Youth Speaks hires accomplished spoken artists, to work and be trained as mentors and workshop facilitators in our residency, school visit and after-school programs. It is our goal to place up-and-coming artists in the position to develop face-to-face relationships with young people to jointly inspire voice, and leadership while fostering artistic and youth development. Poet-Mentors play a vital role in the organization as they serve as a first line of contact for the youth we see every year.
Auditions are held twice a year. For questions or audition dates, please contact Kirya Traber at
ktraber@youthspeaks.org, (415) 255-9035×18.
Full Job Description
>> Primary Function
Poet-Mentors work in the Residency program and/or After-School Workshops to facilitate spoken word workshops, and provide mentorship in Youth Speaks High School Clubs for youth ages 13-19.
>> Principle Duties and Responsibilities
Leading an individual Residency and/or After-School Workshop, which will include:
> Performance of original work at school visits
> Lesson planning and curriculum development
> Workshop facilitation
> Attending all scheduled workshop dates
> Keeping record and reporting attendance and progress of workshop sessions
> Mentorship and support of Youth Speaks school club at your site (if on school campus)
> Regular collaboration and communication with site leaders and Program Manager
>> Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:
> Spoken word artist 19-28
> Must have previous performance experience
> Must have experience with youth mentorship
> Must be able to self-supervise, and report back to Program Manager regularly
> Must be punctual and reliable
> Must have strong interpersonal, written and oral communications skills
> Must have strong leadership skills
> Must be flexible and adaptable
> Experience teaching/facilitating workshops preferred
> Bilingual in Spanish, or Cantonese a plus (not required)
>> Wages
Contracted position at $25 per/hour. Paid training and prep time included.
>> Application
A cover letter outlining why you are interested in working for Youth Speaks and your experience with youth development and mentorship, along with your resume, a CV, a writing sample, and list of references can be sent to: poetmentor@youthspeaks.org. Fax: 415.255.9065, or mailed to Poet-Mentor, Youth Speaks, 290 Division Street, Suite 302, San Francisco, CA 94103. All applications will be acknowledged.