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