Program Assistant

About Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For 40 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges of understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation, earning Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.”

Position Summary

The Mural Arts Restorative Justice department seeks a passionate and highly organized Program Assistant who is committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals and engaging in community driven public art and advocacy work.

The ideal candidate demonstrates the following core competencies: committed problem solving, sensitivity to second chance approaches, belief in the transformative power of public art, deep thinking and fearless creation, inquisitive learning, thoughtful communication, mindful collaboration, personal accountability, and a commitment to actively prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to create a safe and welcoming environment both in the workplace and in partnership with other institutions.

Our mission: Through participatory public art, Mural Arts Philadelphia inspires change in people, place, and practice, creating opportunity for a more just and equitable Philadelphia.

Our program, The Guild is a life readiness program that gives justice-impacted people the opportunity to develop skills and strategies to navigate adulthood, pursue educational or career aspirations and connect with their community all through the transformative power of art.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Program Manager of Restorative Justice, the Program Assistant:

• Provides structure, consistency, guidance and regular supervision to Guild participants in support of the Program Coordinator, both under the direction of the Program Manager.
• Serves as a supporting point of contact for justiceimpacted program participants with administrative and operational needs.
• Supports classroom management for participant workshops and training for targeted areas of learning and growth.
• Participates in community conversations with a focus on personal growth and connection to the city of Philadelphia through artistic practices.
• In support of the Program Coordinator, emphasizes to participants the importance of following the established community norms and program standards for conflict resolution, respect, and voice.
• Supports the Program Manager and Program Coordinator in efforts to identify cross programming with our SCI Phoenix program.

Administrative Duties:

• Supports the collection of all required data to ensure compliance with funder requirements and regular grant reporting deadlines, and HR needs.
• Documents attendance, areas of concern, and action steps when addressing absences, lateness, and behavioral challenges.
• Participates in grant required, organizationwide, and department training, events, meetings as required.
• Documents the program in pictures and videos for social media. Identify participants to provide feedback and testimonials that highlight the experience of being a program participant.

Ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced interpersonal/communication skills, with excellent team building skills.
• A desire to work with justiceimpacted populations and communities impacted by violence and mass incarceration.
• Experience with participating in or supporting workshops, lectures, or classes in a programming or training environment.
• Familiarity with Trauma Informed Care, Restorative Practice and/or Youth Mental Health preferred.
• Awareness of the principles and practices of Restorative Justice preferred.
• Knowledge of community driven public art practices and belief in the power of participatory public art to beautify, inspire and empower.
• Ability to develop/maintain relationships and partnerships in multiple communities and contexts across race, class, nationality, gender, ability, and language.
• Alignment with core organizational values (curiosity, collaboration, innovation, diversity, equity, accountability and forgiveness).

Professional Qualifications:

• Minimum of one year experience facilitating or instructing groups of participants/students over the age of 18
• Minimum of one year experience working with Justice impacted communities or communities impacted by substance misuse or mental health challenges.
• Ability to communicate effectively via email, phone, and in person
• Strong ability to facilitate groups in ways that engage and build investment.
• Other related duties may be required by the supervisor.

Minimum Salary/Hourly Rate: Part time role, 32 hours per week, $22/hr

Mural Arts is pleased to offer a competitive comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

Applicant Note: We encourage candidates who have been justice impacted and/or have a strong knowledge of the carceral system to apply.

To Apply: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and list of up to three (3) professional references to [email protected] with “ Program Assistant” in the subject line. No phone calls, emails or recruiters please.

About Mural Arts Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, founded on the belief that art ignites change. For more than 35 years, we have united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process that has produced more than 4,000 murals, transforming public spaces and individual lives. Through participatory artmaking, we spark dialogue, beautify neighborhoods, and generate economic and social impact. Our core programs—Art Education, Community Murals, Environmental Justice, Porch Light, and Restorative Justice—offer creative learning and employment for thousands of youth and adults each year. As a magnet for cultural tourism, our popular mural tours share the inspiring stories behind the artworks that have made Philadelphia the world’s largest outdoor art gallery and the “Mural Capital of the World.”