Director of Programming & Outreach | Foci MCGA

Glass Art Society Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare stipend

Generous PTO

Minnesota Paid Leave

Studio points accrual

VIP membership perks

Job summary

Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts seeks a Director of Programming & Outreach to lead educational programming, gallery initiatives, and donor relations. You will steer grant strategy, cultivate community partnerships, and supervise instructors, with collaboration across operations, administration, and fundraising teams.

The role emphasizes program development, event coordination, and strategic budgeting to sustain an inclusive glass arts ecosystem and engage youth, schools, and local

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in glass or arts management; equivalent experience considered.
• Working knowledge of glassmaking processes and terminology for education and studio programming.
• Minimum of two years instructing or managing glass art classes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage databases and schedules with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, scheduling, and evaluation of educational programs and curricula.
• Oversee instructors, teaching assistants, and the Program Assistant.
• Develop workshops with visiting and local artists across glass disciplines.
• Manage partnerships with community organizations and schools.
• Lead grant strategy, fundraising, and donor relations.
• Oversee gallery programming and collaboration with the Gallery Coordinator.

Skills

Instructing glass art classes

Community outreach

Grant writing

Budget management

Staff supervision

Education

Degree in glass arts or arts management

Tools

Google Workspace

Salesforce

Database management

Job description

Director of Programming & Outreach
Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (Foci MCGA)

About Foci MCGA

Established in 2009, Foci MCGA (Minnesota Center for Glass Arts) proudly represents a vibrant arts community as Minnesota’s only non‑profit public access glass studio and education center. Our 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization is located in Minneapolis and offers a full glass studio curriculum taught by artists locally and nationally recognized, as well as programming for youth, corporate group experiences, events, and exhibitions. Our goal is to be a safe space for all to feel welcome and engaged, creating experiences that motivate curiosity, build excitement, and advance mastery.

Position Summary

Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts is seeking a collaborative and community‑focused Director of Programming & Outreach to lead educational programming, gallery initiatives, community partnerships, grants, fundraising development, and donor relations. This position is one of three peer leadership roles within Foci MCGA’s Co‑Leadership Model, working alongside the Directors of Operations & Studio and the Director of Administration. The three Directors share responsibility for organizational strategy, financial sustainability, major fundraising efforts, organizational culture, and mission outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Education Lead the development, scheduling, and evaluation of educational programs & curricula based on community needs and instructor feedback. Develop workshops with visiting & local artists and oversee instructors & teaching assistants. Educational programming includes one‑day “Discovery Experience classes & multi‑week “Core classes” in areas of glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, neon, stained glass, coldworking, and mosaics. Oversee the Program Assistant.

Community Outreach & Partnerships Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, artists, and partners. Develop outreach efforts that increase awareness, participation, and access to Foci MCGA programs. Partnerships include local schools, library systems, youth initiative organizations, and other local arts nonprofits.

Budget & Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the Programming/Development budget and participate in Foci MCGA’s annual budgeting and fundraising strategy.

Grants & Fundraising Lead grant strategy, writing, reporting, and pipeline development. Cultivate donor relationships, coordinate donor acknowledgments, and support organization‑wide fundraising efforts.

Gallery Oversight Lead gallery programming, including Foci MCGA’s Marketplace Gallery, Exhibition Space, State Fair Gallery, and offsite opportunities; and oversee the Gallery Coordinator. Provide oversight of the in‑house glass production line in collaboration with the Gallery Coordinator and Production Support Staff.

Program Promotion Coordinate promotion of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and other programs in partnership with the Graphic Designer & Director of Administration.

Event Collaboration

In collaboration with Gallery & Administrative Staff, coordinate outreach events, including artist lectures, open house events, and public demonstrations. Assist with coordination of Foci MCGA’s largest outreach event: the Minnesota State Fair Gallery Booth and Mobile Glassblowing Stage.

Staff & Instructor Leadership

Supervise and support all Instructors, Teaching Assistants, Program Assistant, Gallery Coordinator, and Production Support Staff. Set clear expectations, manage schedules, provide coaching, and deliver performance feedback. Production Support Staff reports to the Gallery Coordinator.

Shared Leadership

• Strategic planning and annual organizational priorities
• Organizational budgeting and fundraising strategy
• Major policy and personnel decisions
• Cross‑department initiatives
• Organizational culture and risk management
• Board reporting and organizational performance

The Director has day‑to‑day authority within Programming & Outreach and collaborates with the other Directors when decisions affect multiple areas of the organization.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Undergraduate or graduate college degree in glass or arts management; equivalent experience considered
• Working knowledge of glassmaking processes and terminology, with an understanding of the unique needs of glass arts education and studio‑based programming
• General understanding of studio safety considerations associated with glassmaking and the importance of established safety procedures
• Minimum of two years instructing or managing glass art classes
• Experience writing syllabi and working with syllabi
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to type and to use and maintain databases with accuracy
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem‑solving skills
• Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to systematically think through projects, plan backward, and adhere to a budget
• Ability to work independently and with direction
• A positive attitude and collaborative nature
• Confidence talking in front of a crowd
• Ability to welcome and effectively work with people of many lived experiences
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays
• Ability to lift 35 pounds
• Ability to bend and stretch to accomplish necessary tasks
• Ability to stand on feet throughout the day
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of Google Workspace
• Knowledge of Salesforce
• Experience working in a glass studio environment

Successful candidates will bring experience or demonstrated skills in several of the following areas:

• Arts, educational, or community programming
• Program development and coordination
• Community outreach and partnership development
• Grant writing and reporting
• Fundraising and donor relations
• Working with artists and instructors
• Working with youth
• Staff, instructor, or volunteer supervision
• Budget management
• Program marketing and promotion
• Collaborative or shared leadership

Strong communication, relationship‑building, organizational, and project‑management skills are essential.

Success in the Role

Success will be measured through program enrollment, grant development, fundraising performance, community partnerships, progress on strategic priorities, stakeholder satisfaction, and effective collaboration across the organization.

Compensation

$31/hour. Full‑time employees at Foci MCGA receive a monthly healthcare stipend, generous PTO, safe and sick time, Minnesota Paid Leave, accrual of studio points, and VIP membership perks.

Reports to: Board of Directors Executive Committee