Programs Assistant 

Job Details:  Part-Time 20-24 hours per week primarily between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Due to the nature of the work, there will be some variation to the schedule.  Work on weekends and evenings may be included. 

Salary:  $23.08/hour 

This hands-on position reports to and provides support to the the Education and Public Programs Coordinator in the operation and delivery of programs, and events at Homer Watson House & Gallery. 

The ideal candidate should possess: 

• Post-secondary education in fine arts and have a keen interest and background in working with all ages and inter-generational programs.  
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal/personal skills are required, along with enthusiasm for fine art, a strong work ethic and attention to detail. 
• Understanding ON school curriculum. 
• Previous experience in an art gallery, museum, historic site, or public service/charitable organization.  Previous experience in working in community settings. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, superior organization skills, attention to detail and proficiency in MS Word and Excel is required.  

 Job Responsibilities: 

• Act as the frontline contact person for Seasonal Art Camps, studio maintenance and materials, maintaining class lists, attendance, and up-to date Health Forms for all campers and other studio art programs (weekly and afterschool programs, workshops, PA Day & March Break programs, Birthday Parties, Drop-in Programs, etc.). 
• Assist with the implementation of special events such as Mother’s Day, Spirit Season, Culture Days, etc. 
• Assist with preparation of attendance lists, instructors’ supply requests, program evaluations, etc. 
• Develop and facilitate virtual programs in our virtual studio to be shared on YouTube Channel. 
• Facilitate programming such as PA days, Birthday parties, school trips, Sunday Fun Days and intergenerational programs, etc. 
• Assist with the promotion of programs to parents, schools and community groups. 
• Assist with the organization of studio spaces as well as set up and take down of spaces. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 Qualifications include: 

• Diploma/Degree (BA / BFA/B.ED or ECE), specializing in one of the following areas: Art History, Museum Studies, Arts Management, Curatorial Studies, or Studio Arts.  Post-Graduate Certificate in Cultural Studies, Museum Studies, Marketing would be considered an asset. 
• Experience with art/cultural educational programs and working in a professional fine art gallery or museum. 
• Computer skills required include Word, Excel and Power Point. Canva and Social Media experience is considered an asset. 
• Health and Safety training, First aid certification, with WHIMIS and Accessible Customer Service training considered an asset.an asset. 
• High Five certificate would be considered an Asset. 

Successful candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal record check, with vulnerable sector screening, dated within the last 30 days as a condition of employment. Letters of application should address the candidate’s expertise in the areas of teaching, professional work, and community service. All applicants must be able to provide an electronic portfolio that demonstrates all of the above during the interview process. 

Applications to be submitted as one document to:  programs@homerwatson.on.ca by October 4, 2023 at 4:00 pm. 

We are currently recruiting Contract Art Instructors

A little about us:
The Homer Watson House and Gallery is a not-for-profit gallery located in Kitchener with the mission to celebrate the legacy of Homer Watson, the first notable Canadian landscape painter, through the appreciation, enjoyment, and practice of the arts. We do this by offering public art programs for children, youth, adults, and seniors both in our gallery and around the community. 

A little about what we are looking for:
We are interested in inviting artists with a passion for facilitating art learning and exploration. We are accepting class proposals in all disciplines.

Frequently asked questions:

• How does compensation work? In-person classes are paid with an hourly rate based on experience. Virtual classes are split 50/50 in registration profit.
• How does the schedule work? The schedule is flexible at the moment. We will do our best to balance it with other programs offered at the gallery.
• What are the age groups?  Children’s classes range from 6 -14 years old. Majority fall in the category between 8 – 12 years old. Adult classes range from 14 – 99 years old.
• How long are the classes? Sessions can be any where from 1 – 6 weeks. With each class 1 – 2 hours in length.
• How many projects are typically accomplished? It’s up to you. Typically, the younger the class, the more projects made.
• Course and material price? The price is determined by the gallery with your consultation. Keep in mind that participants will be purchasing all materials in addition to their registration. Also, the convenience of getting materials is an extra challenge during the pandemic. Courses will have better registration if they are not too costly. Our aim is to make art as accessible as possible.
• Who handles the logistics? Homer Watson handles the registration and customer correspondence. This includes setting up the Zoom link. The instructor is responsible for sending the gallery reference photos for virtual classes and promotion, material lists. We will also request feedback from the participants afterwards.
• Who handles the supplies? Homer Watson organizes materials kit pick up at the gallery if required. Depending on the mediums, we’ve found that most participants already own a lot of the art materials. We would need sufficient amount of time to order materials and distribute them to the participants if it’s a specialized material list.

What we need from you:
We will need a proposal form filled out completed with images:

Spring (Apr-Jun 2023): Due Jan 30th, 2023
https://forms.gle/JPWc7H1evs3w7seS8

Summer (Jul-Aug 2023): Due May 15, 2023
https://forms.gle/raj5f4oaR9aNGMjd9

Fall (Sep-Dec 2023): Due June 30th, 2023
https://forms.gle/ecM564FC1GVSaQn4A

Winter (Jan-Mar 2024): Due Oct 15th, 2023
https://forms.gle/FbiqBWDC2YFv8JqM6

• Once the proposal is accepted, we will send you a contract.
• Please note, we do require a background check in accordance with Ontario’s provincial laws. All staff and instructors working with the public require a criminal record check including Vulernable sector screening. 

Homer Watson House and Gallery is committed to equity in all aspects of its operations. We encourage applications from indigenous people, persons with disabilities, ethnic or racial minorities, immigrants and refugees, Francophones, LGBTQI+ persons, women, and persons of all socio-economic walks of life.

Please send Resume and Cover Letter to: programs@homerwatson.on.ca

Celia Vernal
Education and Public Programs Coordinator