Summer Camp Lead Educator, Part-time

Summer Camp Lead Educator, Temporary (Non-Exempt)

Why Join Us?

At the Denver Art Museum (DAM), we work together to build a world where art sparks creativity, and connects, inspires, and empowers people and communities. As a Summer Camp Lead Educator, you will work closely with Summer Camp Assistant in the Learning & Engagement Department and the Summer Camp Educators. Lead Educators provide campers with a safe, creative, inclusive, and fun learning experience. Be a part of a curious, respectful, dynamic, inclusive and creative team who are committed to creating memorable museum experiences for all! If you share our passion for creativity and community building, we encourage you to apply!

Schedule: Summer camps for kids will run from June 8-August 7, 2026. Ideally, educators would commit to working a minimum of 2 weeks for the summer, though they are welcome to teach more sessions depending on interest and availability. Each educator is required to attend an orientation/training on June 4 and 5, 2026 and will work during camp weeks for a minimum of 37.5 hours/week and no more than 40 hours/week. They will also be compensated for 10 hours of prep work at the start of camps for research and lesson plan preparation, per different camp theme. If teaching the same camp for a different age group, educators will be compensated an additional 5 hours of prep work. Camp sessions run from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Educators are expected to report from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm to prepare their classrooms before camp and to clean up after each day.

Pay Range: $30-$32/hour based on experience.

Perks & Benefits: Free RTD EcoPass; free DAM Family Membership; 4 hours of personal time plus Colorado paid sick leave; Employee Assistance Program; subscription to Headspace; 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute; those who meet the requirements after one year and 1,000 hours qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program; and more.

Please note: The Denver Art Museum does not provide parking for its employees.

What You'll Do

As a Summer Camp Lead Educator, you will be responsible for developing and implementing art-based lesson plans that connect to the DAM collection. You will guide up to 20 campers through in-gallery experiences and art projects relating to these experiences. You will:

• Develop and deliver lesson plans and instructional materials
• Compile a supply list (within given budget)
• Visit the DAM ahead of time to plan lessons and choose which specific galleries to use with campers
• Set up and organize workshops
• Prep materials
• Work collaboratively and thoughtfully with a co-facilitator (Seasonal Educator) assigned by the DAM. This includes sharing lesson plans with the Seasonal Educator ahead of time and dividing tasks through the day. Seasonal Educators are not aides but co-facilitators and should be treated as such.
• Set classroom expectations with campers for appropriate camp behavior
• Greet students and track attendance
• Use a variety of instruction strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, discovery, etc. both in the galleries and in classroom
• Plan and include engaging in-gallery activities and experiences each day for campers
• Integrate a teaching practice that centers equity and diversity in their camp
• Facilitate and support campers with artmaking projects
• Plan a culminating end-of-class gallery walk or presentation with campers for their family and friends
• Utilize effective and compassionate classroom management techniques, including social-emotional and/or behavioral interventions if needed
• Communicate with caregiver(s) as needed

What We're Looking For

You might be a great fit if you have:

• A minimum 2-3 years of formal or informal teaching experience with children
• Passion for art and arts-integrated learning
• Passion for working with children
• Experience with artmaking and object-based learning
• Experience with culturally responsive and interdisciplinary teaching styles
• Experience with classroom management & curriculum design
• The ability to help children navigate social-emotional needs; familiarity with trauma-informed approaches is preferred

This role has some physical requirements:

• Ability to stand, move around the room, and facilitate hands-on art activities for several hours
• Ability to bend, reach, and assist students at tables, easels, and floor workspaces
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20-30 lbs of art supplies and classroom materials
• Ability to visually monitor and verbally communicate with students to ensure safety
• Ability to set up and clean up art materials and classroom spaces (tables, easels, carts)

This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.

The DAM prioritizes adaptability and a human-centered work environment. We are happy to consider accommodations. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Our Hiring Process & What to Expect

We know job searching can be overwhelming, so here's a transparent look at our process:

• Application close date is: January 19, 2026.
• Our hiring team will review the applications and resumes and select candidates for interviews. This role may require additional information on an email screen if requested, as well as an interview with a hiring manager and/or panel that will be held in-person at the DAM or virtually. Part of this interview may require a live teaching demo; however, candidates DO NOT need to prepare any materials for this ahead of time.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.

Who We Are

At the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.

The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.

We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity-connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum's board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.