ART SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

A K–5 art room is, in practice, a curriculum delivery engine with thirty moving parts. When instruction lacks structure and scope and sequence, students advance through grade levels without the foundational vocabulary in elements of design or art history that state visual arts standards require. The Art Specialist owns that sequence end to end, from lesson planning through IEP-aligned assessment documentation, within a public or private school setting. Serving students across a full developmental range, including learners with disabilities and English language learners, this role demands differentiated pedagogy alongside deep content expertise.

As the Art Specialist, you are accountable for designing and delivering a sequential visual arts curriculum that meets state certification standards while producing measurable student growth across every assigned classroom. You work within a school-based multidisciplinary team, coordinating directly with classroom teachers, occupational therapists, and special education staff to embed art instruction into broader academic and developmental goals.

Career Impact: Building a documented record of standards-aligned curriculum development and IEP goal writing positions Art Specialists for lead instructional roles, curriculum coordinator appointments, or district-level arts program director positions.

Business Impact: Students in classrooms this role serves receive structured exposure to art history, design principles, and cultural critique that would otherwise be absent from their K–5 academic experience, directly affecting the school's arts programming metrics and accreditation standing.

Growth Opportunity: Deepening experience with differentiated instruction across gifted, special education, and ELL populations expands your professional profile into high-demand areas of instructional coaching and intervention support that carry real market premium.

• Develop and implement a spiraling, sequential K–5 visual arts curriculum aligned to state standards and district instructional frameworks.
• Design and administer student art assessments, including performance tasks and portfolio-based evaluations, consistent with state requirements.
• Prepare IEP-aligned art goals and document all sessions according to established procedural requirements for students receiving special services.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physical education staff to integrate art instruction within cross-disciplinary thematic units.
• Differentiate instruction to address the full range of learner needs, including gifted students, mainstreamed special education students, and English language learners.
• Communicate student progress to parents and guardians through newsletters, individual correspondence, and attendance at scheduled parent meetings.
• Manage art materials, supplies, and equipment to ensure availability, proper use, and safe physical storage across all assigned classroom locations.
• Maintain and facilitate display of student artwork throughout classrooms and common areas, reinforcing a culture of high expectations for student achievement.

• Bachelor's degree in Art Education, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of instructional experience in visual arts, with demonstrated ability to deliver curriculum across diverse learning populations.
• State certification in art education or active pursuit of certification required for the assigned position level.
• Knowledge of the elements and principles of design, art history, criticism, and aesthetics as applied to K–12 curriculum scope and sequence.
• Ability to write IEP goals aligned to visual arts learning standards and document session progress within established school procedures.
• Demonstrated competency in differentiating instruction for students with developmental disabilities, gifted learners, and English language learners.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for effective engagement with students, parents, and multidisciplinary staff colleagues.
• Organizational ability to manage art materials, maintain bulletin boards and displays, and travel between multiple classroom locations as assigned.

• Master's degree in Art Education or a curriculum-focused graduate program, with state certification at the advanced or professional level.
• Prior experience in a self-contained special education or therapeutic school environment, with exposure to co-treatment models alongside OT or speech therapy staff.
• Training or coursework in culturally responsive teaching practices and equity-centered curriculum design.
• Experience facilitating professional development or in-service training for school staff on arts integration methods.

• Student growth goals met annually, measured against pre- and post-assessment data across assigned grade levels.
• IEP goal attainment rate for students receiving art-based special services, tracked per reporting cycle.
• Curriculum documentation completion rate, covering lesson plans, session notes, and assessment records submitted on schedule.
• Parent communication touchpoints per semester, measured against school-prescribed intervals for progress reporting.
• Percentage of students demonstrating proficiency on state-aligned art assessments at end-of-year benchmarks.
• Typical tools: lesson planning and student records platforms (commonly school SIS or IEP management systems); art curriculum repositories and digital portfolio tools.

