Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Programs Coordinator

Rooted in Arab arts and language, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches cross-cultural understanding and celebrates diversity.  Based in West Philadelphia, “Al-Bustan,” Arabic for “The Garden,” works in communities across Philadelphia, bringing together youth and adults from diverse backgrounds and experiences to engage in a variety of artistic media. 

In December 2019 Al-Bustan moved to a storefront location at 3645 Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia. This new administrative and programming hub enabled us to cultivate relationships with neighboring residents and business owners of Powelton and Mantua. We envision creating a welcoming cultural place for all by partnering with cultural, social service, and other neighborhood organizations. As the pandemic forced the closing of our hub since mid-March, our team has been working remotely and pursuing alternative means of implementing programs and engaging with community members outdoors and online, until it is deemed safe to re-open our hub.

Al-Bustan is seeking a Programs Coordinator to assist in planning and implementing its educational and presenting programs, full-time starting August 2020.

Primary responsibilities include, but not limited to: 

1. Engaging in continuous self-education and research that draws on Arab arts, culture, and history through readings, online resources, and exchanges with knowledgeable scholars, artists, and educators.  

2 .Coordinating implementation of Al-Bustan’s ongoing programming at several public schools, summer camp, community arts classes in West Philadelphia, concerts, demonstrations and special events throughout the year – NB:  these programs will be virtual for the next few months till it is deemed safe to hold in-person activities

3. Documenting the above programming through writing blog/website posts and photography, and compilation of participants’ data for grant reporting

4. Contributing to content development of Al-Bustan’s digital educational resources that further appreciation and understanding of the Arabic language, arts, and culture 

5. Recruiting and managing volunteers and interns to assist in ongoing programs and special events

Experience:

•  minimum two years experience working with youth in educational settings

Skills:

  • able to manage children’s behavior with keen grasp of the stages of child development
  • excellent writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills
  • able to take initiative and pursue creative solutions
  • able to collaborate productively as part of a team
  • able to work effectively with diverse constituencies
  • well organized with ability to multi-task and coordinate overlapping activities
  • highly knowledgeable about/interested in Arab arts and culture
  • proficient in Microsoft Office, internet research, and Mac-based environments
  • preferably experienced with Adobe Creative Suite applications,  or quick learner to become adept
  • preferably conversant or fluent in the Arabic language

This position reports to the Public Education Director and Executive Director, while working collaboratively with other team members, and is responsible for managing volunteers and interns

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is seeking to hire a Programs Coordinator to assist in planning and implementing its educational and presenting programs, full-time starting August 2020.