Assistant Studio Manager | Glass Art Kalamazoo

Glass Art Society Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance after 90 days

Paid studio time (156 hours per year)

Job summary

Glass Art Kalamazoo is seeking an organized, dependable Hot Shop glassblower who enjoys teaching and helping a community arts studio run smoothly. This full-time role combines class and instructor scheduling across our studios with approximately 16 hours of Hot Shop teaching each week and assistance with glass production.

The Assistant Studio Manager leads day-to-day class calendar creation, coordinates instructors, and ensures a safe, welcoming environment for students and renters during

Qualifications

• At least two years of Hot Shop experience or equivalent training.
• Able to teach beginner classes safely.
• Strong organization, communication, and scheduling skills.
• Patient, welcoming teaching style; enjoys youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain class schedules across studios, coordinating instructors, space, equipment and programs.
• Confirm instructor availability, arrange substitutes, and communicate changes.
• Prepare class information for registration and monitor enrollment.
• Teach approximately 16 hours per week of Hot Shop classes, workshops and private experiences.
• Assist with glass production, tools, materials and bench work.
• Supervise instructors on-site, coordinate daily work and ensure a welcoming experience.
• Support rentals and coordinate Sunday classes, rentals and retail coverage.
• Assist with studio maintenance and upkeep; work with Studio Technician on materials and equipment.
• Contribute to demonstrations and events.

Skills

Hot Shop experience

Teaching

Organization

Scheduling

Communication

Safety awareness

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Calendar software

Registration systems

Education

Glass art degree (welcomed)

Tools

Registration systems

Calendar software

Job description

Glass Art Kalamazoo is seeking an organized, dependable Hot Shop glassblower who enjoys teaching and helping a community arts studio run smoothly. This full-time role combines class and instructor scheduling across our studios with approximately 16 hours of Hot Shop teaching each week and assistance with glass production. Studio maintenance and upkeep tasks as needed.

ABOUT GLASS ART KALAMAZOO

Glass Art Kalamazoo is a nonprofit community arts education studio. Our mission is to enrich the community by providing exceptional experiences in glass art. We offer glassblowing, flameworking, beadmaking, kiln fusing, and coldworking experiences, along with community programs, visiting artists, and public events.

THE POSITION

The Assistant Studio Manager reports to the Studio Manager and owns the day-to-day work of building the class calendar, scheduling instructors, and arranging teaching coverage. You will teach Hot Shop classes (and potentially other studios if qualified), support rental activity, perform routine studio maintenance and upkeep, supervise instructors while on-site, and serve as the on-site lead during assigned shifts, including Sundays.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Build and maintain class schedules across all studios, coordinating instructors, studio space, equipment availability, and community programs.
• Confirm instructor availability and assignments, arrange substitutes, and communicate changes to instructors and staff.
• Prepare complete class information for registration and promotion and monitor enrollment to recommend schedule improvements.
• Teach approximately 16 hours per week of Hot Shop classes, workshops, and private experiences, with hours varying by enrollment and season.
• Assist the Studio Manager with glass production, including preparing tools and materials and assisting at the bench.
• Supervise instructors during assigned on-site shifts, coordinate daily work, and support a safe, welcoming experience for students and renters.
• Support the Studio Manager with rentals and coordinate Sunday classes, rentals, and retail coverage.
• Assist the Studio Manager and Studio Tech with studio maintenance and studio upkeep.
• Work with the Studio Technician on class materials, customer service, and equipment needs.
• Assist with demonstrations and GAK events.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• At least two years of Hot Shop experience or equivalent education and hands-on training, with the ability to teach beginner classes safely.
• Strong organization, communication, and scheduling skills and a reliable approach to follow-through.
• A patient, welcoming teaching style and enjoyment of working with youth and adults.
• Familiarity with glass studio safety and a willingness to learn across studio disciplines.
• Comfort using shared calendars, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and registration systems.

Teaching experience and experience coordinating classes or studio activities are preferred. A degree in glass art or a related field is welcome but not required.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

Approximately 40 paid hours per week, generally Wednesday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday off. Evening and weekend availability is required. Sunday activities may include classes, rentals, retail support, studio maintenance and upkeep.

Full-time salaried position with annual compensation of $49,920. The role includes approximately 16 Hot Shop teaching hours per week, with remaining time devoted to scheduling, instructor supervision, production assistance, and studio operations. Health insurance eligibility begins after 90 days, subject to plan terms. Eligible for 156 hours of paid studio time per year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an active glass studio role involving heat, sharp materials, equipment, prolonged standing, bending, and lifting materials up to 50 pounds with appropriate assistance or equipment as needed. Applicants must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation and pass a criminal background check prior to employment.

HOW TO APPLY

Send your resume, a short cover letter describing your glass experience, teaching background, and interest in the position, and 3–5 photos of your glassblowing work to Carrie Vanderbush, Executive Director, at [e-mail].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Glass Art Kalamazoo will not discriminate on the basis of religion (creed), race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, genetic information, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Glass Art Kalamazoo is an equal opportunity employer.