Release Date: 4/24/17

Location: Baltimore, MD

Application deadline: June 9, 2017

Job Start Date: early July 2017 (preferred)

At the Baltimore Jewelry Center, we’re building a vibrant creative community for new and established metal and jewelry artists. As an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’re on a mission to educate and inspire Baltimore and beyond through our programming, exhibitions, and community & educational outreach.

We aim to reconnect Baltimore to its rich history of metalsmithing and jewelry, and increase awareness of contemporary metalsmithing and jewelry as an art form. Our shared values guide us in building an environment where metalsmiths and art jewelers innovate and elevate each other through collaboration. Different perspectives, openness, and respect enrich our community. Together, we’re empowering metalsmiths and art jewelers to evolve the field through study, practice, and leadership.

Baltimore Jewelry Center Studio Manager

We’re seeking a Studio Manager who is passionate about metalsmithing and art jewelry and loves engaging with people in a variety of settings from the studio to community events, conferences and more. As administrators focused on the programming and management of the BJC, our studio managers are a primary representative of the BJC for the community and have a big impact.

We’re looking for someone with the skill and experience to manage all student and renter activity, including providing one-on-one assistance and guidance as needed. This is a full-time administrative position, and you’ll report directly to the Director.

You’ll need a strong background in metalsmithing or art jewelry. You’ll have a broad set of skills that are required for running a studio, but you also have depth in a particular area of practice that will inspire us. You will have superlative verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and enjoy helping others. You will work closely with a very small programming team to plan and implement the day-to day programming and functioning of the Baltimore Jewelry Center.

Responsibilities

• Brainstorming. Every week, you’ll brainstorm with the team to develop educational and organizational programming.
• Support students and renters. This means everything from answering questions and assisting students and renters in the studio or via email, to newsletters, announcements, and social media posts. This also includes attending the occasional community meeting.
• Office Management. You’ll help with payroll, paying bills, processing mail, ordering supplies and materials.
• Studio Management. You’ll be maintaining studio systems, inventory and keeping the studio organized and tidy. That means prepping supplies, monitoring supply use, logging renters’ and students’ studio usage, and conducting commercial transactions with students and renters for classes and bench rental.
• Create promotional materials. You’ll be making fliers, postcards, ads and class lists, so there will be light photography, digital design and editing work.
• Content creation. You’ll be creating and/or editing copy for fundraising and promotion.
• BJC Promotion and Networking. You’ll lead studio tours, help to plan and attend special events, and chat with students, professionals, and community members on the phone.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a patient, people-oriented individual, who is able to create a safe space for students and artists at the Baltimore Jewelry Center. Here are the qualities we’re looking for in a new team member.

• You’re eager to work in a creative and dynamic team environment, developing new ideas, brainstorming, and problem solving.
• You take initiative and are proactive: asking questions, making recommendations, offering help, and suggesting ideas are qualities we value.
• You have strong time management skills and the ability to work independently.
• You’ll be a flexible worker and nimble thinker in order to meet the demands of a fluctuating studio environment.
• You’re conscientious, working carefully and thoroughly, and take ownership.
• You have superb organizational and communication skills.
• You’re passionate about education and making. Your core passion is the metals and jewelry field, and you’re driven to promote and expand access to educational opportunities within the field.
• You truly enjoy assisting students and other users of a metals and jewelry studio.

This job includes non-traditional hours (nights and weekends).There will be occasional off-site educational events (such as American Craft Council Show and Artscape), at which you may be asked to work. Attendance at onsite events, like exhibition openings and community potlucks, is strongly encouraged as your schedule allows.

Competencies and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Metals/Jewelry highly preferred, or comparable experience
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, complete assigned tasks on time, seek support when needed
• Effectively communicate with various constituencies: students, visitors, renters, donors, etc.
• Experience managing projects
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities
• Familiarity with local & national metals/jewelry organizations and communities
• Proficiency in Microsoft software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Competence using design software like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop
• Familiarity with QuickBooks or accounting software is a plus

Pay and Benefits:

• High $20k - low $30k per year, commensurate with experience
• Typically 30-32/hours a week (infrequently 33-35/hours a week); 50 weeks/year (we are closed 2 weeks in December every year); additional hours required for a few special events throughout the year (additional compensation will be provided)
• Possibility for teaching opportunity; 1-2 classes/4 sessions a year (separate, additional compensation provided for teaching)
• Partial healthcare coverage
• 2 weeks paid time off
• Free access to the studio and equipment 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• 50% discount on classes and workshops offered at the Baltimore Jewelry Center

Application Process

• Applicant must submit a full application packet via email to [email protected] no later than June 9, 2017. Full applications must include:
• A 1-2 page cover letter detailing why you want to work as a studio manager at the Baltimore Jewelry Center, and why you believe your qualifications and past experience make you the ideal candidate for the position.
• In addition to your cover letter, respond to the following in two pages or less:
• Tell us about your proudest professional or creative achievement. This is the place to brag.
• Tell us about a situation when you faced a significant professional or creative challenge, what you did to overcome the challenge, and the results.
• Your resume or CV which must list work experience and education, as well as related artistic experience (exhibitions, etc.)
• 2-3 professional references (a list of names, telephone numbers, addresses, and email addresses). References should be individuals who have supervised or mentored you in a position similar to the studio manager position or other managerial/leadership position, or who otherwise have experience working with you in such positions.
• Digital portfolio of 12-20 examples of your work (link or pdf with a maximum size of 10MB).
• Optional: Digital portfolio of work of students you have taught, 8-20 examples (link or pdf with a maximum size of 10MB)

Based on their review of all applications received by the June 9, 2017 deadline, the Baltimore Jewelry Center will select candidates to participate in an interview process, which may occur in person or via skype. If necessary, a second round of interviews may occur wherein select candidates will demonstrate suitability for the position via a day of onsite shadowing (including interacting with and supporting students)