers, donors, businesses, associations, and decision-makers. We are an arts centre run primarily by artists, committed to developing, promoting, and celebrating meaningful arts experiences in Port Moody. We offer a full range of visual, ceramic, fibre, media, performing arts and music programs for people of all ages and experience levels. We curate exhibitions of local and regional artists, emerging and established. We create meaningful community art experiences with our partners that explore social issues, lift voices of those less heard, and support community dialogue.

Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Arts Program Manager, the Arts Program Assistant will provide operational support for Arts Education programs throughout the job placement term, and will provide daily support in the delivery of Summer Art Camps for children and youth aged 5 – 17 from the beginning of July until the end of August.

Program Operations

• Assist with developing, organizing, and planning 2025/2026 Arts programming
• Provide administrative support, including monitoring registration, configuring, and reviewing all data in the Arts Centre’s online registration system (Xplor Recreation) for accuracy
• Communicate with art instructors regarding program materials and assets, including lesson plans, supply requests, biographies, photos, and other information
• Participate in community events and outreach initiatives as a representative of PoMoArts
• Research and perform competitive analysis for arts education programs
• Work collaboratively with programs staff to identify and address barriers to participation in programs for underrepresented groups
• Support the maintenance of our inventory and supply management system for arts program materials
• Support accurate record-keeping and documentation to ensure smooth operations and effective reporting
• Assist in the creation of a comprehensive programming procedure manual
• Assist in optimizing organizational systems, including volunteer management frameworks and supply inventory processes, to improve efficiency and enhance participant experience

Summer Art Camp Coordination

• Assist in recruiting, coordinating, and supervising youth volunteers, providing orientation and training to ensure smooth integration, as well as role allocation, training resources, and daily task management
• Provide logistical support for instructors, staff, volunteers, and parents during camps
• Lead the daily sign-in process and ensure participant information is complete and accurate
• Develop and lead fun, creative, and age-appropriate participatory activities for children during lunch and breaks, ensuring they are accessible and enjoyable for participants with varying abilities and needs
• Maintain a safe, engaging, and organized environment for up to 48 participants daily
• Ensure Health and Safety protocols are in place at all times
• Assist with the documentation of camp activities, including taking photographs of camp participants

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Qualifications

• Post-secondary education or demonstrated experience in fine arts, education, community recreation, child and youth studies, or related fields
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills with a positive, approachable attitude
• Strong organization and time management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Previous experience working with or leading children in large group settings and one-to-one
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, even while managing tight deadlines
• Creative and resourceful with the ability to take initiative and problem-solve
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with participants of all ages, social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)‍

Required: Valid First Aid certification‍

‍Assets: Familiarity with Airtable, Xplor Recreation, and/or similar platforms

• Familiarity with a wide variety of art supplies and materials, with the ability to recognize and distinguish between different quality levels and appropriate uses
• Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Spanish, or French)
• Familiarity with the unique needs of underrepresented groups, including children & youth with disabilities, Indigenous children & youth, Black and racialized children& youth, 2SLGBTQI+ children & youth, and refugees

This position requires the completion of a successful criminal background check prior to commencing employment. Because of the specific nature of this position and the requirement to provide direct supervision to children, the successful candidate must be a minimum of 19 years of age

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Remuneration: $18/hour

This is a full-time (35 hours/week) 16-week youth employment opportunity scheduled to take place from May 5 – August 22, 2025. The position and its duration are conditional upon Canada Summer Jobs funding.

How to Apply

Please submit your application programs@pomoarts.ca, according to the following guidelines:

• PDF format only with your COVER LETTER and RESUME
• Your cover letter should clearly indicate why you are interested in this position, what you hope to learn, and what impact it will have on your professional development
• Must use “Art Program Assistant” as the subject of your email

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Application Deadline: March 10^th, 2025