Resident Music Faculty position is 32 hours/week and reports to CATA Program Directors.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a talented and versatile musician, performer, and teaching artist to contribute to an innovative, award-winning arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our local community. 

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Resident Music Faculty designs and teaches music and singing workshops for CATA artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and program partners throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. Workshops will give people with disabilities across a spectrum of ability and age the opportunity to explore singing, song form, rhythm-making, composing lyrics and melodies, improvisation, and collaborative, communal music-making, and may also include opportunities for more advanced explorations of specific musical forms or approaches.

The position is 32 hours/week with benefits, with an expectation of work hours four days a week from 9-5. Some additional evenings and weekends may occasionally be required with advance notice.  Reports to CATA Program Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of Program Directors: develop, plan, and teach compelling, participatory group workshop series in music that nurture the creativity of CATA artists with disabilities in alignment with CATA’s strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability and to encourage participants to explore musical styles, experiment with music-making, and experience the joy of creating music collaboratively. 
• As a faculty artist working in the settings of our program partners, represent CATA’s organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers and uphold your role as a CATA ambassador, exercising strong listening and communication skills; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges and help facilitate their strong relationships with program partners.
• Develop curricula and assessment tools, under the direction of supervisors: identify key learning outcomes through written curriculum and project descriptions; tailor projects in response to needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; set clear expectations for workshops; and assess progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and program partners. 
• Participate in CATA performances, sharings, and other events as a co-leader or in support role, and model engaged participation for CATA artists.
• Actively participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, meetings, and faculty retreats and apply learnings to develop your teaching, under the direction of supervisors. Openly receive performance-based feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement.
• Under guidance of Program Directors, Mentor CATA Artists with disabilities: Support artists in exploring composition, sound design, and other music performance-related roles; work with Program Directors to develop curriculum to prepare CATA Artists to take on leadership roles through co-teaching workshops, expanded sound/music design and technical roles, and/or co-leading public programs; help recruit guest artists in music to engage with CATA artists
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or a related field, or equivalent life/work experience
• Working performing artist with a minimum of three years teaching experience in a range of settings
• Proficiency as vocalist with an accompanying instrument (piano, guitar, banjo, etc.) required; Multi-instrumentalist with knowledge in and familiarity with a range of musical skills and approaches, including singing, guitar, and/or percussion preferred; familiarity with accessible instruments and/or music making tools is a plus
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other artists and within an organizational structure, reporting to supervisors  
• Ability to adapt and modify learning experiences for people of all abilities and ages, exercising empathy, sensitivity, and inclusion to successfully engage a broad age range of participants from elementary school to elder care 
• Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; demonstrate cultural competence and foster inclusion; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights. Candidates with previous training in Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed teaching, and DEI preferred. 
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY with mileage reimbursement

CATA offers: 

A compensation package including a salary of $45,000 annually for 32 hours/week and excellent benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid health & dental insurance premiums for employees (retroactively effective to hire date)
• Family health and dental packages 
• Retirement savings program of 401k plan with 4% employer match 
• Generous paid vacation (prorated two weeks; increasing to three weeks after second year, plus separate sick time)
• Paid holidays including all federal holidays plus days before and after Thanksgiving; three extra December days, two floating religious holidays, birthday holiday, and extra “restorative week” 
• Short- and long-term disability coverage; Life insurance; Paid family leave; Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
• CATA is a qualified employer under the PSLF federal student loan forgiveness plan
• Dedicated training to develop teaching skills, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and Autism-specific training, plus the opportunity to apply for additional funds to support your individual professional development
• Invitations to special events and programs
• Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community

HOW TO APPLY: 

Candidates should send a resume and a cover letter that describe how their qualifications and experience match the need. Apply here: https://cataarts.applicantpro.com/jobs/

All inquiries and materials will be confidential.

CATA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. CATA welcomes people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations to apply.

Resident Theater Arts Faculty position is 32 hours/week and reports to CATA Program Directors.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a talented, versatile theater-maker and teaching artist to contribute to an innovative, award-winning arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our local community. 

