Request for Proposals (RFP)Support Specialists

POSITION OVERVIEW
ART INC is seeking qualified independent contractors to support the Arts, Science and Leadership Academy (ASALA), which serves youth ages 6 to 18. This Request for Proposals (RFP) covers three contractor categories: ASALA Support Specialists, Theater Teaching Artists, and Specialty Arts Instructors. Selected contractors will help ASALA maintain safe, welcoming, and organized learning environments and deliver high-quality arts, science, and leadership programming aligned with ART INC's mission, trauma-informed standards, and community engagement goals.
This RFP is part of ART INC's competitive procurement process and contractor selection procedures. Applicants may submit proposals for one or more categories.
SCOPE OF SERVICES & RESPONSIBILITIES BEING SOLICITED
ART INC is soliciting proposals in two categories. ASALA Support Specialists provide classroom support, participant safety, administrative tasks, event support, and transportation, typically through an hourly service agreement.
Specialty Arts Instructors provide instruction in a specific arts discipline, including youth productions, showcases, and exhibitions, typically through a per-session or program-based contract. Specialty Arts disciplines may include theater (acting, improvisation, playwriting, stagecraft, music director, stage manager etc...), dance (hip hop, African, contemporary, ballet, step), music (vocal, instrumental, percussion, music production), visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, murals, mixed media), spoken word, poetry, and creative writing, digital media (photography, film, video editing, graphic design), and fashion, costume, and textile arts. Proposals for other arts disciplines that support ASALA goals are welcome.
Specialty Arts Instructor
Design and deliver age-appropriate instruction in the proposed arts discipline for youth ages 6 to 18, grouped by age and skill level
Submit lesson plans or a curriculum outline aligned with ASALA arts, science, and leadership goals before the program cycle begins
Build skill progression across sessions, from foundational techniques to a completed piece, performance, or project
For theater: teach acting fundamentals, voice and movement, improvisation, character development, script analysis, playwriting, devised theater, and stagecraft, and direct rehearsals
Integrate social-emotional learning and leadership skills such as confidence, teamwork, communication, and public speaking
Connect the discipline to careers in the arts and creative industries where appropriate
Prepare youth for at least one culminating showcase, exhibition, or performance per program cycle
Coordinate with Support Specialists on space setup, rehearsal schedules, and youth supervision
Submit supply lists and equipment or production needs in advance for procurement approval
Care for ART INC equipment and materials and report damaged or missing items
Document participant progress using ART INC tools or rubrics
PROGRAM SUPPORT
Prepare, set up, and reset classrooms and program spaces
Ensure supplies, materials, and equipment are ready for programming
Greet participants, families, visitors, and partners professionally
Support program staff and teaching artists with age-appropriate activities
Assist with arts, wellness, STEAM, leadership, and enrichment activities
Maintain a safe and orderly environment
Follow youth safety and incident reporting procedures
Assist with participant recruitment and enrollment efforts
Distribute outreach and program materials
Support daily program implementation and operations
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Maintain attendance and sign-in/sign-out documentation
Complete timely and accurate data entry
Assist with case notes and participant documentation
Provide updates to Program Managers and leadership
Complete supply requests and administrative follow-up tasks
Support program evaluation and reporting efforts
EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Support ART INC community events and outreach activities
Assist with setup, breakdown, registration, concessions, and guest support
Promote ART INC programming and community engagement opportunities
Attend recruitment and outreach events
Assist with logistics and material preparation
TRANSPORTATION & VAN OPERATIONS
Safely operate ART INC vehicles and vans
Transport participants, staff, and supplies between locations
Complete vehicle inspections and logs
Follow ART INC transportation and youth safety policies
Maintain vehicle cleanliness and fuel monitoring
Immediately report accidents, incidents, or vehicle concerns
TARGET POPULATION
Services may be provided to:
Youth ages 6–18
Programming may take place during after-school hours, school breaks, and summer sessions. Showcases, performances, and community events may occur on evenings or weekends. Exact schedules will be set by program assignment.
CONTRACT TERM
Proposed contract periods may include:
Short-term project contracts
Monthly service agreements
Fiscal year agreements
Grant-funded service periods
Contracts are contingent upon:
Funding availability
Program needs
Compliance approval
Performance monitoring
Contracts may be structured as:
Hourly service agreements
Program-based contracts
Fiscal year contracts
COMPENSATION
Compensation will be based on:
Experience
Scope of services
Program assignment
Funding availability
Rates must align with ART INC procurement and grant compliance standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants should possess:
High school diploma or GED
Minimum one (1) year experience in:
Youth services
Community programs
After-school programming
Administrative support
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to work with diverse populations and cultures
Ability to support positive behavior and de-escalation strategies
Basic technology proficiency including:
Microsoft 365
Outlook
OneDrive or Google Workspace
Team-oriented and dependable
Specialty Arts Instructor
Minimum two (2) years of demonstrated practice in the proposed arts discipline (for theater, as

Employment type
Contractor

Work arrangement
No