Jobs | Anderson Ranch Arts Center seeks Studio Coordinator of Ceramics

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, Colorado — Located a mere 15 minutes from Aspen, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center would be a fantastic gig for anyone who loves mountains or snow sports. We came across a job listing on their web site for a Studio Coordinator of Ceramics and wanted to give you guys a heads up. Remember: we’re only the messengers; you’ll want to send inquiries to the Ranch itself!

The Studio Coordinator supports the Artistic Directors in the vision, operation, maintenance and technical aspects of the program, studio, facilities and equipment. The Studio Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and performing the day-to-day operations of the studio programs: maintaining supplies, general upkeep and maintenance of their specific studio facilities, including technical and educational assistance to residents, visiting artists, summer faculty and students. In addition, the Studio Coordinator supports the Artistic Directors with administrative duties in all programs for which the Artistic Director is responsible. All Studio Coordinators are expected to collaborate and work together as a team with all ranch staff. Studio Coordinator positions are year-round, full-time positions, usually 40 hours per week from October through mid-May and 60-plus hours per week from mid May through September.

Position starts: September 5, 2016

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day maintenance of the studio building and facilities, such as cleaning, changing lights, trash removal, heating, plumbing and mechanical needs.
• In collaboration with the Artistic Director, order, design and install major and minor equipment, oversee the safety of studio facilities including first aid supplies, maintain fire alarm systems with regular walk-throughs and inspections.
• Assist with summer and non-summer workshops, work with Artistic Director to manage supply lists, order all supplies, work with faculty regarding workshop curriculum and help to coordinate 20 to 30 workshops per year. During summer, the Studio Coordinator trains and supervises 3 to 4 interns within their department, and provides assistance to the faculty and students. Studios are cleaned and readied each week for new workshops.
• Promote and market summer and non-summer workshops.
• Teach at least two weeks of workshops per year.
• Support the Artists-in-Residence Program, Visiting Artists, Gallery, Summer Programs, Development and Administration departments at the Ranch.
• Train and supervise interns consistent with Ranch policies.
• Participate in all staff, art team and departmental meetings.
• Provide technical support and assistance to residents and visiting artists.
• Support Ranch outreach activities through studio tours, short talks, demos, etc. Participate in the educational component of community-based projects.
• Support staff and board to cultivate positive relationships with volunteers, to include donor cultivation and board/staff committees.
• Support publications by providing descriptive materials about Ranch programs to Marketing staff for the newsletter, workshop catalog, website, blogs, PR images, etc.
• Encourage and maintain sponsorship arrangements and cultivate giving opportunities among students, donors, faculty and visiting artists.
• Participate in Anderson Ranch special events.
• Support the Artistic Director in the production of his/her artwork and research.
• Be a leader, be a team player and a contributor. Embrace leadership with a positive and flexible attitude.

Candidate Qualifications/Skills:

• Demonstrated organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Effective people skills are crucial.
• Desire and interest in working with an alternative non-profit arts educational organization.
• A broad appreciation and understanding of the ceramics arts.
• A strong understanding of ceramic processes and technologies; including all aspects of kiln firings, repairs and maintenance. Knowledge of gas, wood and electric kilns as well oxidation and reduction firings. Electric computer kiln understanding and knowledge.
• A thorough knowledge of plaster, glaze and clay body chemistry and applications.
• Experience in running and operating a ceramics studio department. Ability to manage a team of interns for summer workshops and winter residency programs.
• Have effective experience in ceramic workshop experience and problem solving. Faculty, student and artist in resident experience desirable.
• Basic knowledge and experience of clay forming techniques; throwing, hand building and slip casting using the wheel, slab rollers, extruders, etc.
• Computer skills; word processing, Photoshop basics, digital camera skills, scanning and printing. Some knowledge of basic 3D modeling programs such as Rhino and CAD software would be helpful.
• Be a quick learner.
• BFA or MFA desirable, but not necessary.
• A love and passion for the ceramic arts.

Salary and Benefits

Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers an excellent and competitive benefits and compensation package. This position provides salary, housing, vacation, health insurance and other benefits.

Application Instructions

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, 10 images and the names of 3 references to info@andersonranch.org. Include in subject line: Studio Coordinator of Ceramics Application. No phone calls please. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the ideal candidate is selected.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2016

To Note

This job summary is not to be interpreted to be all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and qualifications of the job. The applicant may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Certain functions not explicitly stated above are nevertheless understood to be essential to this position. Anderson Ranch is an equal opportunity employer.

Love contemporary ceramics? Let us know in the comments.