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Resident Theater Arts Faculty designs and teaches theater workshops for CATA artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and program partners throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. Workshops give people with disabilities the opportunity to explore acting, creative storytelling, theater games and exercises, physical theater, devising, improv, and more; and may also include opportunities for more advanced explorations of theater forms and genres. 

The position is 32 hours/week with benefits, with an expectation of 4 days a week at 8 hours per day, 9-5. Some additional evenings and weekends may occasionally be required with advance notice. Reports to CATA Program Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of Program Directors: develop, plan, and teach compelling, highly participatory group workshop series in the theater arts that nurture the creativity of CATA artists with disabilities in alignment with CATA’s strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability, encourage participants to explore acting and storytelling, experiment with different approaches to theater-making, and experience the joy of live performance. 
• As a faculty artist working in the settings of our program partners, represent CATA’s organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers, and uphold your role as a CATA ambassador, exercising strong listening and communication skills; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges and help facilitate their strong relationships with program partners.
• Develop curricula and assessment tools, under the direction of supervisors: identify key learning outcomes through written curriculum and project descriptions; tailor projects in response to needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; set clear expectations for workshops; and assess progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and program partners. 
• Participate in CATA performances, sharings, and other events as a co-leader or in a support role, and model engaged participation for CATA artists.
• Actively participate in professional development, trainings, meetings, and faculty retreats and apply learnings to develop your teaching, under the direction of supervisors. Openly receive performance-based feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement.
  
• Under guidance of Program Directors, Mentor CATA Artists with disabilities: Support artists in exploring sound, lighting, set and costume design, and other theater-related roles; work with Program Directors to develop curriculum to prepare CATA Artists to take on leadership roles through co-teaching workshops, expanded design and technical roles, and/or co-leading public programs; help recruit guest artists including lighting, costume, set, and sound designers to engage with CATA artists
  
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Arts Education, or a related field, or equivalent life/work experience
• Working performing artist with a minimum of three years teaching experience in a range of settings
• Knowledge of and comfort teaching a range of theater arts, including acting, theater games, physical theater, devised theater, Shakespeare, and/or improv
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other artists and within an organizational structure, reporting to supervisors  
• Ability to adapt and modify learning experiences for people of all abilities and ages, creating a sense of belonging and exercising empathy, sensitivity, and inclusion to successfully engage a broad age range of participants from elementary school to elder care 
• Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; demonstrate cultural competence; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights. Candidates with previous training in Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed teaching, and DEI preferred
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY with mileage reimbursement

CATA offers: 

A compensation package including a salary of $45,000 annually for 32 hours/week and excellent benefits including:

• 100% employer-paid health & dental insurance premiums for employees (retroactively effective to hire date)
• Family health and dental packages 
• Retirement savings program of 401k plan with 4% employer match 
• Generous paid vacation (prorated two weeks; increasing to three weeks after second year, plus separate sick time)
• Paid holidays including all federal holidays plus days before and after Thanksgiving; three extra December days, two floating religious holidays, birthday holiday, and extra “restorative week” 
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage; Life insurance; Paid family leave; Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
• CATA is a qualified employer under the PSLF federal student loan forgiveness plan
• Dedicated training to develop teaching skills, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and Autism-specific training, plus the opportunity to apply for additional funds to support your individual professional development
• Invitations to special events and programs
• Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community

HOW TO APPLY: 

Candidates should send a resume and a cover letter that describe how their qualifications and experience match the need. Apply here: https://cataarts.applicantpro.com/jobs/

All inquiries and materials will be confidential.

CATA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. CATA welcomes people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations to apply.

Visual Arts Faculty position is 24 hours/week and reports to CATA Program Co-Directors.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a talented and versatile visual artist and teaching artist to contribute to an innovative, award-winning arts organization that is changing the lives of people across our local community. 

