Teen Activator (Part-time/Temporary/Seasonal)

Description

Are you a rising Junior or Senior in high school or recent high school graduate who would like to work in an unconventional arts space with focus on assisting Teaching Artists During Camp MASS MoCA (as a counselor), experience all kinds of art - from visual art to theater to music to dance - while gaining work experience, and sharing your voice to make an impact on the future of contemporary art?

Teen Activators in MASS MoCA’s Summer Cohort will gain a greater understanding of what art making means to them during a multidisciplinary slate of teen programs from July through August 2026. Activators develop their own artistic practice and have the opportunity to apply their skills while assisting teaching artists with Camp MASS MoCA during the month of August.

MASS MoCA’s Public Programs department produces a slate of programming for Teen Activators to participate in prior to Camp MASS MoCA in June and July. These teen programs are unpaid and optional to attend.

This is a part-time, seasonal, and temporary position, for raising Juniors–Newly Graduated Seniors. Apply to be a paid Teen Activator at MASS MoCA for Summer 2026! Application Deadline is Monday, June 1st, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work on programming initiatives with MASS MoCA’s public programs department
• Assist teaching artist during Camp MASS MoCA
• Engage with visual arts through gallery learning and workshops with exhibition and community artists
• Participate in and give feedback during multi-disciplinary response workshops
• Participate in artist engagements, reading seminars, and professional development workshops to gain a broader view of museum work
• Assist public programs department on execution of adult and community programs
• Assist in the Research and Development Store, provide set up and program support
• Usher at summer performing arts events, including music festivals (optional)
• Activators are required to attend 1-2 workshops with Teaching Artists Prior to working camp

Requirements

Requirements and Qualifications:

• This is a part-time/seasonal/temporary position
• Must be a rising junior or senior (11th and 12th Grades), or recent HS/GED graduate (junior or senior for the 2026-2027 School Year, or 2026 graduate)
• An interest in working with Teaching Artists to refine activities 
• An interest in working directly with people of all ages, younger people, peers and members of the community 
• Committed to DEAI (diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion) work and fostering a sense of belonging, dignity, and justice for all visitors
• Applicants must have an approved/completed MA State Youth Employment Permit prior to the first day of employment, if under 18 years of age
• Applicants must have a bank checking account that is in their own name by the start date to be eligible for this position (Required for pay)

Additional Skills:

• Curious, enthusiastic, and willing to try new things
• Willing to work both independently and as a group
• Ability to follow through on a task until completion
• An interest in learning about and helping others to learn about unconventional art and the creative process
• Ability to provide feedback about your experience, and offer suggestions for future opportunities for young people at MASS MoCA
• Able to work independently and as a team player
• Enthusiasm for and experience working with people in an educational or customer service environment.
• Ideally, has an outgoing, positive personality with a knack for connecting with people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities

Work Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• The majority of the workday is spent indoors, but occasional special events, exhibitions, and/or festivals may require working outdoors and in inclement weather
• Must be able to sit, stand, and move for distances across the museum. This role is able to accommodate a wheelchair
• People of all abilities are encouraged to apply
• Must be able to wear PPE when necessary

Non-exempt. Minimum starting wage is $19.50/hour

Application Process: To apply, please submit your application online. You’ll need to upload a resume (a list of your work, school, or volunteer experience) and a cover letter (a short note introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in the role). The application also includes a few quick questions to help us get to know you better.

Please make sure to include all requested materials—applications that are missing items may not be reviewed. 

Applicati