Job: Summer Residency
Creative Generation encourages systemic change by working within and disrupting the current structures of the arts/cultural, education, and social change sectors. Recognizing the negative impacts of traditional internship structures, the organization seeks to mentor new professionals with the necessary tools, training, and resources that will aid them in changing the landscape for the future. With a commitment to our values of honoring diversity and enabling radical inclusion, Creative Generation will work with individuals from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the sectors in which the organization works.
Residents will work directly with numerous members of the team at Creative Generation in these areas, research, learning, and communications. Prospective residents will develop specific skills applicable in arts and culture, education and youth development, and social and policy change. They will hone their commitment to and clarity of identity and values, skills in written communication, presentation for learning, research, project management, and media/artistic practice.
The Program will span from May 29th to August 18th (this can be flexible to meet the needs of participants). Participation over the course of the Program includes: professional learning and mentorship opportunities, work experience on current organizational projects and objectives, and leadership experience through a guided capstone project of your choice.
The ideal candidates will share Creative Generation’s commitment to our values, particularly Pursuing Justice, Honoring Diversity and Enabling Radical Inclusion, and Fostering Intergenerational Collaborations. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning in the above areas and beyond, as well as a demonstrated record of completing complex tasks, proficiency in digital interactions and virtual communications, and the capability to take initiative through personal leadership. Candidates should be able to perform all of these functions individually as well as effectively manage and prioritize their work within teams.
AVAILABLE POSITIONS FOR SUMMER 2023:
Residents will indicate their desired focus area within the summer. However, embracing the unique skills each prospective resident brings, our team is open to a focus area not listed below. Additionally, opportunities to work across disciplines will be encouraged throughout the course of the residency. Once hired, the job description will be co-created and agreed upon during the first two weeks.
These focus areas include but are not limited to:
Communications & Community Building
Representative Tasks in Residency:
- Recruitment, management, editing, and production of blog post series
- Management of key contacts and relationships;
- Aggregation, evaluation, and curating content relevant to specific audiences
- Complex task management for the production of numerous types of written materials
- Communication an distillation of complex topics in writing or graphic design, video, audio, or photo editing
Suggested Qualifications:
- Basic familiarity with social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Interest and/or experience in marketing and communications strategy
- Writing skills, design skills, or artistic practice — we’re open to many forms of communication!
Learning & Organizational Development
Representative Tasks in Residency:
- Assist in the design, development, and implementation of professional development and training programs
- Design and develop resources related to artistic, cultural, and creative learning
- Support in editing and publishing of arts-based, youth- and adult-focused learning materials
- Collaborate with experts to uplift knowledge and create content that employs best practices through instructional design
- Author press releases, blog posts, and other content on relevant topics
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge in arts & cultural education, pedagogy, adult learning, youth development, and/or organizational management
- A working understanding of education systems, the arts & cultural sector, and/or social justice
- Willingness to be creative and oscillate between disciplines and sectors
- Commitment to pedagogical anti-racism and critical theory
- Leveraging new/existing connections and networks to support development of resources/projects
Research Analysis & Documentation
Representative Tasks in Residency:
- Collect and synthesize qualitative and/or quantitative data related to the fields of culture, education, and social change
- Support the creation of written and visual data analysis and reports
- Manage logistics and relationships with external partners for research initiatives
- Contribute to the development of strategic insights or big picture discoveries
- Assist in the proofreading and publishing processes of academic publications
Preferred Qualifications:
- An interest in emerging knowledge, research, and data analysis
- Knowledge relating to qualitative or quantitative methods, documentation procedures, and/or arts & cultural education research
- Willingness to be creative and oscillate between disciplines and sectors
- Commitment to antiracism and critical theory
QUALIFICATIONS:
The below outlines the required qualifications for successful participation in this unique residency experience.
Education: A commitment to dedicated study in the field of arts/culture, education, social change, or related fields (this could be higher education, attending workshops, or the like).
Technology: Due to the nature of these remote positions we require that residents have access to technology (i.e. computer and stable WiFi) to ensure that the mutual experience is optimal for both parties. A small stipend can be made available to support technology needs, if requested.
Prior Experience – the program is designed to benefit the following individuals:
- Junior and Senior Undergraduate Students
- Graduate Students
- Recent Graduates (up to 2 years out of school)
- Career-Changers (up to 2 years)
Prospective residents should possess a variety of the following skills/knowledge:
- A positive attitude and drive to take the initiative to get things done
- Attention to detail, organization skills, and quality of work product
- High standards for quality and integrity of research
- Desire and energy to work in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
- Willingness and aptitude to take on new challenges and adapt to change
- Natural curiosity and desire to improve how things are done
- Familiarity with online applications (i.e. Google Suite, Zoom, etc.)
- Participation or experience working in community-based organizations, school systems, and diverse communities is considered a plus.
Skills, knowledge, and wisdom are not limited to this list – we understand that individuals bring unique perspectives and insights which might fall outside the typical list. We encourage you to apply if you feel you bring something different to the table.
LOGISTICS:
- Timeframe: May 29th to August 18th, including July 15th – 19th for an expense paid organizational in-person retreat (these dates are flexible and can fit the needs of residents)
- Hours: Average of 20 hrs/wk, with the opportunity for more time per week.
- Pay: $15/hr
- Ability to work on ET/EST
RESIDENCY APPLICATION TIMELINE:
Please complete this form by Friday, March 24th at 11:59pm EST, or download, print, and mail your application, resume, and cover letter to 27 East 5th St., Frederick, MD 21701 (Attn: Residency Program at Creative Generation), and postmarked by March 10th.
Applicants will be notified of advancement to interviews on or by March 31st, with interviews taking place the week of April 10th. Interviewees will be notified of offers on April 18th. Decisions to accept or deny offers will be due by April 25th, at 11:59pm EST.
If questions arise please contact André Solomon (andre@creative-generation.org) with the subject line “Residency Program at Creative Generation.”
Learn more using the link.
Image Credit: André Solomon and Katie Rainey, Residency Retreat, 2022