Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

EDUCATION AND STUDIO ASSISTANT

This position supports the Educational Programs in ensuring proper functioning and excellence of programs and studios. The Education and Studio Assistant is responsible for:

CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Acts with the customer in mind: Seeks out ways to meet the expectations of internal & external customers. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their respect & trust. Views students, artists (external) faculty & staff (internal) as key customers. Communicates with them to ensure an excellent educational experience and positive perception of TCS. Obtains first-hand customer information and uses it to drive growth & continuous improvement.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING

Orchestrates multiple activities at once to maintain the smooth running of operations. Accurately scopes out projects to assess key challenges, objectives & outcomes. Breaks down the work into process steps while s/he anticipates and adjusts for problems in studios and facilities by: monitoring schedules, tracking work, inspecting for safety and planning for programs. Productive and efficient in planning, setting priorities and executing work; creates efficient processes; is well organized and detail oriented; is motivated and takes initiative in solving problems. Possesses well-developed fundamental computer skills.

OCCUPATIONAL

Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude: Maintains a safe environment by using technical skills and knowledge of operating equipment. Uses knowledge of firings and ceramic materials to process student work and to educate others. Provides assistance and information to all within the TCS community. Has patience and a great attitude while remaining productive at work.

QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelors degree in Arts, Arts Education or related field preferred
1-year experience in an education, studio, non-profit environment
$12-$15 per hour

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

The Education and Studio Assistant reports to the Education Manager (EM) or appropriate supervisor on all matters related to job description, obtaining appropriate & final approvals from manager to build alignment.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Education and Studio Assistant hours are Friday 12pm-8pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm. The Education and Studio Assistant is expected to be flexible with work hours in order to accommodate programs and events that are happening. In these instances, hours are adjusted accordingly. The Education and Studio Assistant also works First Friday events as scheduled.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person must be aware of the health hazards of working with clay and glaze chemicals and take appropriate measures in order to be safe. The Clay Studio is clean, although it is impossible to avoid the problem of clay dust.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Below are the duties and responsibilities of the Education and Studio Assistant, reflecting the tasks associated with their key competencies:

CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Ensure attention to detail, use tact, and build relationships.
Meet informally with the Education Department to discuss projects and deadlines if necessary.
Communicates with EM about all events that are scheduled and acts as “the face” of the organization for these events.
Introduce (and register drop-ins) for Date Nights, Saturday Family workshops, Let’s Make workshops, and private events. Assist with collection of contact info and update registrants’ records in Canvas with new information if collected. Assist with clean up and organization of work produced by the workshop participants.
Make sure instructors and assistants working Events and Workshops know what their responsibilities are that evening. Make sure there are enough ware boards, label stickers, full batteries in camera and other necessary materials.
Attend first class of each term (5 and 10 week) to make announcements and review and explain TCS Student Handbook, help with school store and build rapport with as many students as possible. (Only on scheduled work days)
Communicate the needs of the studios and the tasks that were performed to the other staff.
Communicate inventory needs.
Offer technical assistance to TCS community.
Help maintain an excellent environment for staff, instructors, work exchange, and students.
Provide technical assistance and training in use of equipment.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING

Prepare all related materials, supplies for Workshops, one-time events, and festivals. In conjunction with staff, set up facilities for these workshops and events as needed.
Track inventory of all supplies and materials needed for special events.
Clean and/or oversee the cleaning of the school.
Assist with the set up of workshop rooms (including Resource Center.)
Monitor the completion of jobs by the work exchange and interns and report status to appropriate staff.

OCCUPATIONAL

Manage work exchange and interns task list.
Assist in training of Work Exchange Artists.
Assist in training of Interns.
Implement all workshops, one-time special events, and festivals.
Organize workshop and special events participants artwork to insure that it processed correctly.
Assist Studio Tech with various tasks in school as needed.
Clean up all studio and food related supplies used for workshops and private events.
Help organize and implement a free hands-on event in the school during First Fridays.
Assist with outdoor demos and festivals.
Assist with clay camp organization and implementation.
Assist with firing of all work generated by participants.
Assist with projects and building maintenance.
Replenish glazes, oxides, underglazes and slips.
Stock clay and tools in the school store.
Enter and update client information into the database.
Responsible for shipping workshop artwork to participants in a timely manner.
Answer the main phone line and assist with callers.
Order wine/beer
Other duties as assigned.