Job Description

Full Time: 100% FTE / 40 hours per week

Compensation Range: $20.19 - $23.00 per hour, non-exempt

Benefits Overview: Medical, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation and sick time off, paid federal holidays, and retirement plan (See full job description for more details).

Organization size: 50+ Employees

Reports to: Manager, Digital Arts and Technology Program

Location(s): Work from the Modesto Center four days out of the week and from the Stockton Center one day a week.

NOTE: Instructor roles are eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of their first 90 days of employment and only during off-season programming seasons.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Digital NEST is a workforce development center that has welcomed thousands of youth from working-class, farmworker communities to develop the technical and professional skills they need to achieve their dreams. It is an exciting time for the NEST. We are focused on growth and expansion to five communities across The Monterey Bay (MBR) and San Joaquin Valley (SJVR) Regions in Northern California. Digital NEST has Centers in the heart of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and Stockton.

The Visual & UX/UI Design Instructor will support the growth of the Digital Arts & Technology Program (DAT) by leading and collaborating on the development and implementation of training for the Visual & UX/UI Design Programs and instructing youth aged 14-24. Overall, this position recruits, instructs, advises, mentors, and coaches members in technical and professional skills development for the Visual & UX/UI Design concentration.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Development and Delivery (60%)

• Plan and execute yearly Visual & UX/UI Design programs for the DAT Pathway that can scale across all Digital NEST centers.
• Collaboratively create, develop, and implement Visual & UX/UI Design curriculum aligned with industry standards and the needs of our bizzNEST internship program, alongside DAT Team.
• Design curriculum that engages youth and builds strong foundational skills in Visual & UX/UI Design.
• Facilitate youth training in Visual & UX/UI Design. Teach foundational Design principles using digital tools, including (but not limited to) Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Figma, Canva, Adobe Express, and WordPress.
• Lead low-barrier entry-level Design Clubs and workshops to introduce youth to the Visual & UX/UI Design concentration and spark interest in the DAT pathway.
• Develop proficiency in Digital NEST’s Professional Skills curriculum and teach these skills to DAT members and program participants.
• Establish behavioral standards during training sessions; provide coaching and feedback based on the Professional Skills curriculum.
• Track and document member engagement, progress, and career pathway goals throughout the year.
• Prepare learning spaces, rooms, and equipment for classes, workshops, and events.
• Support Manager in monitoring industry trends and advancements to ensure curriculum remains cutting-edge, relevant to evolving job market demands, and aligned with larger programmatic goals.
• Provide positive youth development services, including mentoring, emotional support, academic and career advising, and career development assistance.

Recruitment and Member Engagement (30%)

• Build relationships with high school and community college teachers, counselors, and community leaders to identify prospective members.
• Recruit and engage members for DAT and Digital NEST Programs; maintain member participation records and produce reports as needed.
• Collaborate with the HUB team and DAT Pathway team to design and execute youth outreach strategies, including tabling events, classroom presentations, and other opportunities as needed.
• Assist with planning and running engagement events in Modesto and Stockton.
• Provide additional support to members outside regular programming hours to reinforce understanding and enhance engagement with Digital NEST.
• Work closely with other team members on recruitment and retention efforts for the Pathways programs.
• Provide ongoing mentorship, career guidance, and wellbeing monitoring to youth members; share relevant observations with program staff.
  
   

Key Member of the Digital NEST Program Team (10%)

• Represent the Digital NEST in a professional, constructive and compelling manner to stakeholders at meetings, on social media, at public events and in media products or written publications. 
• Provide general support to fundraising efforts expected of all staff: showcase members and member work, speak articulately about programming and be a model representative and evangelist for Digital NEST in the community.
• Follow organizational policies and procedures (e.g. keeps calendars and other documentation up-to-date, attends mandatory meetings); proactively and promptly communicates problems with policies and procedures to the supervisor.
• Serve as a role model for Members regarding career aspirations, becoming tech-savvy and social enterprise;  live by and uphold our work community’s values and codes of conduct.
• Participate in Digital NEST evening and weekend programs and events on an occasional basis; facilitate youth involvement in these programs and events. 
• Transport themselves to Digital NEST facilities and to outreach locations.
• Performs other duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of three years of formal experience in UX/UI Design, Web Design, or Visual Design; or a bachelor's degree or industry certification in UX/UI or Visual Design with a formal portfolio.
• Proficient with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).
• Familiarity with WordPress or similar web-building platforms.
• Strong understanding of design principles, typography, color theory, and layout.
• At least 1 year of experience teaching or working with youth using culturally responsive experiential learning pedagogies and instructional methods. 
• Demonstrated ability to connect positively with youth aged 14-24; a positive, energetic and authentic presence.
• Demonstrates qualities of flexibility and adaptability in teaching and professional settings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with team and across departments.
• Ability to take initiative and ownership in regards to time management of assigned tasks.
• Proven problem-solving skills
• Valid driver's license and access to a reliable, insured automobile.

PREFERRED-BUT-NOT-REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual/Biliterate English and Spanish

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/SES and immigration status.
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA).   
• Must have a valid CA driver's license and be able to travel and work evenings or weekends occasionally, or as needed.

NOTE: The job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a background check.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS: We take a holistic approach to wellness, physical, emotional, and financial. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% Agency Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for the employee
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Benefit with up to 2% employer match
• 10 Paid Vacation Days for Full-time Employees (non-Director and non-Chief positions)
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually Plus Business closure/holiday the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Paid Sick Time Off
• Annual Parking Permit
• Flexible Work Schedule

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for. We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.  

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.

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