• Base Salary Range: $42,000–$62,000 annually, varying by district, state, and certification level
• Bonus: Performance stipends available in some districts; generally not standard
• Equity: Not applicable in K–12 public school settings
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; typically employer-subsidized under district plan
• PTO: Summer recess plus 10–15 paid holidays; sick leave per district policy
• Common Perks: Pension or 403(b) plan, professional development funding, and classroom supply stipends in many districts

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required, and employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check, which may include fingerprinting and criminal history review as required by state education law. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process.

The Art Specialist owns cataloguing and research for consigned property in the Contemporary Indian Art department, coordinating provenance research, catalogue entries, and photography for upcoming auctions. Reporting to senior specialists and partnering with outside experts and clients, the role supports both sale-side production and business development to grow department revenue.

Key Responsibilities

• Research property for bibliography, provenance, and exhibition history using libraries, online databases, and outside experts.
• Conduct extensive provenance and authenticity research.
• Catalogue property for public and private sales as well as appraisals and valuations in complete and proofed format.
• Prepare catalogue entries, essays, and condition reports with support from senior colleagues.
• Proof all cataloguing with specialists before submitting final proof to catalogue production.
• Prepare property for hilling sessions and amend catalogue sheets after sessions.
• Send out special interest letters to market each upcoming auction as assigned.
• Prepare condition reports in the system and forward to clients upon request.
• Maintain sale images in the system by monitoring progress, liaising with the photo studio on missing images, and managing deadline constraints.
• Assist clients in galleries during preview weekend and sale week.
• Maintain department library and research materials.
• Coordinate photography, restoration, production of stands, and gallery layout.
• Serve as primary liaison with outside experts.
• Greet and visit clients on-site and off-site to support appraisal, consignment, and sale efforts.
• Participate in telephone bidding with clients during the auction.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of paid experience in the arts.
• Knowledge of and demonstrable interest in the wider art market.
• Proficiency in email, spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software, with Microsoft Office preferred.
• Ability to learn relevant internal systems, including CRM, ERP, digital asset management, intranet, and website platforms.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior client service skills.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations, multi-task, and prioritize effectively.
• Strong follow-up skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to handle, inspect, and photograph works of art for appraisal and consignment purposes.
• Ability to create written or recorded descriptions of inspected items.
• Secondary language is a plus, with South Asian languages preferred.

Embedded within the facilities management technology function, the Art Specialist leads the selection and rollout of a CAFM system covering maintenance, contract management, cost control, KPIs, equipment life cycle, and time attendance. Working closely with the original equipment manufacturer and client IT and finance teams, the role ensures the system integrates service provider data and supports accurate asset and PPM record-keeping.

Core Functions

• Select a CAFM system for implementation capable of total maintenance, contract management, cost control, KPIs, equipment life cycle, and time attendance.
• Oversee and take responsibility for CAFM system implementation in coordination with the original equipment manufacturer and client IT department.
• Ensure spare parts lists are linked into the CAFM system.
• Agree with the client on the information to be contained in the system and the types of reports to be generated.
• Ensure the CAFM system can integrate with client-owned finance and HR systems.
• Ensure that all service provider information and delivery is included in the CAFM system, covering cleaning, MEP, specialist systems, pest control, and waste management.
• Maintain asset and PPM records and import new assets and PPM schedules into the system.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in an IT-related field or equivalent qualification.
• Six Sigma certification is preferred, at Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or Black Belt level.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in CAFM implementation.
• Previous experience using Maximo and Tririga CAFM systems.
• Previous exposure to a facilities management environment.
• Expertise in database management, specifically SQL Server 2008.
• Proficiency in Maximo and Tririga reporting.
• Good understanding of server hardware and basic server management.

Reporting to the school's instructional leadership, the Art Specialist delivers a spiraling and sequential K-5 art program that builds core art concepts and vocabulary across a wide range of student interests and abilities. Partnering with classroom teachers, parents, and community groups, the role strengthens student achievement through individualized instruction, assessment, and a safe, collaborative classroom culture.

