"Program Specialist"

Job Title:

Program Specialist

Department:

Youth and Community Education

Division:

Student Affairs

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt

Grade:

5

Hourly Range:

$22.80 - $28.46

Union:

SEIU Local 500

Reports to:

Director, Youth and Community Education

General purpose:

The Program Specialist at MICA provides logistical support and leadership for all programs serving young students (grades K-12), adult non-degree community education, and community engagement partnerships at Maryland Institute College of Art within the office of Mission and Community Learning. These programs currently include but are not limited to: Young Peoples Studios (YPS) and High School Studios (HSS), PreCollege Art and Design Program (PreCollege Summer Intensive), the Art and Design College Accelerator Program (ADCAP), and Community Education (CE). The Program Specialist will work with the Director of Youth and Community Education and the Program Specialist to ensure the overall quality of programming and mission within the office of Mission and Community Learning.

Young Peoples Studios (YPS) and High School Studios (HSS), MICAs art and design curriculum focused on K-12 learners, the PreCollege Art and Design Residency Program (PreCollege), MICAs intensive college-level art and design curriculum focused on gifted high school students), the Art and Design College Accelerator Program (ADCAP) a program designed to widen the pathway toward higher education for Baltimores underserved high school youth of diverse backgrounds with aspirations to attend a four-year undergraduate program in art and design, Community Education (CE) Adult art and design courses open to the MICA community.

Summary of Essential Functions:

Under the direction of the Director of Youth and Community Education, the Program Specialist provides hands-on, on-site logistical and operational support for youth (K-12) and adult non-degree community education programs. The position requires regular in-person presence during scheduled program hours, including evenings and weekends, to support classroom operations, student supervision, family communications, and day-to-day problem resolution. Essential functions include coordinating schedules and program logistics, maintaining accurate records and documentation, supporting orientations and events, responding to real-time operational issues involving students, families, and instructors, and escalating complex concerns to the Director. The role is operational in nature and focuses on execution, coordination, and direct program support, rather than independent program design or strategic decision-making.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site support during program hours, including classroom coverage, student supervision, and operational assistance.
• Provide instructional support and classroom oversight, such as faculty evaluations, providing instruction to students, and substituting in classes when needed.
• Address day-to-day issues involving students, families, faculty, and partners; document incidents and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain attendance records, incident reports, supervision schedules, and required program documentation.
• Coordinate and enter class schedules, faculty assignments, room usage, and registration details.
• Maintain accurate course information, faculty bios, class descriptions, and enrollment data.
• Support residential and non-residential program logistics, including classroom coverage, shuttle coordination, and food orders, as assigned.
• Draft and distribute routine communications to families, students, faculty, and partners.
• Respond to logistical inquiries and prepare welcome materials, handbooks, and onboarding documentation.
• Coordinate and attend orientations, trainings, and program meetings as scheduled.
• Assist with planning and on-site execution of exhibitions, workshops, lectures, visiting artist engagements, and end-of-program showcases.
• Support room setup, equipment coordination, photography, documentation, and program closeout activities.
• Track enrollment and assist with data collection, reporting, and program closeout.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of youth development principles and non-degree educational programming.
• Familiarity with operational requirements for K-12 and adult education programs, including safety, supervision, and documentation.
• Basic understanding of art and design education environments and instructional settings.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage schedules, records, and logistical details.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with families, instructors, students, and partners.
• Proficiency with administrative and digital tools, including LMS platforms, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and basic data tracking systems.
• Ability to follow established procedures, exercise sound judgment, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to maintain regular, in-person presence on campus during scheduled work hours and program activities, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to provide classroom and program support in active, student-facing environments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, respond to changing needs, and work effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree
• 3-5 years of teaching experience
• Experience in higher education administration or arts administration
• Knowledge of exposure to pedagogy of art education for K-12 students

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Masters Degree in art/design education preferred
• 3-5 years K-12 teaching experience
• Experience training faculty in higher education

Reporting to this position:

None

Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory Background Check and Fingerprinting
• This role operates on a non-traditional work schedule and requires flexibility in hours and consistent on-campus availability, including evenings and weekends, as necessary to fulfill essential job functions.
• Ability to work evenings and/or weekends
• Position requires on-site presence during scheduled work hours and program activities.

Physical demands and work environment:

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. (may be adjusted depending on position)

Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Required training: Exhibitions Department Installation Guide and Policy handbook, MICA Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment. (additional training may be added, SEE: EHS Manager training schedule)