Ceramics Studio Coordinator at University City Arts League, Philadelphia, PA
Posted on June 15, 2022 – open until filled
University City Arts League (UCAL) seeks a communicative, organized, and knowledgeable ceramicist to fulfill the role of Ceramics Studio Coordinator. The Ceramics Studio Coordinator is responsible for fostering an open and inclusive community surrounding the UCAL ceramic studio by providing a physical space that is clean, safe, well organized, and welcoming. The Ceramic Studio Coordinator provides support to the adult education, after school program, and community outreach through managing and organizing the ceramic studio in an efficient and effective manner. The Ceramic Studio Coordinator will work directly with the Executive Director and collaboratively with the Education Programs Manager, Outreach & Partnerships Manager, and the Development Associate. This position is 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule, at $22 an hour
University City Arts League (UCAL) is the neighborhood hub for arts education in West Philadelphia. Our contemporary art center champions intergenerational learning with a wide array of visual and performing arts programs, classes, workshops, and residencies. We are committed to our relationships with surrounding schools, community centers, individuals, and our neighbors. Historically dedicated to cultivating and sustaining new talent by way of offering consistent paid opportunities, professional development, and exhibiting space to the broader arts community. The Arts League functions as an amplifier for creative voices of all backgrounds, providing the space for exploration, growth, and joy.
To apply
Please send a resume and cover letter and two references to jobs@ucartsleague.org with the subject line “Ceramics Studio Coordinator”.
Responsibilities
Administration
- working with the Education Programs Manager and Outreach & Partnerships Manager, provide logistic support to teaching artists, which includes adult, after school, and community arts classes
- supervise/manage volunteers to maintain day-to-day studio operations
- communicate with the studio community, including students, teachers, and volunteers, to – maintain transparency, trouble shoot, and provide customer service
- conduct first day orientations for each session (fall 1, fall 2, winter, spring 1, spring 2, summer) to go over studio rules
- distribute beginning and end of session emails to students
- create adult ceramic class surveys for each session
- purchase and inventory, including clay, glaze chemical, tool kits, equipment parts, and others as needed
- train new volunteers and mentor student interns as needed
- attend weekly staff meetings
- organize volunteers for twice a year major studio clean up
- plan fall and spring session special topic workshops
Ceramic related
- troubleshoot any ceramic related issues, including glaze, slip, and oxide problems
- maintain and fix kilns and equipment, including throwing wheels, slab roller, and pug mill
- demonstrate best practices for safe material handling and shared studio space, while ensuring said practices are followed by all in the community
- reclaim/pug clay as needed
- monitor kiln firing schedule to ensure timely turnaround of fired work
- fire kilns as needed
- receive ceramic supply delivery and restock
Facilities
- construction/build structure, shelves, etc. as needed
- keep track of student roster for each session to organize student shelf space
- maintain sediment trap to ensure a functional plumbing system
- ensure the studio’s cleanliness through monitoring the volunteers’ completion of their weekly tasks
Qualifications
Administration
- strong organizational skills
- attention to detail
- efficient with time management
- strong interpersonal and personnel management skills
- clear and precise communication skills
- general computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google drive, and others as needed
- able to foresee future needs by looking at current numbers and trends
Ceramic related knowledge of:
- loading, firing, maintaining and fixing electric kilns
- maintaining and fixing throwing wheels, slab roller, and pug mill.
- reclaim/pugging clay
- appropriate studio cleanliness and safety
In depth knowledge of:
- ceramic studio operation
- all means of making in clay including throwing, hand building, mold making, and slip casting
- glaze calculation and composition
- glaze making
Other
- must be able to repeatedly lift 50+ pounds
- general/basic construction skills