Primary Duties

• Present core art concepts and vocabulary to students across a wide range of interests and abilities in K–5.
• Collaborate with current art specialists to reflect on and improve program delivery.
• Communicate and cooperate with classroom teachers to integrate art with classroom units where possible.
• Work with parents and community groups to enrich and broaden the art program.
• Center instruction on high expectations for student achievement by establishing a culture for learning, providing clear communication, and engaging students.
• Demonstrate effective teaching practices through use of effective questioning, discussion techniques, and reflection on teaching.
• Recognize individual student learning needs and develop strategies to address those needs, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.
• Provide clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum through knowledge of content and pedagogy, instructional outcome-setting, resource knowledge, and coherent instruction design.
• Foster and manage a safe, positive learning environment through respect, rapport, classroom procedure management, student behavior management, and safe physical space organization.
• Use multiple student data elements to modify instruction, design assessments, apply assessment in instruction, and maintain accurate student records.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents and the school community through effective and ongoing communication.
• Exhibit collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instructional practice and student learning.
• Participate in a professional community, grow and develop professionally, and demonstrate professionalism.
• Annually establish student growth goals to ensure student growth over time.
• Direct the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
• Participate in site-based decision-making processes.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the elements and principles of design, art history, criticism, and aesthetics.
• Knowledge of district curriculum and instructional practices, including teacher-directed instruction, literature-based reading, problem-based learning, math problem-solving, cooperative learning, and integrated curriculum.
• Ability to integrate art concepts, artwork, art history, styles, and aesthetics with classroom units, concepts, and themes.
• Organizational skills and comfort using a wide variety of art media and approaches.
• Commitment to equity through culturally relevant teaching practices and high expectations for all students.
• Ability to individualize instruction for a full range of students, including gifted learners, mainstreamed special education students, English language learners, and students from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Ability to develop students' technology literacy.
• Ability to use varied assessments, including performance tasks, portfolios, and student self-assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and positively with students, parents, and colleagues, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a collaborative or team approach and with students in multi-aged groups.
• Attends ongoing professional development activities, including coursework, professional associations, workshops, and in-service opportunities.
• Strong, positive attitude with the belief that each student can be taught and has the right and capacity to achieve personal academic excellence.

Sitting at the intersection of arts education and youth development, the Art Specialist develops and delivers an art curriculum that creates formative, hands-on creative experiences for campers throughout the summer. Operating across age groups and reporting directly to the Day Camp Program Leader, the role provides individualized attention to younger campers while supporting counselors and the leadership team with timely, empathetic communication.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver art curriculum, infusing all elements with the program's core values.
• Provide individualized attention and support to younger campers to meet each child where they are in their developmental journey.
• Anticipate curriculum challenges before they occur and communicate problems appropriately to the program leader.
• Provide feedback to counselors and the leadership team, speaking with empathy and tailoring communication to suit the needs of the situation.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed, including problem-solving and supporting inter-departmental projects.

Background & Experience

• Completion of at least two years at an accredited undergraduate institution, with majors in education, arts, or science-related fields viewed favorably.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience working with children.
• Ability to manage program logistics, including supplies and curriculum elements, in coordination with the operations team.
• Mission-driven approach with a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children.
• Natural leadership skills with composure, integrity, clarity, and empathy, and a sense of urgency and commitment.
• Curious, flexible, and continuously learning, with a drive to improve the educational experience.
• Solution-oriented mindset that thrives in an environment requiring innovative thinking and creativity under pressure.

A key member of the special education instructional team, the Art Specialist conducts art classes across assigned classrooms and develops curriculum and student assessments consistent with state art requirements, including IEP goal preparation. Collaborating across speech, occupational, physical therapy, and other related service staff, the role maintains student artwork displays and communicates regularly with parents on student progress.

