Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Salary

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid/On-site as needed)Salary Range: $62,000 – $72,000

WHO WE ARE: SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South and West Side communities. Founded in 2001, with creativity at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where people are empowered and connections are made. SkyART continues to fulfill its mission from our flagship studio in South Chicago and beyond, reaching young people through three pillar programs: SkyWAY, for ages 7-13; Project 3rd Space, for ages 14-24 and Project Impact, our art therapy program. In 2020 SkyART announced an expansion to Chicago’s West Side and began providing school programs in Austin, Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. In 2024 we purchased a 7,500 sq ft building in Garfield Park for SkyART West, our second permanent location. Driving our mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional and social development.

WHO WE SERVE: The communities where SkyART works and the young people we serve exemplify the resilience and the beautiful diversity of our city. Our free programs are open and accessible to youth from communities that have been impacted by historic marginalization, generational trauma and systemic racism, and who may lack access to cultural programming that affirms their identity and places them front and center as creators of their own futures. The majority of Black and Brown youth we serve are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which can negatively impact their ability to be successful in relationships, school, higher education or the workplace. Many are directly impacted by violence, incarceration and/or the foster care system. For all these reasons, SkyART prioritizes the wellbeing and healing of our participants using art as a platform for self exploration, reflection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). 

WHAT WE EXPECT: It takes a team of extraordinary staff, teaching artists and art therapists to bring SkyART to life, and we are looking for extraordinary individuals to help propel our growth into the future. We expect that all staff, from contractors to the Executive Director, practice everyday leadership and participate in both small scale and big picture thinking about the impact of our work. We expect that each individual contributes to creating an environment where we can show up as our whole self — centering young people as the driving force behind what we do — and where the diversity of individual lived experiences and cultures adds to the richness of our programs. Original ideas and critical thinking are required. We dive into the complexities and nuances that color our work and give it meaning beyond punching the clock and earning a paycheck. We ask all employees to practice vulnerability and to hold each other accountable, even those who supervise us, through compassionate calling-in and sensitive communication. Core competencies required for any position include: connection, collaboration, communication, creativity and consistency

HOW YOU CONTRIBUTE: The Staff Accountant plays a key role in ensuring the financial health and integrity of the organization. This role is responsible for managing core accounting functions — including month-end close, reconciliations, grant tracking, and audit preparation support. The Staff Accountant supports financial reporting and analysis, ensuring strong systems and controls are in place. This role works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and individual budget owners to align financial practices with organizational priorities.

This role operates with a high degree of ownership and collaboration, contributing to both day-to-day accounting operations and broader financial oversight.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting Operations, Systems & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with internal controls and nonprofit accounting best practices

• Maintain accurate, complete and organized financial records

• Support the development, refinement, and strengthening of internal accounting controls

• Monitor accounting practices and recommend process improvements for accuracy and efficiency

• Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies to improve automation and workflow efficiency

Month-end Close & Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly close process, including journal entries and account reconciliations

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial statements and internal reports

• Execute monthly and quarterly financial reports for budget owners and the COO

• Analyze financial results, identify variances and highlight trends and concerns

Cash Management & Account Reconciliations

• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations

• Monitor cash activity and ensure proper recording of all transactions

• Review bank statements to ensure completeness and accuracy of deposits and expenditures Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes

• Prepare and post payroll journal entries

• Process check runs and related payment activities 

Grant & Program Financial Management

• Record and track grant revenue in accordance with donor restrictions and accounting standards

• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure alignment with budgets and reporting requirements

• Provide financial reporting for grants and programmatic operations

• Manage and track department budgets, program earned income, and proposed new initiatives.

