About newportFILM 

newportFILM presents current and impactful documentaries year-round through outdoor summer screenings, indoor film events, filmmaker conversations, youth education programs, and artist development initiatives. We are a small, mission-driven arts nonprofit committed to building community through nonfiction storytelling.

About docUnbound

docUnbound is newportFILM’s free, afterschool documentary filmmaking program for high school students on Aquidneck Island. The program welcomes curious students into the full creative process of nonfiction storytelling, from idea development and interviewing to filming, editing, and public presentation. Students build technical skills, creative confidence, collaboration, and voice while working toward a public showcase of their short documentary films in June.

docUnbound students have won filmmaking awards through SkillsUSA, and recent alumni have continued creating short films in college. Students can also extend their learning in the summer as paid event interns at newportFILM’s Outdoors summer film series, gaining hands-on experience in live event production and arts and culture programming.

Job Description

newportFILM is seeking a Teaching Artist to lead docUnbound’s after-school education program throughout the academic year. Reporting to the Community and Education Manager, the Teaching Artist will facilitate weekly learning sessions that introduce students to documentary filmmaking through hands-on instruction, discussion, and creative collaboration. This role is ideal for someone with extensive film knowledge, experience in video production, and a passion for arts education and community engagement.

The Teaching Artist will work closely with multiple community partners to deliver engaging programming that builds students’ technical skills, creativity, and confidence while following the established docUnbound curriculum.

Responsibilities

Program Facilitation & Instruction

• Lead weekly after-school docUnbound learning sessions from September through June.
• Facilitate engaging lessons on documentary storytelling, filmmaking, and media literacy.
• Follow the established curriculum while adapting lesson plans and activities to meet the needs of participants of different ages, learning styles, and experience levels.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative classroom environment that encourages creativity and critical thinking.

Film Production & Technical Instruction

• Teach students the fundamentals of documentary filmmaking, including camera operation, composition, interviewing techniques, sound recording, and video editing.
• Provide hands-on instruction using filmmaking equipment and editing software.
• Guide students through all phases of documentary production, from concept development to final film presentations.
• Support student film projects while encouraging creative problem-solving and teamwork.

Community Partnerships & Program Support

• Build positive relationships with schools, community organizations, educators, and program partners.
• Communicate and coordinate with community partners to schedule classes, production shoots, and special events.
• Assist in organizing and supporting student production shoots at partner locations.
• Maintain program materials, equipment, and classroom resources.
• Share participant progress and program updates with the Community and Education Manager.

About You

The ideal Teaching Artist is an engaging educator, skilled filmmaker, and collaborative team member who believes in the creative potential of young people. You bring strong knowledge of documentary filmmaking and hands-on experience with digital cameras, lighting, audio equipment, media management, and video editing software. Experience with DaVinci Resolve is strongly preferred.

You are knowledgeable about the full life cycle of production, from story development and pre-production through filming, lighting, editing, sound, exports, and final delivery, and you are comfortable leading young people through this complex, creative process. You know how to help students move from idea to finished film while keeping student voice and student authorship at the center.

You are comfortable leading groups of young people, adapting instruction to different learning styles, and creating an inclusive environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

Experience teaching, mentoring, or facilitating youth arts programs is preferred. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently, collaborate with newportFILM staff, and engage professionally with school and community partners.

Location, Dates, and Hours

This is an in-person position based at Rogers High School in Newport, RI. The Teaching Artist will lead weekly after-school sessions from September through June, with occasional production shoots, field experiences, and special events throughout the school year. Hours will vary based on program schedules.

Compensation

This is a part-time, non-exempt position that follows the Newport Public Schools academic year from September through June. This position does not qualify for full-time benefits.

The Lead Teaching Artist will be paid a workshop fee of $225 per docUnbound workshop. The 2026–2027 program year is expected to include approximately 10 workshops in the fall semester and 20 workshops in the spring semester.

The workshop fee is intended to cover the weekly workshop commitment, including lesson preparation, onsite instruction, student support, dismissal support, local travel burden, and related light program administration.

Additional paid hours are included for training, spring production, and Loud & Clear, newportFILM’s media literacy and civic learning program for middle school students. These hours are paid at $40/hour and will be scheduled in advance with newportFILM based on program needs.

Reports To

Community and Education Manager

Start

September 2026

newportFILM provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.