Fine Arts Education Program Manager

The Mizel Arts and Culture Center is looking for a full-time year-round experienced Fine Arts Education Program Manager to support all arts programming offered including classes, art gallery oversight, and camps programming in collaboration with other department leaders. This is an opportunity for a self-starting, passionate, and business-minded individual to make an impact on their community. The Ceramic Studio is a robust creative facility and was built to accommodate a range of ceramics techniques including hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and kiln firings. The Fine Arts Education Program Manager will oversee the administrative and operational functions of the Ceramics Studio, Fine Arts Program, Mizel Gallery, annual ceramics sale, and the on-going JCC Lobby Retail space. The Fine Arts Education Program Manager will report to the Program Director the Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC) and work closely with the Mizel Engagement team to provide general studio oversight and technical expertise.  

The Fine Arts Program Manager will help to develop classes and programming that serve students of all ages and skill levels via class instruction (8-12 classes/week) and open studio guidance. This person will be responsible for supervising and managing a small team of ceramics instructors, Fine Arts instructors, studio assistants, and contractors. The Fine Arts Program Manager is expected to demonstrate and uphold a culture of safety, knowledge, and intention to promote an equitable professional and community-oriented space for a diverse body of patrons. This role will be expected to work some evening/weekend hours to support the Ceramic Studio and Fine Arts classes as well as a revenue-generating venue rental space for private engagement opportunities within the community. 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Responsibilities 

• Oversee all basic administrative and operational functions of the Ceramic Studio and fine arts offerings at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center to guarantee smooth operations and classes. Including ordering supplies, scheduling kiln firings, P&L oversight, and people management. 

• Develop, plan, and implement programming and engagement opportunities for arts education programs, including but not limited to classes, workshops, exhibitions, and private engagements.  

• Collaborate with directors on execution of summer camp specialty programs and year-round offerings. 

• Recruit, train, and supervise a small team of part-time employees, independent contractors, and/or volunteers to implement Ceramics and Fine Arts programming. 

• Provide technical expertise and safety know-how to ceramic students, staff, and contractors including but not limited to presentations and demonstrations; Ensure the Ceramic Studio operates in accordance with all safety guidelines and procedures. Inspect equipment to make sure it is in safe working condition, and order repairs as needed. Advocate for continual safety improvements/updates as needed. Minor facility maintenance may be required. 

• Work in conjunction with the MACC Program Director to develop an annual studio budget as well as driving revenues to ensure sustainability of programming.  

• Collaborate with the JCC Marketing department to build collateral and market all programming within scope of responsibilities which includes monthly emails to patrons.  

• Organize and manage all aspects of the Annual Ceramics sale that sees a typical sales revenue of $15,000 over 6 days. Sale occasionally runs semi-annually. 

• Oversee the development of the JCC Lobby Retail space featuring arts and other products, goods, and services in coordination with organizational leadership and other potential stakeholders. 

• Works with the community in a culturally competent manner to actively create opportunities for equitable access and inclusion.  

• Foster and support a warm and friendly studio environment. Lead instruction for ceramics courses including but not limited to wheel throwing, hand building, glazing instruction, kiln loading/unloading/firing instruction for skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. 

• Support grant efforts in collaboration with the development team and MACC leadership. 

• Attend 1:1’s, weekly team meetings, and monthly meetings as appropriate.  

• Perform additional duties as required, including but not limited to working at receptions and private events. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

Basic Qualifications 

Basic qualifications are required to be considered a candidate for the role. Include degrees, certifications, experience, and knowledge/skills/abilities. If the candidate does not meet these basic qualifications, they will be declined for the position.  

• BA or BFA in Ceramics, Studio Art, Fine Art, or related degree. Equivalent professional experience will be considered 

• Previous studio management, staff supervision, and administrative experience (Minimal 3 years working experience preferred) including budget development and administration 

• Experience in art, design, and/or ceramic education or production 

• Strong understanding of and practical skill in basic and advanced ceramics techniques, including but not limited to familiarity with different clays, hand-building techniques, wheel throwing processes and techniques, glazing processes and techniques, kiln firing/loading/unloading processes and techniques, decorative and finishing techniques 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Friendly demeanor with a self-starter attitude. Proven success with building and maintaining relationships 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in Ceramics, Studio Art, Fine Art, or related degree 

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with budget development, revenue/expense tracking, fundraising, and donor relations 

• 5 years leadership and supervisory experience working in a ceramic’s studio  

• First Aid and CPR certification 

• OSHA 10 Certification 

• Familiarity with ceramic equipment repair 

Physical/Mental Requirements (ADA Compliance) 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met and encountered by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The position requires the candidate to sit, stand and move around for prolonged hours in both an art studio and/or office environment. While performing duties, the candidate is occasionally required to stand, walk use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Candidate must occasionally lift and or/move up to seventy-five (75) pounds. Working conditions may include being in an open (shared) cubicle or workspace. 

Benefits Overview 

Full-Time employees of the JCC are considered benefits-eligible. 

The JCC contributes a portion of medical, dental, and vision plan premiums. The JCC proudly pays for 100% of Basic Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage for benefits eligible employees. We also provide additional voluntary benefit plans. 

The JCC has a 401(K) Plan available for elective deferral contributions for employees over 21 years of age with no waiting period. The JCC matches 50% of employee contributions, up to 3%, on a 5-year vesting schedule. 

Paid Time Off is a day-one benefit, accrued based on years of service and in compliance with Colorado Health Families & Workplaces Act. First-year, benefits-eligible employees may accrue up to 120 hours of Paid Time Off in their first year of service. The JCC also provides paid-holidays and benefits-eligible employees are awarded up to 6 additional “Floating Holidays” per year, prorated based on date of hire. 

Full-Time employees are also eligible for a wide range of discounts, including the JCC’s Preschool and Summer Camp childcare programs, free and discounted tickets to Mizel Arts and Culture events, discounted program and class costs, and more! 

Full-Time employees of the JCC receive a complementary family gym membership, which includes year-round access to the JCC’s fitness center and heated pool. 

All employees of the JCC are eligible to join the “JCCs of North America” (JCCA) community, which includes access to the JCCA’s resource center, ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, as well as educational stipends for qualifying employees. 

Additional Notes 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management as required. The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the needs arise. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. 

The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal opportunity employer.