• Meet regularly with budget owners to support financial tracking, forecasting, and accountability

• Collaborate with program and operations teams to ensure financial alignment across activities

Year-End Close & Audit Management

Focus: External accountability + audit readiness

• Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for year-end close

• Coordinate with the COO and external auditors to support the annual audit process

• Serve as primary liaison for auditors, responding to requests and coordinating follow-ups

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment

• Experience with grant accounting and fund tracking

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting

• Demonstrated experience in budget management, and financial reporting, preferably in a nonprofit, social services or foundation/association environment

• Experience with month-end close and audit preparation

• Proficiency in accounting software and Excel a must, with advanced QuickBooks proficiency preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA-track (preferred but not required)

• Experience working in a small to mid-sized nonprofit environment

YOUR SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

• Proactive problem-solving and analytical thinking

• Clear and effective communication skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams

WHAT WE OFFER

SkyART offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary commensurate with background, experience, and position responsibilities. Depending on the position, in addition to salary, benefits for eligible employees may include:

• Salary range: $62,000 – $72,000, commensurate with experience

• Paid time off (PTO), with starting benefits of 4 weeks each fiscal year, plus an additional two (2) weeks off during the winter holiday 

• Twelve paid holidays and one additional day off for your birthday 

• Employee retirement account with up to 3% matching contribution from SkyART 

• Full health Insurance benefits, including medical, dental and vision

WHY JOIN SKYART

• Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real impact

• Work in a collaborative, supportive, and people-centered culture

• Contribute to systems that directly support youth and community programming

Work Environment & Expectations

This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable working in a small, mission-driven organization where flexibility and collaboration are essential. Team members often wear multiple hats and contribute beyond their core responsibilities to support organizational success.

HOW YOU APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: hr@skyart.org  with ”SkyART Staff Accountant” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name along with contact information in the body of the email. Do not call, mail or fax. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. 

Supervised by: Project Impact Manager

Classification: Contractual

Start Date: April 1, 2026

WHO WE ARE

SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South Side. Founded in 2001, with creativity at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where people are empowered and connections are made. SkyART continues to fulfill its mission from our flagship studio in South Chicago and beyond, reaching young people through three pillar programs: SkyWAY, for ages 7-13; Project 3rd Space, for ages 14-24 and Project Impact, our art therapy program. In 2020 SkyART announced an expansion to Chicago’s West Side with the new SkyART West studios, which opened officially in April of 2025. Driving its mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional and social development.

WHO WE SERVE: The communities where SkyART works and the young people we serve exemplify the resilience and the beautiful diversity of our city. Our free programs are open and accessible to youth from communities that have been impacted by historic marginalization, generational trauma and systemic racism, and who may lack access to cultural programming that affirms their identity and places them front and center as creators of their own futures. The majority of Black and Brown youth we serve are impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which can negatively impact their ability to create and maintain healthy relationships, reach academic goals, and feel prepared to thrive in the workplace. Many are directly impacted by violence, incarceration and/or the foster care system. For all these reasons, SkyART prioritizes the wellbeing and healing of our participants using art as a platform for self exploration, reflection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

WHAT WE EXPECT

It takes a team of extraordinary staff, teaching artists and art therapists to bring SkyART to life, and we are looking for extraordinary individuals to help propel our growth into the future. We expect that all staff, from contractors to the Executive Director, practice everyday leadership and participate in both small scale and big picture thinking about the impact of our work. We expect that each individual contributes to creating an environment where we can show up as our whole self — centering young people as the driving force behind what we do — and where the diversity of individual lived experiences and cultures adds to the richness of our programs. Original ideas and critical thinking are required. We dive into the complexities and nuances that color our work and give it meaning beyond punching the clock and earning a paycheck. We ask all employees to practice vulnerability and to hold each other accountable, even those who supervise us, through compassionate calling-in and sensitive communication. Core competencies required for any position include: connection, collaboration, communication, creativity and consistency.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide and customize in-studio individual and group therapy sessions to meet organizational outcomes for specific populations, such as those in detention facilities, shelters, or home environments.

• Assess participants’ needs, using drawing, painting, sculpting, or other expressive processes and interventions.

• Conduct art therapy sessions providing guided self-expression experiences to help participants feel an increased sense of wellbeing, connection, exposure to diversity, improved self-esteem and empathy for others. 

• Use SkyART wellness assessments and case notes to analyze or synthesize narrative and observational data 

• Document sessions in the organizational database using SkyART forms.

• Establish goals or objectives for art therapy sessions in consultation with the Youth Support Manager and programs team.

• Request or purchase of needed art supplies or equipment for sessions.

• Possibly conduct professional workshops on techniques of using art in therapy and/or processes to Teaching Artists, interns, volunteers and staff.

