Ceramics Studio Manager at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Posted on May 9, 2022 – open until filled
Overview
The New College West Ceramics Studio welcomes undergraduate and graduate students from across the University, and offers both workshops and open studio hours. Reporting to the dean of New College West through the College Program Administrator, the Studio Manager position requires administrative skills, instruction, and student supervision.
The Studio Manager oversees all administrative aspects of a vibrant ceramics studio, including ordering and organizing specialized materials, planning work-flow in the space, and compliance with all safety requirements. The Studio Manager must steward resources carefully and ecologically. The studio budget is managed by the Studio Manager and overseen by the College Program Administrator, and the Studio Manager is responsible for developing studio publicity.
In addition to studio-management skills, this position also requires instruction and supervision of students. During open studio hours, the Manager may teach both true novices and experienced potters. The Studio Manager hires and supervises student staff who help during open studio hours. The supervision of the student staff offers an opportunity for mentoring and training. Some of these students are working their first job and teaching basic job skills is a part of their training. Additionally, for those students who are interested in teaching workshops there is an opportunity to offer pedagogical guidance.
This is an in-person, 10-month position active during the academic year from approximately August 15 – June 15, with full benefit coverage for 12 months. The Studio Manager will work on site 20h/week, and regular nights and weekends are required. The Studio Manager’s schedule will be based on program needs and may be subject to change during the course of the semester to fulfill the goals of the studio.
Responsibilities
• Create an open, welcoming studio environment that is comfortable for all students
• Lead regular open studio hours and study breaks, assisted by student staff
• Hire, schedule, train, and manage student staff to help with studio open hours
• Maintain safety and organization in the studio under the direction of Environmental Health and Safety and other University safety offices
• Regular night and weekend hours are required
• Manage the studio budget with oversight from the College Program Administrator
• Order, organize, and maintain studio supplies and equipment
• Manage studio webpage and sign-in software
• Manage studio publicity and email account
• Assist in shop maintenance and clean up; coordinate with Building Services Staff
• Coordinate and teach focused ceramics workshops for undergraduates and graduate students, collaborate with University faculty to host occasional seminars
• Work with college staff to plan studio programming during fall break, Wintersession, and spring break
Qualifications
• Detailed knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a ceramics studio, including daily chores and best practices for stewardship and maintenance of specialized supplies, including storage and handling of hazardous materials related to ceramics arts
• 3 – 5 years experience teaching ceramics
• Detail-oriented and organized, with some administrative experience
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to navigate a variety of communication styles with students, faculty and staff
• Ability to work well independently, as well as collaboratively
• Demonstrated experience as a ceramicist with excellent working knowledge of ceramics art processes, including hand building, wheel throwing, mixing glazes, firing, etc. Familiarity with a wide range of materials and proficiency with multiple styles of ceramic art.
• Budget-management experience
• Must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, use sound judgment, and remain flexible as demands and priorities change
• Sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population
• Ability to lift 50 pounds is required and the successful applicant must pass a mandatory physical aptitude test
Preferred
• Art or Art History college degree
• Experience managing an open ceramics studio
• Experience working with college-aged population
• Experience mentoring a team, and focusing on leadership development
For full consideration, please submit your application by May 20, 2022
Target start date is August 15, 2022
