Director of Studio Operations, Ceramics

About the Position:

The Director of Studio Operations oversees the daily and long term operations of the ceramics facilities and classrooms at Lillstreet Art Center. Via the management of studio monitor teams, this includes kiln loading, firing, and unloading, clay making, glaze making, and cleaning. The Director of Studio Operations also manages material and tool inventories, in addition to conducting equipment and studio maintenance. The Lillstreet Ceramics Department is co-run by the Director of Studio Operations and the Director of Programming, requiring consistent collaboration and communication between both parties, and also with the administrative team.

About Lillstreet Art Center:

Lillstreet Art Center is an art school, art gallery, and artist studio space in Chicago, IL. We offer classes and workshops covering topics in Ceramics, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Textiles, Printmaking & Book Arts, and Drawing & Painting. Our Kidstreet program includes multimedia classes and summer camps for children and families.

As creative people who work for creative people, supporting artists is our priority. Through our annual Artist-in-Residence program, we offer career opportunities and workspace for emerging to mid-career artists. We remove barriers to art education through our growing Scholarship Programs and Free Visiting Artist Program. We are committed to giving back to the art community and beyond in Chicago, with a portion of our profits going to local organizations supporting humanitarian causes each month.

Essential Job Functions

Management of Studio Monitor Teams

• Manage all studio monitor teams (gas & electric kiln loaders/firers/unloaders, clay makers, glaze makers, & cleaning teams)
• Hire and train new monitors as needed (in addition to coordinating onboarding paperwork with Administrative Director)
• Create and manage an accurate firing calendar, making adjustments as needed
• Organize and facilitate department deep clean at the end of each session

Material Inventory:

• Order and maintain an accurate inventory of clay, plaster, dry chemicals, and other studio-related materials
• Maintain inventory, order, and manage the organization of tools for resale and standard studio resources
• Schedule deliveries and operate forklift upon arrival of materials and equipment

Studio & Equipment Maintenance:

• Troubleshoot and execute repairs on kilns, wheels, and other studio equipment as needed
  • Hire and schedule outside contractors when necessary

• Hands-on studio operations as needed (firing gas and electric kilns, reclaiming clay, troubleshoot clay and glaze chemistry issues, cleaning work tables, etc.)
• Assist with studio construction, renovations, and upkeep when required

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain consistent communication with Ceramics Programming Director & Administrative team
• Collaborate with the Ceramics Programming Director on policy and practice updates

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and/or graduate degree in ceramics; or equivalent professional experience
• 2+ years of ceramics studio management experience
• 2+ years of people management experience
• 2+ years of customer service experience
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a larger team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management & organizational skills
• Experience operating forklifts is preferred, but not required (training will be provided if necessary)

Compensation:

This is a 32+ hour a week position with a salary of $45,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k matching program
• Free studio with free clay, dry materials, and firings
• 2 free 5-week classes or 1 free 10-week class each session

To Apply:

Interested candidates should email the following materials to hr@lillstreet.com with the subject line reading “‘Applicant Name’ : Director of Studio Operations, Ceramics Application.”

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three references