Classroom Assistant – Youth Summer Camps

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant is responsible for providing day-to-day support to the operation of youth Studio Art Classes and generally assisting with studio organization and maintenance during Summer Camps 2026. This position is intended for high school and early college-aged applicants who enjoy working with children, in art classroom environments, and/or with teams of instructors and other classroom assistants. Responsibilities include – but are not limited to – studio set-up and tear-down, materials distribution, assisting instructors with demonstrations, and the full scope of general classroom management.

This position is designed for individuals with an interest in pursuing art education, and/or those who have an understanding of and interest in art materials and processes.

The position reports to the Youth Program Lead and interacts frequently with teaching artists, other classroom assistants, and students of all ages, among other Art Center departments and colleagues.

• Assists studio instructors with classes by passing out materials, helping and encouraging young students, clarifying instructions, listening and anticipating instructor and student needs. Promotes classes with enthusiasm and responds to student inquiries. Assists at special community events.
• Set up studio tables and chairs/stools; gather materials; distribute and/or redistribute supplies as needed; properly clean and maintain all studio-related supplies. Assist with opening & closing the Education wing of the Art Center and secure entrances and studios at the conclusion of each day.
• Contribute to and facilitate studio maintenance and cleanliness. Report to the Department Manager on the status of both studios and supplies.
• Collect, mount, and label student artwork for display and exhibition.

Act in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintain professional standards in quality of performance. Demonstrate concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adhere to the Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and all other organizational policies.

• Personally interested in art and art-making, with working knowledge of a variety of art materials.
• Passion for working with children and ability to interact positively with youth of all ages.
• Approachability, kindness, and patience; ability to work effectively with children and teens.
• Flexible and self-motivated; can act independently and solve problems with initiative.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Exhibits professionalism in interactions with staff and faculty, students, parents, families, and the public.
• Flexible in scheduling to meet department and course needs; arrives at work consistently on time.

Experience with children ages 5-14 preferred.

Participates in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of the Studio Arts Manager and Youth Program Lead.

• The course of this assistantship will run from Tuesday, May 26, 2026 through Friday, August 14, 2026. To be considered, applicants must be able to work every week during Summer Camps. All day-off requests must be placed before June 8, 2026.
• Work is performed in an indoor studio setting. Occasionally work is performed outdoors.
• Duties are considered light work and require exerting up to 40 lbs of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Essential physical requirements include reaching, standing, walking, grasping, handling, communicating verbally, seeing clearly, hearing/perceiving sound.

• Art materials (paint, pencils, ink, clay, brushes, scissors, etc.); possible use of clay roller.
• Office supplies (pens, staplers, pencils, paper cutter, etc.); packing supplies and simple hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, etc.).

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire and promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

The recruitment manager for this position is Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager at the Art Center. Please reach out to her at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). with your questions. Employment at the Art Center is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which we conduct in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local laws.