Proud Art STL (PASTL)
The Program Coordinator will lead the launch and implementation of POSSIBILITIES for Queer Youth, a completely new school-based program providing creative workshops, peer support, and identity-affirming connection for LGBTQIA+ students. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a program from the ground up, with support from a small team of volunteers and another contractor.
We’re seeking a highly organized, equity-driven individual with experience supporting queer youth, comfort with mental health-informed practice, and skill in managing grants. The Coordinator ensures sessions run smoothly, Possibility Advocates (trained LGBTQIA+ high school youth) are supported, and schools and families experience a program rooted in safety, joy, and belonging.
Program Description:
POSSIBILITIES is a new 27-month program that brings affirming connection, creative expression, and peer support to LGBTQIA+ students in St. Louis County middle and high schools. 16–18 LGBTQIA+ high school-aged youth—named Possibility Advocates—will be trained to lead peer-centered, art-based sessions in 4–6 schools.
Rooted in PASTL’s experience with inclusive, affirming youth programming, POSSIBILITIES addresses the isolation and mental health challenges LGBTQIA+ youth face. Through input from youth and community partners, we’ve learned that many LGBTQIA+ youth do have access to information about resources—what they need is community.
Each school will receive 2–3 visits from Possibility Advocates per semester. These sessions—developed in partnership with the school’s existing GSA (Gender and Sexualities Alliance, a student club that provides a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students and allies to build community, talk openly, and advocate for inclusion)—will include identity-affirming art activities, space to build supportive relationships, and peer-led dialogue. Advocates will be trained in peer support, reflective listening, group facilitation, and LGBTQIA+ terminology. A dedicated Program Coordinator will guide the Advocates, maintain school partnerships, lead scheduling and grant reporting, and connect in-school LGBTQIA+ group sponsors to local and national resources.
By centering creativity, compassion, and youth leadership, POSSIBILITIES pilots a replicable model of in-school support that fosters resilience, joy, and belonging among LGBTQIA+ students.
Required Responsibilities
Program & Training Coordination
- Develop, maintain, and distribute a program calendar of school visits, trainings, and events.
- Coordinate and schedule Advocate trainings in trauma-informed, identity-affirming, and peer-led practices.
- Collaborate with trainers, guest facilitators, and PASTL staff to refine and deliver training content.
School & Community Partnerships
- Serve as the main liaison with schools, school group/GSA sponsors, and administrators.
- Work with school staff to establish Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and other necessary items
- Intentionally match Advocates to schools based on skills, interests, and needs of both schools and Advocates.
- Meet regularly with GSA leads for support, troubleshooting, and resource-sharing
- Regularly attend PASTL events.
On-the-Ground Support
- Attend and oversee all POSSIBILITIES sessions in schools.
- Provide logistical, emotional, and mental health-informed support for both participants and Advocates.
- Step in as needed for co-facilitation, grounding, or crisis de-escalation.
Monitoring, Evaluation, & Reporting
- Collect and synthesize participant and stakeholder feedback.
- Manage all data tracking, reporting, and compliance for this grant.
- Support evaluation of outcomes and communicate impact to funders and the broader community.
Additional Opportunities (Optional, Based on Skills & Interest)
We welcome applicants who bring strengths in one or more of these areas. Taking on these responsibilities could expand the role’s hours and pay, we estimate up to approximately .75 FTE:
- Bookkeeping – supporting financial tracking and reporting.
- Marketing & Communications – assisting with newsletters, social media, and outreach efforts for this program, and potentially other PASTL programming.
- Additional Grant Development – applying for and managing other grants to support organizational growth.
- Organizational Development – helping strengthen internal systems and sustainability.
Qualifications Desired
- Experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth in affirming, supportive, and inclusive ways.
- Knowledge of or experience in mental health-informed practice (education, social work, peer support, or related fields).
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with care and uphold trauma-informed approaches.
- Demonstrated strong writing skills, and/or additional grant management and reporting experience.
- Comfort with community outreach, facilitation, or public speaking.
- Experience with nonprofit administration, data management, or logistics.
Contractor Status
This is a contractor position, not a staff role. As a contractor, you will:
- Be responsible for filing your own taxes and arranging your own benefits (healthcare, retirement, etc.).
- Enjoy flexibility in how and when you complete some administrative tasks, while still being expected to attend scheduled sessions, trainings, and key meetings in person.
- Collaborate closely with PASTL but remain self-directed in managing your workload.
This arrangement allows for flexibility and higher hourly pay in lieu of benefits, while ensuring the program’s needs for consistency, accountability, and equity are met.
Contract Details
- Length: October 2025 – December 2027 (27 months, fixed-term contract).
- Hours: Will vary with the school calendar—lighter during summer and breaks, heavier during program delivery.
- Future Opportunities: Pending funding and organizational growth, this role may be renewed or transition to employee status after the initial contract.
Application & Interview Timeline
Applications due: EOD Sunday, October 19, 2025
Required materials: Resume, cover letter, writing samples
1st round interviews: October 20-26th
2nd round interviews: October 27-31st
Contract offered by November 3rd
Contract signed by November 10th
Start date: ASAP/November 2025
Apply via Google form here.
