Creative Electronics Instructor

Employment Type: Part Time (Minimum 10 hours a week)

Location: Granville Island

About Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages 2–22 cultivate their creativity in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. As a non-profit organization for arts education, we believe that art is powerful. Powerful enough to change a child’s life in incredible ways. When young people connect with the arts, they gain self-confidence, develop self-discipline, and discover creative expression—qualities they carry with them for life. Arts Umbrella has two locations in Vancouver and Surrey, as well as donor-funded programs at schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, and healthcare facilities across Metro Vancouver. We serve nearly 20,000 young people every year, with 77% participating in donor-funded programs.

In April 2021, Arts Umbrella moved into a new home on Granville Island. This transformational opportunity allows us to further our vision for a better world where all young lives are inspired to pursue a lifelong journey towards self-expression, compassion, and humanity. It is our mission to be a leader in arts education for young people; to build community and deliver profound life experiences through our commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. Arts Umbrella is an organization full of heart, where self-expression and creativity are valued and nurtured.

In this role you will

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director of Art & Design to prepare sessional program overviews, ensuring alignment with curriculum documents and fostering positive student engagement in the classroom, with a particular focus on Creative Electronics and hands-on art-making.
• Design and deliver engaging, beginner-level programming that introduces students to creative electronics, including simple battery-powered circuits, switches, LEDs, and conductive materials, while encouraging experimentation, play, and imaginative problem-solving.
• Guide students in creating interactive and kinetic artworks that integrate basic principles of electricity and circuitry.
• Work closely with Assistants to ensure student safety and active participation throughout Arts Umbrella programs.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by supporting assistants and community partners in bringing Arts Umbrella’s creative and educational vision to life.
• Serve as an ambassador for Arts Umbrella by maintaining clear communication with families at the start and end of each class.

Here is what you bring

• Education in Visual Arts, Design, Interactive Arts, Creative Technology, Electronics, STEM/STEAM education, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience in creative electronics, interactive art, maker-based practices, or related disciplines will also be considered.

• Strong understanding of Arts Umbrella’s vision and mission, and can demonstrate the Standards for Instruction in their current practice
• Previous experience working with children and youth in educational, community, or arts-based settings.

Diversity & Inclusion

Arts Umbrella is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our programming, the audience we engage with, the students we serve as well as the staff we employ. Diversity and inclusion in our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. We actively seek applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with knowledge in diversity and inclusion to help us strengthen our commitment.

Note to Applicants:
We kindly ask that applicants do not call or visit our office in person to enquire about the status of their application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.