Ceramics Studio Coordinator at Sonoma Ceramics, Sonoma, CA
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to an equitable, inclusive, and accessible application process for the open Ceramics Studio Coordinator position. We are seeking applicants of all races, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and gender identities. If you require any assistance in accessing the job description or require an accommodated application process please reach out for more information to meg@sonomacommunitycenter.org or (707)938-4626 x9
Hours: 20 hours per week, non-exempt
Reports to: Director of Ceramics
Location: Onsite at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Some off-site work will be required.
Salary & benefits: $20-25 per hour depending on experience; paid sick leave; use of the ceramics facilities.
About this role:
The Ceramics Studio Coordinator supports the Director of Ceramics with the vision as well as the operational, educational and technical aspects of the program’s studio facilities, equipment, materials, membership, and publicity. The Coordinator builds and maintains meaningful relationships with students, members, faculty, and donors to foster mutual respect and enhance trust as a leader and team member.
The Coordinator exercises strong communication, organizational skills, and upkeep of the studio in order to maintain an outstanding, welcoming resource for the community. Working directly with the Director, the Coordinator will ensure safe equipment and a cohesive vibrant working environment.
Additionally, the Coordinator supports the Director with administrative duties in all programs for which the Director is responsible including managing volunteers and participation in supporting programming.
This position is a combination of working in the studio with tools and equipment as well as administrative computer work and file keeping. The coordinator will learn many skills specific to the Sonoma Ceramics while working on the job so some experience working in studios is preferred but not required. Candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish are highly encouraged to apply.
Specific responsibilities include:
• Fire gas, electric, Raku, soda kilns
• Manage kiln-firing schedule
• Maintain equipment such as kilns, slab rollers, tables, and wheels; coordinate repair of equipment as needed
• Mix glazes and clay; reclaim clay
• Maintain functional, clean and safe studio environment
• Order and procure supplies and materials; track inventory
• Work with management to identify and implement studio/program upgrades Plan and lead bi-annual studio cleaning
• Assist Ceramics Director with administrative tasks, including data entry, mailings, scheduling, and marketing
• Assist with marketing and communications, including planning and implementation of a strong social media presence and identifying marketing needs
• Participate in fundraising planning and execution
• Plan, install and execute Gallery 212 exhibitions, sales, educational programming and outreach
• Assist with class set up and instructor relations leading up to and following programming including payouts etc.
• Train and oversee Artists in Residence and Interns
• Attend monitor meetings, communicate and coordinate with monitors Co-manage resident artist’s hours and scope of work with Director
• Help to keep website up to date and correct
• Coordinate jury for resident artist applications
• Help recruit new instructors
• Membership stewardship, some volunteer coordination
• Collaborate on planning of community-based ceramics and education activities • Additional tasks as needed
This job may be a fit for you if:
• You are interested in and have first hand knowledge about making ceramics You demonstrate empathy and respect in all interpersonal interactions You communicate with clarity and authenticity
• You are able to work some evenings and weekends
• You are passionate about artmaking, learning for yourself and others
• You are adaptable and can make decisions on the fly
• You can manage multiple projects at one time and juggle priorities
• You are technically inclined and interested in learning/expanding your skills in studio management
• You enjoy working with people and will contribute to a vibrant communal making space
• Have the ability to lift 50 lbs (one box of clay).
How to Apply
This position will be open until filled, but we encourage applicants to submit their materials by Friday April 8, 2022.
To apply, please send us the following in pdf’s or a video of yourself responding to #3&4:
- A resume including: Professional work experience, Art experience, Contacts for 2 professional references
- 10 images of your artwork or a link to a website that features your work
- Your answer to the following (250 words): please describe your personal lived experience working in ceramics studios, or your professional experience working in ceramics studios, or your passion for working in ceramics studios and supporting others to do so.
- We’d like to know more about your skills and experience. Although these are not all required for the position, please share your level of competency with running an art studio (200 words). Examples include experience with power tools, firing/maintaining kilns, graphic design, managing volunteers, teaching art, inventory, research, and gallery installation.
Please send your materials to
Megan Billingham, Director of Ceramics at meg@sonomacommunitycenter.org with the subject line: Your Name_Ceramics Studio Coordinator Application
Our Commitment and Action to becoming a “Center of Belonging”
The Sonoma Community Center, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter and other social justice movements, crafted a public statement on our website that stated, “We strive in particular to be a safe space for those communities who have been traditionally marginalized or underrepresented in and by public institutions.” Over the past year, Sonoma Community Center has begun to fulfill our stated commitments by participating in several Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) trainings and strategic planning with an emphasis on equitable change within our organization. To actualize our EDI commitments within our strategic plan, this Fall 2021, we have hired an Arts & Equity consultant to guide us in the process of fulfilling our commitment by designing a multi year plan accompanied by training for organizational transformation.