Under the direction of CATA Program Directors, the Visual Arts Faculty designs and teaches visual arts workshops for CATA artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries in CATA studios, special education classrooms, day programs, and program partners throughout Berkshire and Columbia counties. Workshops give people with disabilities across a spectrum of ability and age the opportunity to explore painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more, tailored to specific needs and interests of each group. CATA programs in the visual arts may also include opportunities for more advanced explorations of an artform based on individual goals, interests, and passions. 

The position is 24 hours/week with benefits, with an expectation of work hours three days a week from 9-5.  Some additional evenings and weekends may occasionally be required with advance notice. Reports to CATA Program Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of Program Directors: develop, plan, and teach compelling, highly participatory group workshop series in the visual arts that nurture the creativity of CATA artists with disabilities in alignment with CATA’s strategic goals, using adaptive, inclusive techniques to engage participants across a wide spectrum of ability and to encourage participants to explore and experiment in a wide range of visual art forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more.
• As a faculty artist working in the settings of our program partners, represent CATA’s organizational values, including respect for partner staff, leaders, and direct care workers and uphold your role as a CATA ambassador, exercising strong listening and communication skills; communicate clearly to supervisors about successes and challenges and help facilitate their strong relationships with program partners.
• Develop innovative, successful curricula and assessment tools, under the direction of supervisors: Identify key learning outcomes through written curriculum and project descriptions; tailor projects in response to needs and interests of CATA artists; assist in researching and developing adaptive tools; set clear expectations for workshops and create a sense of belonging; evaluate and assess progress toward goals through feedback provided by supervisors, CATA artists, and program partners. 
• Support CATA art exhibits and events throughout the year by helping curate, frame, and install exhibits and completing other preparation for art events
• Facilitate one-on-one workshops in adaptive painting for people with disabilities who require a higher level of support in the creation of their work; devise, research and implement adaptive painting techniques tailored to each individual in one-on-one workshop environments.
• Actively participate in ongoing professional development, trainings, meetings, and faculty retreats and apply learnings to develop your teaching, under the direction of supervisors. Openly receive performance-based feedback from supervisors, and use feedback to drive growth and improvement.
• Under guidance  of Program Directors, mentor CATA Artists with disabilities: Support artists in exploring arts-related roles including curating and installing exhibits; work with Program Directors to develop curriculum to prepare CATA Artists to take on leadership roles through assistant teaching workshops and/or co-leading public programs; help recruit guest artists including curators and art installers to engage with CATA artists
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, or a related field, or equivalent life/work experience
• Working visual artist with a minimum of three years teaching experience in a range of settings
• Knowledge and comfort in a broad range of studio practices including but not limited to: painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture/tactile arts, fiber, photography, and more.
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other artists and within an organizational structure, reporting to supervisors  
• Ability to adapt and modify learning experiences for people of all abilities and ages, exercising empathy, sensitivity, and inclusion to successfully engage a broad age range of participants from elementary school to elder care 
• Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; demonstrate cultural competence and foster inclusion; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights. Candidates with previous training in Universal Design for Learning, trauma-informed teaching, and DEI preferred. 
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY with mileage reimbursement

CATA offers: 

A compensation package including a salary of $33,600 for 24 hours of work, and excellent benefits including:

• Retirement savings program of 401k plan with 4% employer match 
• Generous paid vacation (prorated two weeks; increasing to three weeks after second year, plus separate sick time)
• Paid holidays including all federal holidays plus extra days including birthday holiday and extra “restorative week” 
• Mileage reimbursement for qualifying travel
• Dedicated training to develop teaching skills, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and Autism-specific training, plus the opportunity to apply for additional funds to support your individual professional development
• Invitations to special events and programs
• Active participation in a mission driven organization with a positive and inclusive work culture and a strong impact on the community

HOW TO APPLY: 

Candidates should send a resume and a cover letter that describe how their qualifications and experience match the need. Apply here: https://cataarts.applicantpro.com/jobs/

All inquiries and materials will be confidential.

CATA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates. CATA welcomes people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, religions, ages, and sexual orientations to apply.

