This Instructional Operations Coordinator reports to the Director, OFA Ceramics Program and Visual Arts and is vital to the operation and safety of the Ceramics Program, which is based at the OFA. The 15,500 SF studio serves more than 300 students, faculty, staff, and members of the public over 3 semesters annually. The maintenance, upkeep, equipment, and materials inventory, as well as management of various part-time staff rely on the effectiveness of this position. Technical understanding and people management skills will precipitate safe and effective studio practices for all participants.
Basic Qualifications
- BA/BFA in ceramics (or related field) or equivalent work experience.
- Three years demonstrated experience as a ceramics technician or instructor.
- Three years of experience with glaze mixing, kiln, wheel and studio equipment maintenance.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- MFA in ceramics or related field and five years overall experience in technical or studio management.
- Expert knowledge of ceramic terminology, safety policies, procedures, functions and practices of a ceramic studio.
- Managing staff and/or student workers in a similar setting.
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; respond to a wide range of highly technical questions, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, students, studio participants and the general public.
- Ability to maintain the following equipment: electric potter’s wheels (30), ceramic extruders (2), slab roller (1), slip mixer (1), wet saw (1), 3D ceramic printer (1) and ventilation arms (3).
- Ability to fire and maintain electric (10), gas reduction (2) and soda vapor kilns (1) in a safe and effective manner and to instruct others.
- Clear knowledge of glaze chemistry, recipe calculation and oversight of all ceramic materials by students and staff in a safe manner.
- Ability to use and instruct students in the safe use of handling basic power tools.
- Ability to work with a diverse range of students including Harvard faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students as well as members of the general Boston community.
- Ability to mentor undergraduates with varied levels of ceramics knowledge as well as professional artists in the use of our facility for academic related or public events.
- Experience with working with Environmental Health and Safety departments or the equivalent to ensure best practices. Exposure to potentially hazardous materials, for which a mask and gloves must be worn.
- Familiarity with best practices and curriculums for ceramics programs at other art schools and universities.
- Class D driver’s license and the ability to drive.
- Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Proficient with MS Outlook, Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of Filemaker Pro, Glaze Softwares (such as HyperGlaze) and 3D software (such as Rhino, Slic3r).
- Ability to work flexible hours and weekends.
For More Information and to and to Apply: