Mission Statement

DreamYard collaborates with Bronx youth, families, and schools to build pathways to equity and opportunity through the arts.

About DreamYard

DreamYard Project is the largest arts provider in the Bronx and uses project-based arts learning to ignite the transformative spirit in youth, public schools, and communities. DreamYard’s school-based and out-of-school programs are based on 21st-century learning and social justice pedagogy principles. Our work is aligned with the NYC Department of Education (DOE) Blueprint for the Arts and the NY State Learning Standards and encourages young people to pursue educational pathways toward higher learning, meaningful careers, and social action. Our nationally recognized programming has grown tremendously in response to student interest and community needs.

Co-Executive directors Jason Duchin and Tim Lord founded DreamYard (DY) in 1994. Since then, DreamYard has worked with more than 100 public schools and over 100,000 young people and families. DreamYard has developed a robust educational community in the Bronx – from its network of 50 partnering public schools including the DY Preparatory High School to year-long programs at the DY Art Center. 

Vision and Approach

At the DreamYard Art Center, we seek to offer quality programs, services and experiences at the intersection of art and social justice for young people from K–12th grade and beyond. We aim to include families, community members, and a variety of stakeholders as we develop pathways towards equity, sustainability, and justice. We believe in quality instruction merged with relevant social justice pedagogy principles to inspire students to strengthen character, scholarship and artistic voice to create change. Our core values of Activate, Create, Connect, and Nurture describe our commitment to teaching for equity, justice and hope. We strive to support students’ academic and artistic needs while working toward becoming an anti-racist society. 

The Community 

DreamYard is focused entirely in the Bronx, a borough that possesses incredible cultural, human and economic strengths. The organization believes that the arts are a necessary part of developing those strengths to their greatest potential. 

Job Description

As a part-time member of DreamYard’s Art Center Programs team, The Art Center Programs Assistant will assist the Art Center team with basic administrative tasks, including (but not limited to) managing calendars, purchasing supplies, submitting receipts, intake and registration form management, outreach, note taking, and database entry. 

Essential functions:

• Participant and family outreach

• Registrant intake and database entry 

• Supply purchases

• Receipt tracking and credit card report submission

• Art Center Programs calendar management

• General note taking and email correspondence

• Teaching Artist attendance tracking

• Space preparation for special events

• Support day-to-day operation of ACP Programs, providing practical logistical and clerical support, both on-site and remotely

• Maintain program records (including, but not limited to attendance, registration, files, and contracts 

• General office duties  

• Support DreamYard’s PR, social media, and communications team to showcase Art Center programs, and to create promotional materials across multiple platforms that resonate with diverse audiences

While this list may represent the primary duties required of this role, the list does not constitute a complete or exclusive list, and is subject to change.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an administrative assistant (or similar office work experience); experience in the creative arts, and/or social justice & culture based work environments a strong plus

• Experience working closely with immigrants, youth, people of color, and communities who have historically and structurally been marginalized

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with diverse groups and stakeholders in working towards common goals; strong conflict management and conflict resolution skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent organizational and problem-solving skills

• Strong computer skills with a variety of digital platforms and suites, including GSuite, Microsoft Office, Canva, Box, Zoom, Bill; strong skills in managing spreadsheets, powerpoint presentations, word processing, data input

• Able to set clear goals and high expectation; committed to excellence

• Is a lifelong learner, committed to continual professional and personal development

• Enjoys working both independently and collaboratively towards a common vision

• Thrives in a dynamic work environment; is flexible and comfortable with organizational change and growth

• Has experience with and passion for working with young people who have a broad range of abilities and learning styles; embraces a strengths-based approach to youth work

• Ability to think critically and creatively

• Ability to create and manage dynamic systems that are student and people centered

• Build positive, appropriate relationships with participants and families 

• Represent DreamYard and the Art Center in a manner that reflects our core values, our vision, and our approach

• Support colleagues in programs both on and off site as needed

• Ability to work some evenings and some weekends

• Fluency in written and spoken English; bilingual Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply

• Direct working knowledge of the South Bronx and the Morrisania community a plus

DreamYard Project

DreamYard is committed to the principles of arts education, educational equity, and social justice. Accordingly, we welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of individuals. People of color, Indigenous people, formerly incarcerated people, women, non-binary, LGBTQ individuals, Bronx residents / natives and Spanish-speaking applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. DreamYard Project Inc. employs without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other attribute not related to superior performance. 

COVID19 Protocol

Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the commencement of employment and must be willing to adhere to all COVID-19 workplace safety policies and protocols.

DreamYard offers competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and generous paid time off for full time roles; starting salary for this position is commensurate with experience and with similar positions citywide.

How to Apply

Click the “apply for the position" link and submit a resume and DreamYard-specific cover letter. 

DreamYard is an equal opportunity employer. DreamYard prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic characteristics, disability, status as a special disabled veteran or veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity or any other basis prohibited by law.

More Information

This part-time non-exempt position will be expected to work up to 24 hours per week. The compensation for this role is $25,000 per year.