Program Director

About Us

We are an arts education nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in Berkeley, CA, offering a ceramics studio with 24/7 access, along with in-person classes, workshops, and firing services. Our mission is to educate, nurture, and inspire a diverse community of ceramic artists. We provide the space, support, and tools necessary for creativity, growth, community, connection, and joy for both creators and enthusiasts of ceramics. Embracing diversity and inclusivity, we believe that these values enhance the experience for all involved.

Join the Team

We are seeking an individual with proven experience leading programs and events and a passion for art education to join our 20 person team. 

The Program Director holds the primary responsibility for managing and directing our educational and special events programming. As a crucial member of the Leadership Team, the Program Director collaborates closely with the Studio Operations team to ensure the availability of resources necessary for the successful execution of educational courses and special events. Regular evaluation of Teaching Artists and collection of student survey data are integral to maintaining the high-quality education that reflects our brand. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role involves hiring and supervising Teaching Artists, managing the Program Department budget, establishing and enforcing policies and procedures, as well as contributing to fundraising efforts and grant applications.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful program management experience at the manager or director level.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory experience, overseeing a minimum of two (2) direct reports.
• Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service to diverse communities or engaging successfully with community-based organizations serving diverse communities for a minimum of two (2) years.
• Proven track record in creating and/or managing arts education programs, including oversight of staff, members, and students.
• Previous experience conducting student satisfaction surveys and evaluating Teaching Artists' performance.
• Proficiency in managing contracts, grants, and budgets.
• Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication/listening skills.
• Ability to solve problems in a dynamic environment with flexibility and adaptability.
• Proficiency in computer use, including significant experience with sophisticated databases, preferably focused on participant or customer relationship management.
• Skilled in basic office applications and database management.
• Capacity to address challenges through an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and integrative approach, fostering solutions that accommodate diverse interests and viewpoints.
• Innovative self-starter with the ability to generate and implement projects from conception to completion.
• Collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork and prioritizes employee and client/customer satisfaction.
• Approachable demeanor conducive to effective interaction with members, students, government entities, and high-level contributors.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Friendly, reliable, and easy-going disposition.
• Unwavering integrity and honesty.

Preferred Qualifications

We would be thrilled if you possess some of these additional skills:

• Previous leadership experience in an arts or education nonprofit organization.
• Experience working with ceramics and clay.
• Familiarity with integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into organizational decision-making.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• Formal college-level education and/or certification in program management or nonprofit management.

Physical Requirements

This position operates within an open office environment without controlled climate settings. You should be capable of fulfilling the following duties with or without accommodation:

• Standing, sitting, kneeling, walking, bending, and performing repetitive motions throughout an eight (8) hour shift.
• Proficient operation of standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, phones, POS machines, and printers.
• Safely traversing the entirety of the facility, including climbing stairs.
• Communicating clearly in person, over the phone, and during video conferences.
• Completion of the COVID-19 primary vaccination series and receipt of the most recent available vaccination booster.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a regular full-time, exempt position with a schedule of 40 hours per week, from Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend events with advanced notice. The salary range is $74,500 -$79,500 annually, with a 90-day evaluation/review period.

We are committed to providing our team with benefits to promote a healthy work/life balance:

• Generous paid leave, including 12 holidays, 10 vacation days, 6 sick days, and 4 personal days accrued in your first year.
• 100% coverage on our base Kaiser HMO health plan, with the option to enroll in a variety of carriers including Anthem, CIGNA, and Sutter Health.
• Full coverage on our Guardian Dental and VSP vision plans.
• Additional paid benefits through Guardian, such as life and AD&D insurance, travel assistance, and the Halcyon employee assistance program.
• Optional participation in our retirement savings plan after one (1) year of service.
• Full membership benefits.

How to Join the Team

Research shows that candidates from groups closest to the harms of institutional racism and inequality often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications; we believe that no one meets 100% of the qualifications. We are less concerned about whether you’ve done everything within a particular job description and are more interested in cultivating a pool of candidates who want to join a connected, mission-driven, hard-working team. 

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume here. In your cover letter, please elaborate on why you believe you would be a good fit for the role, what contributions you could bring to the organization, and what aspects of this position appeal to you. Due to the size of our team and the physical nature of our work, we regret that we are unable to respond to phone calls.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, upholding a policy that prohibits discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, disability (both mental and physical, including HIV and AIDS), medical condition (such as cancer and genetic characteristics), incarceration history, genetic information, age, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, denial of family and medical care leave, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our management team is fully committed to implementing this policy in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and overall treatment during employment.

As a community-based organization, we extend a warm welcome and genuine care to all who engage with our studio. Through fostering connections and shared experiences, we strive to cultivate a sense of belonging within our community. Our aim is to democratize access to ceramics, ensuring that it is available to everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.