Head Teaching Artist - AMP'd: Amplifying Music & Power

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• LEAD INSTRUCTION — Act as the program’s lead educator, maintaining consistent, cohesive instruction across the program in partnership with the teaching team.

• COORDINATE TEACHING TEAM — Work closely with two additional Teaching Artists each week to co-facilitate lessons, workshops, and open studio sessions; provide structure, communication, and guidance to ensure consistent, culturally aware instruction.

• CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT — Develop weekly lesson plans aligned with RIOT’s values of empowerment, identity exploration, and process-over-perfection; incorporate accessible, culturally aware, youth-centered teaching approaches.

• PROGRAM COORDINATION — Collaborate with PSU staff on outreach and recruitment; coordinate weekly logistics, communication, and program flow; support showcase planning and execution.

• EQUIPMENT & SPACE SUPPORT — Assist with instrument setup and breakdown during program days; help maintain a safe, welcoming, and accessible creative environment.

• VALUES-BASED PRACTICE — Model trauma-informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive pedagogy; foster community-building, curiosity-driven learning, and youth-led creative exploration.

WHAT YOU BRING

REQUIRED 

• Experience, enthusiasm, and comfort working with high school youth

• Experience teaching music, developing curriculum, and planning lessons

• Proficiency in at least one area: guitar, bass, drums, keys, vocals, songwriting, or basic production

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to prioritize, self-direct, and adapt to student needs

• Commitment to RIOT’s mission, values, and identity-affirming, anti-oppressive education

PREFERRED

• Experience working with LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and gender-expansive youth

• Ability to play multiple instruments at a basic to intermediate level 

• Experience facilitating open studio environments or collaborative jam sessions

• Basic recording/production skills

• Familiarity with trauma-informed, youth-centered, or anti-oppressive instruction

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move between different work environments

• Some light to moderate lifting of musical equipment (up to 40lbs)

HOURS & COMPENSATION

• 8–10 hours per week, consisting of: 

• 4 hours teaching and facilitation

• 2 hours curriculum development

• 2 hours coordination and outreach

• Additional limited planning hours in September for outreach, curriculum preparation, and coordination.

• Program sessions will occur on Mondays and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm

• $30/hour, with weekly hours capped to remain within the RISCA-funded project budget.

HOW TO APPLY

• Interested candidates should submit their application through RIOT’s application portal.

• Applicants will be asked to submit their résumé and answer a few short questions about their teaching experience, interest in the role, and alignment with RIOT’s mission. Optional cover letters are welcome but not required.

• Applications will be reviewed by the RIOT Board with hiring finalized by mid-September to support early outreach and planning.

• If you need accommodations to complete the application, please reach out to info@riotri.org.

• This is a contracted position starting in September 2026, running through early December 2026.