Opportunities

JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS

Join the Self-Help Graphics & Art Team!

applications are open for the following roles

Director of Education and Public Programs

Full time, Exempt

Annual Salary: $75,000-$85,000 

Reports to Executive Director

**Medical benefits and robust PTO included

Self Help Graphics & Art

Founded in 1973 in the heart of East Los Angeles, Self Help Graphics and Art (SHG) is dedicated to the production, interpretation and distribution of prints and other art media by Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x artists. Our multidisciplinary, intergenerational programs promote artistic excellence and empower our community by providing access to space, tools, training and resources.

Summary

The Director of Education and Public Programs oversees the full suite of Self Help Graphics & Art’s education and public programming. Working in collaboration with staff, artists, and community partners, the Director plays a critical role in shaping and implementing SHG’s vision for education, engagement, and cultural programming.

This position leads the development of accessible, innovative, and community-centered initiatives that reflect the values and mission of SHG and connects diverse audiences to the arts while strengthening partnerships with schools, artists, cultural institutions, and community organizations. The Director also oversees a dynamic team and ensures that all programs align with the organization’s mission, foster meaningful community engagement, and uphold SHG’s commitment to accessibility, equity, and inclusion.

The ideal candidate is a visionary thinker and collaborative leader who believes deeply in the role of art as a vital force for community. They are passionate about using the arts as a catalyst for learning, dialogue, and social impact.

Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Vision

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive education and public programs strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and artistic vision.

  • Build long-term partnerships with schools, educators, artists, and community organizations to expand reach and impact.

  • Establish evaluation tools and reporting systems to measure impact, participation, and learning outcomes.

Program Development & Delivery

  • Develop and manage a calendar of programs that intersect with exhibitions, community engagement, education, and advocacy efforts

  • Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of SHG’s on-site and off-site public programs, including cultural festivals (e.g., Día de los Muertos), artist presentations, workshops, and special projects.

  • Lead collaborative design and execution of education initiatives—including K–12 school partnerships and all programmatic aspects of youth programming—by actively partnering with program staff to cocreate and align efforts. 

  • Co-lead with Public Programs Manager,  public programming such as artist talks, panel discussions, community forums, festivals, tours, and participatory events.

  • Collaborate with curatorial and artistic teams to integrate education and public programs with exhibitions, performances, and residencies.

Team Management & Operations

  • Supervise and mentor education and public programs staff, teaching artists, and related consultants (includes 3 full time staff and between 10-15 teaching artists).

  • Oversee and support the professional growth of teaching artists/BMAS by establishing procedures and strategies that foster their success and ensure alignment with organizational values. 

  • Oversee program budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and logistics to ensure successful execution.

  • Foster communication, collaboration, and alignment between program staff and their education initiatives they oversee

Communications and Storytelling

  • Work with the Communications team to develop outreach strategies and promotional materials that amplify education and  public programming.

  • Collect and analyze program data, audience feedback, and impact metrics; contribute to grant reporting and storytelling.

  • Represent SHG at community meetings, panels, and events; act as a public-facing ambassador for the organization.

Community & Artist Engagement

  • Collaborate with the Artist and Exhibitions team to develop innovative, mission-aligned offerings that deepen audience engagement and reflect SHG’s cultural values.

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with artists, cultural organizations, and community stakeholders.

  • Actively cultivate relationships with educators, artists, families, community leaders, and cultural networks.

The ideal candidate

  • Is a strong and clear communicator, works well within a team and seeks to be part of the professional growth of those around them. 

  • Has a minimum of five years experience in program management with increasing responsibilities and direct reports.

  • Understands the balance of SHG as a community-based gem and our role as a bridge for artists into various sectors. 

  • Is concerned with arts and cultural equity and social justice at the local, regional and national levels.  

  • Is an artist or is familiar with printmaking and other art forms, including art handling, exhibiting and storage. 

  • Has a deep knowledge of the robust cultural and artistic networks in the Eastside and LA city/county in general. 

  • Has experience with arts education curriculum-building and knowledge of LAUSD and state of California visual arts standards and Common Core. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

  • Familiarity with lesson planning, self-starter, show attention to detail, and possess excellent organizational skills. 

  • Ability to manage simultaneous projects with varying deadlines

  • Excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail; dependable and adaptable

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Dependable and adaptable

  • A resourceful problem-solver who can meet deadlines and make clear decisions in the moment

  • Emotional maturity, integrity, enthusiasm; ability to deal sensitively and confidentially with artist and partner organizations

  • Functional ease with Google Suite, Office Suite: XL, Word

  • Has the ability to interact constructively and cooperatively with others in a fast-paced environment, i.e., organization personnel, artist, volunteers, youth

  • Bilingual English/Spanish skills strongly preferred to support effective communication with our community members, partners, and stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and to work at a computer as well as walk and perform some duties while standing, particularly during events and programming. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects or boxes weighing up to 50 lbs. 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and three references with contact information to jobs@selfhelpgraphics.com. The subject line should include the position title and your name. For example:Director Education and Public Programs - Jane Doe.  Applications received by December 7, 2025 will be initially reviewed. Additional applications may be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

EQUITY STATEMENT

Self Help Graphics and Art (SHG) emerged from the need to have a cultural space in Los Angeles that was reflective of Chicana/o and Latinx heritages and cultures. SHG was born during the fervent time of the Chicano Civil Rights Movement to provide Chicana/o and Latinx residents in East Los Angeles with arts education, culturally relevant events, and a platform for them to create and share their work. Today SHG continues to be the preeminent center for Latinx art in printmaking, exhibition, training, and resource for young and emerging artists.

Because SHG’s foundation is rooted in the struggle against systemic forms of oppression we continue our holistic commitment to equity and inclusion by:

  • SHG’s artistic production, exhibitions, and educational programming centers the experiences of Chicana/o and Latinx communities.

  • SHG recognizes its role as steward of a place that is on the unceded ancestral land of the Tongva people.

  • SHG works toward anti-racism generally and anti-Blackness specifically, both internally and externally.

  • SHG supports and mentors artists working for social change.

  • SHG is a participant in an ecosystem of cooperation locally and regionally.

  • SHG advocates in support of social justice.

  • SHG actualizes and embodies equity and inclusion intersectionally.

  • SHG aligns its operations with its values of social justice, equity and inclusion, honoring histories and practices, and empowering people.


 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Self Help Graphics always appreciates growing our family of volunteers! Please see our volunteer page to get started.