Manager of Studio Affairs

Job Summary: 

This position is responsible for the oversight of all studio affairs, including making recommendations for equipment purchases, facilities repairs, or other capital expenditures. The Studio Manager ensures that Art School studio operations maintain maximum productivity and efficiency, to provide students and faculty with quality experiences and productive teaching environments. This position works closely with The Art School Director to maintain the overall success of the Art School and focuses on the development of practices or policies related to safety, equipment, facilities, and culture within individual studios. The Studio Manager oversees three part-time, seasonal positions during the summer semester (Summer Program Assistants), as well as additional on-staff or contracted studio assistants. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Oversees the operations and maintenance of all school studios, including fabrication, painting, drawing, textile, and printmaking.  

• Works closely with Ceramics Program Manager to give support as needed 

• Responds to instructor-submitted studio and maintenance requests, creates operational and safety policies, and administers inventory and restocking of studio consumables (pencils, chalk, dry erase markers, masks, sponges, earplugs, etc.) 

• Ensures all tools and equipment are operating with the highest of functionality and safety, while making repairs and purchasing supplies as needed; trains instructors on safety and upkeep of studios 

• Provides technical expertise, curricular engagement, and overall initiatives to ensure a high level of art education is being provided 

• Identifies and facilitates property improvements and necessary repairs while working directly with Facilities department and outside vendors and contractors 

• Works with Director on annual operational budget and needs 

• Confidently finds solutions to any issues that arise daily while continuing to work towards streamlining all studio operations 

• Works closely with accounting department submitting forms and balancing of statements for payment of purchases, vendor and contractor invoices 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of materials, techniques, and equipment used in art education to include equipment operations, electrical and mechanical, with the skill set to provide maintenance as needed 

• Demonstrated knowledge of EHS (environmental health and safety regulations) and best practices common in art production, especially pertaining to the safe use, handling, and management of a diversity of chemicals and equipment with varying levels of hazard 

• Strong listening and organization skills, ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing, with careful attention to detail 

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students 

• Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and respond effectively and professionally in a fast past environment 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustration and Photoshop, Outlook, PC and Mac 

Education and Experience: 

• BFA or MFA related to art, studio, or educational disciplines  

• 3-5 years of related professional work experience 

• Preferred expertise in the safe operation and maintenance of fabrication equipment including welders, bandsaws, chop saws, grinders, etc. As well as woodworking tools such as drills, table saws, miter saws, etc. 

• Experience with use and maintenance of drawing, painting, ceramics, and printmaking studios and equipment 

• Managerial and leadership experience 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift heavy materials and equipment up to 75 pounds 

• Onsite role, 8am – 4pm daily 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion
and access (DEIA)  

The Contemporary Austin values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable
workplace and we seek to model these values in our hiring and engagement practices for all our artistic and educational programs. We welcome applications by BIPOC candidates as well as individuals who bring new perspectives in a host of ways. It is the policy of The Contemporary Austin not to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status and to take action to ensure that those seeking to do business with the Contemporary are treated fairly. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a safe, welcoming working environment and doesn’t tolerate discrimination of any kind.