CURRENT OPENINGS
Lead Teacher - Young Writers & Leaders
Job Description
Hours: Full-time 40 hours/week
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Reports to: Program Director
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Location: Portland, occasional travel
Position Overview
As a core member of The Telling Room program staff, the Lead Teacher - Young Writers and Leaders (YWL) is an educator with experience designing, planning, and implementing high-quality literary arts programming. They are experienced working with youth with international and multicultural backgrounds. The Lead Teacher - YWL is responsible for developing the curriculum, coordinating the administration, and teaching of the YWL program, a free afterschool literary arts program for international and multicultural high school students, and co-teaching in additional Telling Room programs as specified below.
Primary YWL Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Lead - YWL performs a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:
Develop and organize curriculum, leading the YWL program in collaboration with the Alumni Director as co-teacher, which includes:
Two Academic Year YWL weekly cohorts,
YWL School Break Camp, and
YWL Summer Camp
Manage program recruitment from initial contact with feeder school principals, teachers, and administrators throughout the recruitment events and application process
Maintain relationships with community collaborators and forums such as Portland Public Schools’ superintendent and assistant superintendent, Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition, and Immigrant Youth Working Group
Plan the following events:
Poetry Reading
Book Launch
Volunteer recruitment, relationship management, and coordination of writing coaches, including planning and executing writing coach training
Responsible for all program communications with: students, families, schools (administrators, guidance counselors, educators)
Manage and maintain all paperwork, including contracts, permissions, registration, and roster
Manage program budget
Program Team Responsibilities:
Teach one non-YWL summer camp
As a core member of the program staff, support in the development of periodic trainings and retreats
Support and/or co-lead afterschool and in-school programs
Qualifications Required
Experience
2 years of relevant experience in a related field, such as Arts Education, Writing, and Creative Youth Development
1 year of experience working with multicultural and/or international youth in an educational setting
Computer Skills
Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Word
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Demonstrated success in youth program management
Demonstrated ability in practicing and teaching creative writing
Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events
Demonstrated ability to manage long-term, complex projects
Preferred
Experience
4 years of relevant experience that includes significant leadership and administrative experience
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
Demonstrated understanding of best practices for youth development
Working Conditions:
Telling Room’s Lead Teacher - YWL will:
Will work in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces, including the outdoors/indoors, for programs.
Will work a 40-hour workweek including some evenings and weekends to lead program activities or participate in organization-hosted events.
May schedule their 40-hour week in accordance with the TR’s Flex-Time Policy.
Access to car and clean driving record is required as per the employee handbook
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination required
Must be able to lift 25 pounds
Supervision
The Lead Teacher - Young Writers & Leaders reports to the Program Director.
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $52,513.91
To support our staff, we offer benefits that include health and dental insurance, a Simple IRA plan with 2% employer contribution, life insurance, generous paid vacation and holidays (including two week long office closures), and sick time off
Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate
How to Apply: To apply, please complete this form. In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the questions provided. You will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form. Please email writers@tellingroom.org with questions. No phone calls, please.
Application Deadline: We will review applications submitted through March 27, 2026 or until the position is filled.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize the leadership of people of color and LGBTQ individuals, and we strongly encourage people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.