Artist in Residence (One-Year Term)

 

School Overview

SJS, is a leading independent, all gender K-12 IB school in Vancouver, Canada. At SJS we prioritize enriching education that nurtures learning competencies, agency, love for learning, and student well-being. Teachers at SJS encourage students to engage thoughtfully in their learning, to be risk-takers in their learning and strive to achieve their highest potential. 

In the junior school we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades JK-5. We offer a holistic programme to all students that consists of experiential opportunities for students to engage in learning in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership roles, and community service.

 

 

Position Purpose & Overview

St. John’s School (SJS) is seeking a dynamic and passionate Artist in Residence with a First Nations background. This role aims to enrich our students’ educational experience by integrating Indigenous artistic practices into our curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures. The candidate will be working alongside teachers to infuse their artistic perspectives in our existing curriculum. They will work to enhance our curriculum with their knowledge, skills, and practices. The Artist in Residence will collaborate, plan, and help deliver this curriculum, as well as work alongside our higher level art students, to assist with their work through a mentoring approach.

The candidate is expected to exemplify excellent professional practice and high standards of their practice. The successful candidate supports student wellbeing, participates in co-curricular commitments of the school, and is reliable in exercising their daily responsibilities.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities and duties are inclusive of, but not limited to:

• Meet with the relevant HODs, Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and teachers to plan units of work, projects, and lesson activities (the selection of these teachers is dependent on the type of artistic practice).
• Conduct workshops and classes for students and staff, teaching traditional and contemporary First Nations art forms, techniques, and histories.
• Work with students and teachers in classes from K to 12 on student projects. These projects are owned by the students/school. Supplies for these projects are provided by the school and will be planned with the teachers, Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and HODs.
• Develop and create original artworks that reflect First Nations heritage, to be showcased within the school and broader community.
• Provide artworks to be displayed on campus for a period of one year.
• Contribute art pieces and attend the relevant Arts Showcase at the school.
• Organize and participate in exhibitions, performances, or showcases that highlight First Nations art and culture, engaging both the school and the local community.
• Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values.
• Facilitate and deliver engaging and effective lessons.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students pursuing arts, encouraging exploration of their creative potential and cultural identity.
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Leaders and HODs, and other teachers to develop and enhance innovative Junior and Senior School curriculums.
• Create a safe, effective, challenging, ethical and organized learning environment.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of and passion for the Arts.
• Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using appropriate and effective technology to enhance instruction and learning.
• Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues, and parents, in line with the school’s Mutual Respect policy.
• Serve as a cultural ambassador, promoting awareness and understanding of First Nations histories, values, and artistic expressions within the school community.

 

 

Required Qualifications and Key Skills

Education & Work Experience

• Completion of an Arts, Fine Arts, or relevant degree or diploma programme.
• Need to be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• A Basic First Aid certificate is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes is considered an asset.

 

Qualities and Skills

• A motivated, adaptable, and enthusiastic team player.
• Commitment to inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Dynamic ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate and pursue excellence in practice and professional growth.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Proficient in providing support for diverse learning needs is considered an asset.

 

This role will require working hours outside of school office hours: evening events; occasionally going offsite to document student programs; and occasional morning and weekend commitments.

This job profile outlines the key responsibilities for the roles and is not meant to be exhaustive. This will include performing the administrative and related tasks or any other responsibilities required to reasonably meet the needs of St. John’s School, including, but not limited to the general duties outlined in the position profile. 

It should be understood that the activities, responsibilities and obligations of this position may be modified from time to time, through discussion between the direct supervisor and the employee, in order to effectively meet the requirements of the School. On rare occasions where there are urgent needs at the School, an employee may be assigned to temporarily backfill role(s) critical to the school’s operations and business continuity.

 

 

Conditions of Employment

• The successful candidate will be required to complete child abuse prevention training, concussion training, Level 1 first-aid training provided by St. John’s School and provide consent for a criminal background check for the vulnerable sector.
• Clearance on criminal record checks for vulnerable sector is a condition of employment
• The ability to legally work in Canada, in an educational setting is a condition of employment.

 

Job Information

• One-year term contract from October 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.
• Work location: on-site.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual salary of $42,750.00. Annual salary is prorated based on the length of the contract.

 

Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Junior School Principal & Senior School Principal
• Direct Reports: None
• Department: Junior School & Senior School
• Key Interactions:
  • Internal: Faculty, non-teaching employees, Head of Departments (“HODs”), Curriculum Leaders (PYP), School Principals, and Vice-Principals.
  • External: Parents, Alumni, and Teacher’s Regulation Branch

 

Applications

All interested candidates should include the following items in their application:

• Resume & Cover Letter
• Copies of any relevant certificates and diplomas.
• Three Professional References with contact details.

All interested candidates should submit their complete application at the following link:

Artist in Residence

The posting will be active until filled. If you are having any problems submitting your application, please email [email protected]

 

 

St. John’s School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. John’s School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, from BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of colour), persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability, we will work with you to make reasonable workplace accommodations you may need for your best work performance.