Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Arts Center is seeking a media arts instructor for our Summer 2023 West Side Studios program.

2023 Summer Program dates:

July 10 – August 18, 2023 (6 weeks)

Monday – Friday

10am – 2pm

Contract includes paid prep time in addition to teaching hours.

Competitive hourly rate, based on experience.

Apply by Monday June 19; interviews to be held June 20-23.

West Side Studios (est.2015) is a media arts education and workforce development program partnership between Squeaky Wheel and PUSH Buffalo that provides year-round, quality out-of-school opportunities for West Side residents ages 13-19. This unique program centers hands-on experience in video production and digital filmmaking and fine-tunes skills to create a pipeline to secondary education and employment.

Candidates for the Lead Teaching Artist position should have strong experience in camera operations and audio recording; video editing and audio mixing; knowledge of art history, film, and contemporary media art.  Experience in screenwriting, cinematography, documentary filmmaking, audio/radio production, digital storytelling, and/or experimental film/video are all relevant to this position. Industry experience is also welcome.

Candidates should be able to organize, plan, and teach a dynamic, hands-on, project-based curriculum for a group of 10-12 young people, ages 13-19. Must be able to communicate, collaborate, and share responsibilities with a Teaching Assistant. Must be confident creating structure within an informal classroom environment. Must be comfortable maintaining relationships with community partner organizations. Candidates must also possess a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to learn from students and Teaching Assistants.

 Minimum required skill sets include:

• Video Production & Post-Production
  • proficiency in prosumer level DSLR camera operations, lighting, file handling, and software including Premiere, Final Cut Pro
• Audio Production & Post-Production
  • proficiency in prosumer level audio recording with devices like Zoom or Tascam audio recorders, external microphones, and software like ProTools, Audacity, or Adobe Audition
• Experience teaching and inspiring groups of middle/high school age youth and/or young adults
• Ability to guide students in the process of generating ideas, developing a project, and following through to completion and presentation of work.

Ideal qualifications (but not required)

• New media production skills (motion graphics, animation, coding, etc)

Preference will be given to those who demonstrate cultural competence and a genuine desire to produce student-led work on a range of topics, from playful narrative fiction to complex social issues.

This call is specific to the 2023 WSS Summer Program. For the right candidate, this opportunity may extend into the school year, with the possibility of year round part-time employment.

To apply, please send a letter of intent and resume to caroline@squeaky.org. Your letter should tell us about you as a teacher and as an artist, and should explain what skills and experience you have to share, and why you want to teach in this program.

Squeaky Wheel is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.