Request for Proposals (RFP)Support Specialists

POSITION OVERVIEW  ART INC is seeking qualified independent contractors to support the Arts, Science and Leadership Academy (ASALA), which serves youth ages 6 to 18. This Request for Proposals (RFP) covers three contractor categories: ASALA Support Specialists, Theater Teaching Artists, and Specialty Arts Instructors. Selected contractors will help ASALA maintain safe, welcoming, and organized learning environments and deliver high-quality arts, science, and leadership programming aligned with ART INC's mission, trauma-informed standards, and community engagement goals. This RFP is part of ART INC's competitive procurement process and contractor selection procedures. Applicants may submit proposals for one or more categories. SCOPE OF SERVICES & RESPONSIBILITIES BEING SOLICITED ART INC is soliciting proposals in two categories. ASALA Support Specialists provide classroom support, participant safety, administrative tasks, event support, and transportation, typically through an hourly service agreement. Specialty Arts Instructors provide instruction in a specific arts discipline, including youth productions, showcases, and exhibitions, typically through a per-session or program-based contract. Specialty Arts disciplines may include theater (acting, improvisation, playwriting, stagecraft, music director, stage manager etc...), dance (hip hop, African, contemporary, ballet, step), music (vocal, instrumental, percussion, music production), visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, murals, mixed media), spoken word, poetry, and creative writing, digital media (photography, film, video editing, graphic design), and fashion, costume, and textile arts. Proposals for other arts disciplines that support ASALA goals are welcome.   Specialty Arts Instructor - Design and deliver age-appropriate instruction in the proposed arts discipline for youth ages 6 to 18, grouped by age and skill level - Submit lesson plans or a curriculum outline aligned with ASALA arts, science, and leadership goals before the program cycle begins - Build skill progression across sessions, from foundational techniques to a completed piece, performance, or project - For theater: teach acting fundamentals, voice and movement, improvisation, character development, script analysis, playwriting, devised theater, and stagecraft, and direct rehearsals - Integrate social-emotional learning and leadership skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication, and public speaking - Connect the discipline to careers in the arts and creative industries where appropriate - Prepare youth for at least one culminating showcase, exhibition, or performance per program cycle - Coordinate with Support Specialists on space setup, rehearsal schedules, and youth supervision - Submit supply lists and equipment or production needs in advance for procurement approval - Care for ART INC equipment and materials and report damaged or missing items - Document participant progress using ART INC tools or rubrics PROGRAM SUPPORT - Prepare, set up, and reset classrooms and program spaces - Ensure supplies, materials, and equipment are ready for programming - Greet participants, families, visitors, and partners professionally - Support program staff and teaching artists with age-appropriate activities - Assist with arts, wellness, STEAM, leadership, and enrichment activities - Maintain a safe and orderly environment - Follow youth safety and incident reporting procedures - Assist with participant recruitment and enrollment efforts - Distribute outreach and program materials - Support daily program implementation and operations ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT - Maintain attendance and sign-in/sign-out documentation - Complete timely and accurate data entry - Assist with case notes and participant documentation - Provide updates to Program Managers and leadership - Complete supply requests and administrative follow-up tasks - Support program evaluation and reporting efforts EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - Support ART INC community events and outreach activities - Assist with setup, breakdown, registration, concessions, and guest support - Promote ART INC programming and community engagement opportunities - Attend recruitment and outreach events - Assist with logistics and material preparation TRANSPORTATION & VAN OPERATIONS - Safely operate ART INC vehicles and vans - Transport participants, staff, and supplies between locations - Complete vehicle inspections and logs - Follow ART INC transportation and youth safety policies - Maintain vehicle cleanliness and fuel monitoring - Immediately report accidents, incidents, or vehicle concerns   TARGET POPULATION  Services may be provided to:  - Youth ages 6–18  Programming may take place during after-school hours, school breaks, and summer sessions. Showcases, performances, and community events may occur on evenings or weekends. Exact schedules will be set by program assignment. CONTRACT TERM  Proposed contract periods may include:  - Short-term project contracts  - Monthly service agreements  - Fiscal year agreements  - Grant-funded service periods    Contracts are contingent upon:  - Funding availability  - Program needs  - Compliance approval  - Performance monitoring  Contracts may be structured as: - Hourly service agreements - Program-based contracts - Fiscal year contracts   COMPENSATION  Compensation will be based on: - Experience - Scope of services - Program assignment - Funding availability Rates must align with ART INC procurement and grant compliance standards.    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  Applicants should possess:  - High school diploma or GED - Minimum one (1) year experience in: - Youth services - Community programs - After-school programming - Administrative support - Strong communication and organizational skills - Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures - Ability to support positive behavior and de-escalation strategies - Basic technology proficiency including: - Microsoft 365 - Outlook - OneDrive or Google Workspace - Team-oriented and dependable Specialty Arts Instructor - Minimum two (2) years of demonstrated practice in the proposed arts discipline (for theater, as a performer, director, playwright, or technician) - Minimum one (1) year of experience teaching or leading the discipline with youth - Portfolio, performance history, or work samples that show skill in the discipline - Degree, certification, or formal training preferred; equivalent professional experience accepted Additional Requirements - Must be at least twenty-four (24) years of age in accordance with ART INC vehicle insurance requirements - Valid driver’s license - Insurable driving record - Ability to pass Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review - Ability to pass a background check prior to engagement   SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Please submit all proposal materials through the BambooHR application portal or by instructions listed in the posting. Applications must include all required attachments to be considered. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.    DEADLINE Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until positions are filled or funding allocations are met.    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:    At ART Inc we are committed to providing a fair and welcoming environment for everyone that enters our building, works in our employment, or participates in our programs within the parameters of the law