PROTO-TYPING & DIGITAL FABRICATION STUDIO MANAGER
The Clay Studio
This position is part of The Clay Studio (TCS) education and community engagement team, which includes the Education Manager, Program Assistants, three Studio Technicians, the Community Engagement (CE) Manager, CE Assistant, and CE Teaching Artists. The Proto-typing & Digital Fabrication Studio Manager supports all aspects of TCS studio processes, with a focus on the new digital and traditional Fabrication Studio and on teaching digital fabrication classes.
As we look to the future of the ceramic arts discipline, we know that digital tools will become part of artists' practices, evolving how artists create work - just as the wheel transformed ceramics. We believe it is critical to provide equitable access to new digital technologies for our whole community.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Below are the duties and responsibilities of the Proto-typing & Digital Fab Studio Manager, reflecting the tasks associated with their key competencies:
CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Supervise and promote safe studio practices while fully engaging with students, in-house artists, and staff and fostering positive communication in a productive community environment
Maintains a friendly, positive demeanor when interacting with colleagues, vendors, stakeholders, and the public
PLANNING & TEACHING
- Teach weekly classes and quarterly weekend workshops
- Tracks inventory of all supplies and materials
- Supports TCS programs, workshops, and all special events
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Teaches Digital Fabrication Studio classes and workshops each term
- Inspects, maintains, and repairs all Digi Fab Studios and Equipment
- Ability to climb ladders
- Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, climbing, walking, and crouching as the job may require
- Keep studio equipment and studio spaces clean, repaired, organized, and prepared for class use
- Keeping Safety Data Sheets (SDS) up to date to reflect all chemical products used in studios
- Monitoring inventory
- Understanding and fulfilling the maintenance requirements of shop equipment
- Provides training in the safe use of all studio tools, materials, and equipment, and tracking students’ tool and process authorizations
- Helps in determining when new equipment is needed and when repairs will suffice
- Serves as a resource by providing concise safety and technique demonstrations, general studio guidance to students, in-house artists, staff, and community projects
- Meets deadlines for processing students' work each term
- Offers technical assistance to the TCS community
- Develop a line of branded items for the Functional Gallery
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
- Experience with mold-making and the digital technologies listed above is preferred
- 1-year studio technician and teaching experience in a ceramic studio is preferred
- A focus on customer service and community building
- Must be able to lift 50lbs
- A high level of attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple tasks
- Self-motivation and dedication to excellence
- Ability to collaborate effectively and work independently
- Experience loading and firing kilns
- Ability to climb ladders
- Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, climbing, walking, and crouching as the job may require
- Keep studio equipment and studio spaces clean, repaired, organized, and prepared for class use
- Manages teaching artists for the program (as needed)
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and fostering a nurturing environment
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
This position partners with the Studio Technicians and Education department staff. It reports to the Deputy Director on all matters related to the job description and obtains appropriate and final approvals.
WORK SCHEDULE:
This position works 40 hours per week with a 1-hour lunch break daily. Regular hours vary depending on the time/day of teaching digital fabrication classes, which is part of the position. Teaching will require weekend and evening hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This person must understand the health hazards associated with working with clay and glaze chemicals and take appropriate safety measures.
The Clay Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. The Clay Studio values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities to apply.
About The Clay Studio:
The Clay Studio inspires curiosity and discovery around the art and craft of clay, drawing together students, artists, and an engaged public into a welcoming community. Every day, in our classrooms, studios, galleries, and neighborhoods, we deepen the connection between people and clay through the highest-quality programs and exhibitions. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio continues to believe that shared creativity, so fundamental to humanity, is a critical force for good.