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES:

Education/Experience:

• MA in Art Therapy, psychology, social service degree with a visual art background required

• Cultural competency working with individuals from diverse backgrounds

• Detailed-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal and writing skills

• Practicing artists encouraged

• Fluency in Spanish is required for this position.  Successful candidates will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in both Spanish and English.  Experience working with Spanish-speaking children and families is preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER:

$35-$75/hour, depending on experience 

HOW YOU APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter with your resume by email to projectimpact@skyart.org with  “Multilingual Creative Therapist” in the subject line. Do not mail or fax.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. 

Supervised by: Schools and Community Program Manager

Classification: Contractual

WHO WE ARE

SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscapes of Chicago's South and West Side communities. Founded in 2001 with a mission to provide youth with an accessible, safe place to participate in quality visual arts programs at no cost, SkyART continues to fulfill its mission by reaching over 3,000 young people a year through our three pillar programs: SkyWAY, Project 3rd Space and Project Impact. Driving our mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional and social development. SkyART acts as a foundation from which creativity grows and individuals flourish. Participants are invited into a world of imaginative possibilities and connections that go beyond the individual, to positively impact all of the communities where we work and the city as a whole.

WHO WE SERVE

The communities where SkyART works and the young people we serve exemplify the resilience and the beautiful diversity of our city. Our free programs are open and accessible to youth from communities that reflect Chicago’s enriched migration cultures. Our programming affirms their identity and places them front and center as creators of their own futures. SkyART prioritizes the wellbeing and healing of our participants using art as a platform for self exploration, reflection and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

WHAT WE DO

SkyART offers quality, collaborative and experimental art experiences in schools through our original SkyWAY methodology. Through the SkyWAY and our Artist in Residence model, we aim to animate students’ school day with creativity, experimentation and free choice. We ask the young people, “what do you want to make?” and engage them in discussion about the expansive possibilities of art. Together with classroom teachers and the administration, we will cater the program to each school and classrooms’ needs so that participants feel a sense of ownership and community. Students will not only have the chance to make meaningful artworks, but also to get up out of their chairs and move, stretch, dance, perform, or just take a few deep breaths. At the end of the school year, students will have the opportunity to show their work in a final exhibition or showcase.

HOW YOU CONTRIBUTE

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about working with individuals ages 7 - 24 or Pre K-12th grade. Our intention is to build a community of talented artists who would like nothing more than to grow and explore what true artistry looks like for them. We are looking for you to not only work in your expertise, but also have an openness to experiment through different mediums. We encourage that you not only come as a Teaching Artist but also as an artist to foster meaningful exchange of ideas across experience, age, race and gender. Teaching Artists can be scheduled to teach 1x workshops, 8-10 week studio program sessions and/or 2-30 week residencies in our various school & community partners. As representatives of SkyART in the studio, classroom, and the communities they serve, teaching artists share a commitment to our mission and values.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

● Plan and establish a safe, learning environment for all participants

● Create a culture of learning that reflects the organization’s values and supports youth in their development as artists and individuals

● Develop process‐based lesson plans that challenge our participants to get out of their comfort zone by focusing on the exploration of art-making

● Guide participants to research and create independent projects for future gallery exhibitions

● Maintain the upkeep of classrooms/art studios during sessions

● Communicate with program staff in a timely and professional manner

● Gather and organize necessary materials for each session

● Respond to participant interest to adjust lesson plans in a collaborative manner

● Guide participants in creating individual projects for SkyART exhibitions or special projects

● Collaborate with SkyART staff, Teaching Artists, Creative Therapists Therapists, etc. to address participants' individual needs and provide necessary support, mentorship, etc.

● Present artworks from artists of varying backgrounds, mediums, nationalities, etc. to expose participants to increased diversity and new ways of making

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES

● Bachelors and/or Masters in Visual Art, Art Education (preferred but not required)

● Cultural competency to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

● Be flexible and manage multiple priorities

● Detailed-oriented with excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal and writing skills

● Experience working directly with youth in school or community settings

● Practicing artists encouraged, with specializations in drawing, painting, ceramics, digital tools, cooking, animation, multimedia art, video, photography and sculpture preferred

● Bilingual- Spanish/English preferred

COMPENSATION

$35-$55/hour

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Kelly@skyart.org with ”Teaching Artist for Schools and Community” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name along with contact information in the body of the email. Do not mail or fax. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.