CATA employs highly skilled visual and performing artists who can use their artistic passion, talents, and skills as teachers to nurture the creativity of our artists with disabilities. 

CATA Faculty Artists lead arts workshops for artists with disabilities throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY. Workshops take place in residential settings, day programs, schools, and community centers throughout our region, as well as in CATA’s Great Barrington home, featuring two professionally-designed studios for visual and performing arts. Current workshops encompass a wide array of art forms and disciplines including painting, drawing, singing, songwriting, drumming, modern dance, tap dance, hip hop, creative writing and poetry, and acting. CATA artists participating in these workshops include people of disabilities across a wide span of ability and ages, including children, teens, adults, and elders. Most CATA workshops are designed for a specific age group (for example, a painting workshop for adults with disabilities, or a dance class for high school students in special education programs). 

CATA invites qualified local Teaching Artists to apply to join our faculty roster. Applications will be reviewed periodically by CATA staff, with new faculty being chosen based on the applicant’s qualifications and our areas of need.

We believe every human being has a deep well of creativity inside them, along with an innate desire to express who they are and what they feel, think, and believe. We see our faculty as fundamental to our mission and programs, and we strive to create a vibrant, active, creative community with and through our faculty. We invite you to learn more about CATA and to consider joining our team.

CATA offers

• A generous rate for compensation: $85 for each individual workshop including one hour of instruction, plus setup, break down, and curricular development. Note that workshops are provided in series typically made up of 8 – 30 weekly workshops per series, making compensation for each full series much higher ($85 x # workshops).
• Dedicated trainings for our faculty to further develop teaching skills across different areas, including trauma-informed teaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with compensation provided for your time.
• Stipends for reimbursement for round trip travel exceeding 42 miles
• Benefits for part-time staff include: sick leave, birthday bonus, bereavement leave, Massachusetts Paid Family & Medical Leave, opportunity to participate in Simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match from CATA for employees making more than $5,000 annually.
• CATA supplies all non-durable materials for programs and workshops, including general art supplies, props for music, dance, and theater. CATA will also consider the purchase of durable supplies and equipment for specified purposes in conversation with faculty artists.
• The opportunity to apply for additional funds to support your individual professional development
• Invitations to special events and programs

Faculty Artist Responsibilities

• Working closely with CATA staff: Develop, plan, and teach compelling workshop series in  particular art forms or disciplines to nurture the creativity of CATA artists with disabilities. Workshops are typically provided in weekly, one hour classes, with at least 8 workshops per series, with date and time coordinated by CATA staff in conversation with our program partners and artists.
• Identify and articulate learning objectives and goals for each series you teach and where possible, connect curriculum with CATA’s annual theme.
• Work with staff to evaluate and assess your classes and the outcomes for CATA artists, and refine and adjust classes as needed to meet the need of CATA artists with disabilities 
• Communicate consistently, reliably, and effectively with CATA staff about scheduling, your availability, supply needs, challenges, and insights related to the classes you are teaching.
• Attend quarterly meetings, trainings, and annual faculty retreat. We welcome and encourage  collaborations between faculty artists, and we intend these trainings and meetings to not only help you further develop as a Teaching Artist but also to help you meaningfully engage in the CATA community of creative professionals.  You will be compensated for your time.
• Determine materials needed for your classes in advance and communicate these needs to CATA staff.
• Set-up and clean up for each workshop.
• Fill out bi-weekly time cards in our Paychex system so that you can be paid.

Qualifications

• Working artist in your specified field with a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Ability to adapt and modify learning experiences for people of all abilities
• Ability to successfully engage with people who are diverse by race, class, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, and ability; exercise cultural competence and inclusion; and commit to deeper learning and professional development in areas including racial and social justice and disability rights.
• An empathetic and intuitive personality
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY

Acceptance to the CATA Roster does not guarantee employment. When CATA has opportunities for growth, the roster will serve as our primary source for new faculty.

To apply: Email a cover letter, CV/resume, work samples (photos, videos), and lesson plan examples to Jeff Gagnon, Program Manager ([email protected])