Studio Manager

Job Title: Studio Manager

Location: Brooklyn and Manhattan TAC Studios

Reports To: Director of Operations, Co-Executive Director

Status: Part-Time (28 hours per week), Regular, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Sunday through Thursday required //  Sunday (10:30am-5pm), Monday (10:30am-5pm), Tuesday (12-3pm), Wednesday (10:30-4pm), Thursday (10:30am-5pm) 

ABOUT TEXTILE ARTS CENTER:

Textile Arts Center (TAC) is a NYC-based resource facility founded in 2009 dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of textiles through creative educational programs for children and adults. TAC’s mission is to unify and empower the textile community.  We do this by providing accessible, skills-based classes, artists programs, and community events to reinvigorate engagement with traditional crafts. We’re proud to offer a diverse range of programming from a fully equipped 6,800 square foot studio in Brooklyn, and a 900 square foot studio in Manhattan.

This marks an exciting moment of change for TAC - including Brooklyn studio renovations, improvements to a number of programs and classes, and the implementation of a long term strategic plan. 

As we turn toward the next 10+ years, we’re looking for passionate textile enthusiasts to join our committed, small team in moving the organization forward.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Since our founding in 2009, TAC has offered a wide range of textile classes, including after school, mini-camp, and summer camp options for kids, along with month-long, weekend, and drop-in workshops for adults. With over 200 adult classes per year and ongoing youth programs, we reach over 1000 children and 1500 adult students across our Brooklyn and Manhattan locations each year. Studio access is also a crucial part of our mission. Each week, we offer over 25 hours of Open Studio in our Brooklyn location, giving community members access to a variety of textile arts materials, equipment, and general-use space to spread out and work on independent projects.

TAC seeks a part-time, textile-trained Studio Manager to join its active team in NYC. The SM is responsible for the daily general maintenance of the TAC studios (Brooklyn and Manhattan), overseeing smooth operating for all programs, and managing overall studio use and scheduling. 

The Studio Manager reports to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Class Coordinator and other members of the TAC team. The SM must also have previous knowledge and experience in a range of textile arts, including: weaving, machine knitting, dyeing, screen printing. Experience working in a textile studio is highly preferred.

In addition to studio responsibilities, the SM will be expected to provide responsive, high-quality customer service that enhances the general public’s understanding of TAC’s services and programs. The GM will regularly respond to public inquiries made in person, online, and over the phone, working closely with other TAC staff to ensure the general public is informed about specific TAC classes, events, and programs. TAC students represent many diverse communities, abilities, geographies, and ages.  Sensitivity towards a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, and a willingness to listen to and support others, is crucial to this role. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES:

Studio:

• Daily studio maintenance including cleaning, organization, and inventory of Brooklyn and Manhattan locations
• Manage inventory, ordering, sourcing, and vendor relations
• Manage material and equipment upkeep in both locations
• Prep materials for all classes and events
• Manage Open Studio calendar, registration, and sign in
• Manage studio supply budget and expense reports
• Oversee and implement studio improvement projects in both locations
• Update reports for quarterly reporting on studio use and finances
• Answer all studio@textilesartscenter.com correspondence
• Hire, train, and schedule Work Exchange Studio Monitors
• Hire, train, and manage studio interns
• Coordinate studio rentals, loom rentals, and private lessons
• Review and coordinate material donations and gifts
• Communicate with other program staff, instructors, students, and Artists in Residence about studio updates, schedule changes, and reminders
• Support Class Coordinator in class communications and management, meeting regularly
• Maintain material lists for all adult classes
• Perform other duties to support the general operations of TAC as assigned

Customer Service:

• In collaboration with Class Coordinator, provide time-sensitive and knowledgeable telephone, e-mail, and online registration support to all student, parent, and general inquiries; manage front desk on assigned days
• Support Director of Operations’ efforts to improve student experience and resolve escalated customer service issues
• Serve as studio monitor during set hours: oversee Open Studio student check in, and payment at front desk
• Provide studio tours and general TAC information to visitors as needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• One (1) year experience in a studio environment
• Bachelor's degree in an applicable field (BFA, BA/BS in Studio Art, etc) or equivalent experience (4 years in a directly relevant field) 
• Successful candidate must have at least basic knowledge of textile processes including weaving, screen printing, dyeing, knitting, and sewing
• Proven skills and aptitude to excel in a customer-focused and results-driven environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well with others in a busy professional environment
• Solid organizational skills, multi-tasking ability, and attention to detail
• Demonstrated capacity to be reliable and highly productive
• Must be a proactive problem-solver, adaptive to a growing, changing organization
• Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Strong people-orientation, with demonstrated consensus-building and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated effectiveness and ability with public speaking
• Enthusiasm and dedication to the mission of Textile Arts Center

Preferred:

• Experience in a public-interfacing position
• A passion and knowledge of textile arts; curiosity to learn more and share information about our class offerings
• Proficiency on a Mac platform; website and database management experience is strongly preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Must be comfortable moving large packages and responding to general maintenance issues
• Construction experience and comfort with tools/equipment is strongly preferred

PAY RATE + BENEFITS:

• The hourly rate for this position is $17 per hour.
• The SM is entitled to paid time off, including 5 vacation days, and 3 sick days.  TAC is also closed during set holidays, including Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving Break (usually 5 days), and Winter/Christmas Break (usually 2 weeks), Memorial Day Weekend, 4th of July weekend.
• All TAC staff have access to free adult classes and Open Studio use during the course of their employment.
   

Textile Arts Center seeks to hire staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

All positions at Textile Arts Center are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.