Functions

• Conduct art classes across all assigned classrooms and travel to multiple locations as required.
• Independently develop and implement curriculum consistent with state requirements for art.
• Develop and implement student art assessments consistent with state requirements for art.
• Prepare session notes and plans and implement art sessions according to program policies, working collaboratively with classroom staff using thematic units.
• Prepare IEP goals consistent with the learning standards.
• Document all sessions according to established procedures.
• Communicate with parents regarding student progress through flyers, newsletters, letters, and attendance at parent meetings at prescribed intervals.
• Attend and complete all required trainings and in-services, and present in-services to staff as requested.
• Manage materials, supplies, and equipment necessary for proper art instruction, ensuring availability and proper use.
• Facilitate and maintain display of student artwork throughout classrooms and schools, and lead art projects as requested.
• Create and maintain bulletin boards and program displays as assigned.
• Create art instructional activities for special instructional purposes or for specific students as needed.
• Provide push-in services and work with individual students as needed to maintain ratio.
• Collaborate routinely with other staff, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physical education, music, and technology, to facilitate cooperative learning.
• Assist with bus duty, lunch coverage, committee work, and other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree with state certification in art required.
• Master's degree with state certification preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred, and the ability to do so is required.
• Creative arts skills and ability to properly use basic and readily available materials.
• Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Willingness to attend events, exhibitions, and art fairs locally, domestically, and internationally, with travel required.

Industry-leading in-game visual quality depends on the Art Specialist, who creates photorealistic particle systems and real-time effects for destructible environments, vehicles, and natural elements using proprietary toolsets. Based within the visual effects discipline, the role works closely with art directors, leads, lighting, design, sound, animation, and production while mentoring other artists and setting quality standards across the project and studio.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Create content at an industry expert level and lead the standard for in-game visual and technical quality.
• Create photo-real particle systems for game environments and scripted moments, including destructible assets and coinciding particle systems.
• Create real-time particle effects for the destruction of buildings, vehicles, and natural environments using proprietary toolsets, as well as set dressing for levels with ambient atmospheric effects.
• Work closely with art directors, leads, lighting, design, sound, animation, and production to bring levels and features to life.
• Spearhead high-profile innovations and technical processes for the department.
• Help set quality and efficiency standards and identify, assess, and manage art risks at the project and studio level.
• Create textures and meshes for use in particle effects with various 2D and 3D applications.
• Create detailed documentation and presentations to share information with team members.
• Mentor other artists on best practices and workflows.

Technical Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in AAA game development with multiple shipped titles.
• Advanced experience with simulation and VFX software, including FumeFX, Houdini, Maya, and 3ds Max.
• Advanced compositing knowledge across tools such as After Effects, Nuke, Fusion, and Photoshop.
• Advanced knowledge of version control software such as Perforce.
• Strong understanding of scripting and programming concepts.
• Ability to perform rigid body and soft body simulations and animations.
• Expert eye for timing, weight, realism, color, volume, energy, and other particle aesthetics.
• Advanced ability to create all required art assets for particle effects and level atmospherics.
• Experienced technical ability within VFX with strong general skills across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to stay within budgets and understand platform limitations.
• Strong troubleshooting and interpersonal skills.
• Expert modeling and animation experience is a plus.

As the Art Specialist, this role sources artworks and clients for the modern art department while managing incoming valuations and engaging proactively with buyers and sellers in the secondary market. The modern art department relies on this work to deliver exceptional client service across selling events, exhibitions, and talks.

Activities

• Source artworks and clients for the modern art department.
• Manage incoming valuations.
• Engage proactively with buyers and sellers.
• Provide exceptional client service to both existing and new clients.
• Assist with selling events, exhibitions, and talks.

Professional Experience

• Experience, knowledge, and understanding of modern art, ideally within the secondary market.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work in a team.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Fluency in German and English.
• Willingness to travel, primarily domestically.