Artist in Residence (8-month term)
School Overview
St. John’s School (SJS) is a leading independent, all-gender IB World School in Vancouver, Canada, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) across Kindergarten to Grade 12. SJS is committed to providing an enriching and rigorous education that nurtures learning competencies, student agency, wellbeing, and a lifelong love of learning.
In the Junior School we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades JK-5. We offer a holistic programme to all students that consists of experiential opportunities for students to engage in learning in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership roles, and community service.
Position Purpose & Overview
St. John’s School (SJS) is seeking a dynamic and passionate Artist in Residence with a strong background in painting and technical studio practice. This role aims to enrich our students' educational experience by integrating professional-level painting techniques and artistic skill development into our curriculum, fostering creativity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of visual art processes.
The candidate will be working alongside teachers to infuse their artistic perspectives in our existing curriculum. They will enhance student learning through their knowledge of painting methods, materials, and practices, supporting both foundational skill-building and advanced artistic exploration. The Artist in Residence will collaborate, plan, and help deliver this curriculum, as well as work alongside our higher level art students, to assist with their work through a mentoring approach.
The candidate is expected to exemplify excellent professional practice and high standards of their practice. The successful candidate supports student wellbeing, participates in co-curricular commitments of the school, and is reliable in exercising their daily responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet with the relevant Heads of Department (MYP/DP), Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and teachers to plan units of work, projects, and lesson activities that align with the school’s visual arts curriculum and painting-based learning goals.
- Conduct workshops and classes for students and staff, teaching foundational and advanced painting techniques, including composition, colour theory, mixed media approaches, and contemporary studio practices.
- Work with students and teachers in classes from K to 12 on painting and visual art student projects. These projects are owned by the students/school. Supplies for these projects are provided by the school and will be planned with the teachers, Curriculum Leaders (PYP) and Heads of Department (MYP/DP).
- Develop and create original artworks that reflect the Artist in Residence’s professional practice, to be showcased within the school and broader community.
- Provide artworks to be displayed on campus for a period of one year, contributing to a vibrant and inspiring visual arts environment.
- Contribute art pieces and attend the relevant Arts Showcase at the school.
- Organize and participate in exhibitions, showcases, or community events that highlight student and resident artist work, fostering engagement with the arts across the school community.
- Endorse the school’s mission, vision, and values.
- Facilitate and deliver engaging and effective lessons.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to students pursuing arts, encouraging exploration of their creative potential and cultural identity.
- Collaborate with the Curriculum Leaders and Heads of Department, and other teachers to develop and enhance innovative Junior and Senior School curriculums.
- Create a safe, effective, challenging, ethical and organized learning environment.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of and passion for the Arts.
- Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using appropriate and effective technology to enhance instruction and learning.
- Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues, and parents, in line with the school’s Mutual Respect policy.
- Serve as a creative leader within the school community, inspiring students through commitment to excellence in painting and visual expression.
Required Qualifications & Key Competencies
Education & Experience
- Completion of an Arts, Fine Arts, or relevant degree or diploma programme.
- Demonstrated expertise in a range of technical painting skills, including but not limited to:
- Colour Theory
- Composition
- Brushwork and surface techniques
- Layering and glazing
- Contemporary and experimental approaches
- Experience working with children and youth in an educational setting is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of the artistic process, critique practices, and development of individual artistic voice.
- Need to be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes is considered an asset.
Key Skills & Competencies
- A motivated, adaptable, and enthusiastic team player.
- Commitment to inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Dynamic ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Demonstrate and pursue excellence in practice and professional growth.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong emotional intelligence (EQ).
- Proficient in providing support for diverse learning needs is considered an asset.
This role will require working hours outside of school office hours: evening events;
occasionally going offsite to document student programs; and occasional morning and weekend commitments.
This job profile outlines the key responsibilities for the roles and is not meant to be exhaustive. This will include performing the administrative and related tasks or any other responsibilities required to reasonably meet the needs of St. John’s School, including, but not limited to the general duties outlined in the position profile.
It should be understood that the activities, responsibilities and obligations of this position may be modified from time to time, through discussion between the direct supervisor and the employee, in order to effectively meet the requirements of the School. On rare occasions where there are urgent needs at the School, an employee may be assigned to temporarily backfill role(s) critical to the school’s operations and business continuity.
Conditions of Employment
- The successful candidate will be required to complete child abuse prevention training, concussion training, Level 1 first-aid training provided by St. John’s School and provide consent for a criminal background check for the vulnerable sector.
- Clearance on criminal record checks for vulnerable sector is a condition of employment
- The ability to legally work in Canada, in an educational setting is a condition of employment.
Job Information
- Temporary (8-month term) full-time contract from October 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.
- Work Location: on-site
- Comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care, vision care, critical health insurance, an employee assistance program, and more.
- Annual salary of $44,00.00. Annual salary is prorated based on the length of the contract.
Reporting Structure
- Reports To: Junior School Principal & Senior School Principal
- Direct Reports: N/A
- Department: Junior School & Senior School
- Key Interactions:
- External: Faculty, non-teaching employees, Head of Departments (“HODs”), Curriculum Leaders, School Principals, and Vice-Principals.
- Internal: Parents, alumni, and external vendors.
Application Instructions
All interested candidates should include the following items in their application:
- Resume & Cover Letter
- Copies of any relevant certificates and diplomas
- Three Professional References
All interested candidates should submit their complete application to the following link:
Artist in Residence
The posting will be active until filled. If you are having any problems submitting your application, please email [email protected]
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
St. John’s School is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, and perspectives strengthens our school community and enriches learning for our students.
Our commitment to equity and inclusion aligns with the values of the International Baccalaureate, including respect, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship.
St. John’s School is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and reasonable accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of hiring.
