Organizational Overview

Northfield Union of Youth (NUY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth services organization with a mission to give power and voice to youth and to create a caring and enriching community. Youth, employees, board members, and volunteers work collaboratively to achieve this mission. NUY operates through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and positive youth development lens. All employment at NUY is rooted in youth empowerment and the cultivation of developmental relationships.

Position Overview

The Youth Advocate – Art Coordinator is a dynamic, relationship-centered role that combines direct youth support with creative program leadership. This position is responsible for supervising The Key youth center during open hours, building strong, trust-based relationships with youth, and designing inclusive, engaging arts programming that reflects and uplifts youth voice.

The ideal candidate is passionate about youth empowerment, experienced in creative facilitation, and committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where all young people are welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged to lead.

The position of Youth Advocate – Art Coordinator includes the following responsibilities:

Youth Center Staffing

● Provide consistent supervision of The Key youth center during scheduled shifts (2–9 PM in summer / 2:30–9:30 PM during the school year).
● Welcome and greet youth and visitors to create an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment.
● Offer relational, responsive support to youth, including in crisis or emergency situations.
● Collaborate with fellow Key staff, interns and AmeriCorps members.
● Support day-to-day operations including supply access, data tracking, and general upkeep.

Art Coordination

● Plan and lead a weekly Art Night with varied, opt-in activities.
● Rotate and maintain engaging, youth-led art projects and creative experiences.
● Order and organize art supplies to support programming.
● Maintain the Monthly Programming Board for all activities.
● Support youth and guest-led music programs and performances.

Community & Artist Collaborations

● Coordinate monthly guest artist visits at The Key.
● Build and maintain partnerships with:

  • Northfield Arts Guild
  • Northfield Public Library
  • Local musicians, visual artists, and other creatives

Relationship Building

● Provide a caring, consistent adult presence at The Key.
● Offer informal and formal social-emotional support, rooted in trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.
● Connect youth with relevant community resources (housing, mental health, food, education, etc.).
● Build collaborative relationships with local youth-serving organizations and Northfield Schools.
● Represent NUY at community meetings and events.

Social Media & Outreach

● Post weekly social media updates including:

  • Mondays: Weekly preview of meals and programming
  • Throughout the week: Youth highlights and candid moments
  • As needed: Event promotions and fundraising campaigns

Organizational Participation

● Regularly communicate and plan with the Youth Center Coordinator and youth leadership.
● Attend weekly staff meetings and contribute to team culture.
● Cover shifts for fellow staff as needed and available.
● Support collective decision-making with staff, youth, and board.
● Stay up to date on best practices and pursue relevant professional development.
● Take initiative on emerging responsibilities and opportunities.

Qualifications

● Experience or education in Art, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field (preferred).
● Experience in youth outreach and relationship building with diverse populations.
● Knowledge of youth mental health, trauma, and substance use issues (preferred).
● Experience with crisis management and conflict de-escalation (preferred).
● Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
● Effective communication across diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
● Must pass all required background checks.

Compensation & Benefits

● Wage: $18-$20/hour
● Monthly Bonus: $440 (flexible use for healthcare, savings, retirement, etc.)
● Phone Stipend: $50/month
● Retirement: 3% employer match on savings account
● Paid Time Off: 20 days annually (1.667 days/month)
● Mental Health: 10 free therapy sessions per year through Secure Base Counseling
● YMCA Membership: Free
● Mileage Reimbursement: For approved travel at current IRS rates
● Professional Development: Ongoing opportunities for growth and innovation

NUY is committed to hiring the right person who can build strong, authentic relationships with youth while contributing meaningfully to our team and mission.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Northfield Union of Youth is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our organization and our community. We encourage candidates of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and lived experiences to apply. We are
especially committed to employing individuals whose identities align with and inform our mission of youth empowerment.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to:
info@unionofyouth.org
Questions and inquiries may also be sent to this email address.