MPA Clay Ceramics Studio Manager

Ceramics Studio Manager, MPA Clay (Part-Time)

McLean Project for the Arts | MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center, McLean, VA
About 20 hours a week, primarily weekday mornings

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) seeks a part-time Ceramics Studio Manager to run MPA Clay at the MPA Berlage Arts & Education Center. The role is about 20 hours a week, primarily weekday mornings, with occasional evenings and weekends for workshops and orientations.

MPA is a nonprofit visual arts organization that connects people to art and enriches community through exhibitions and education. MPA Clay opens in October 2026 with ten wheels, hand-building tables, a glaze room and two large electric kilns. It offers weekly classes for adults, monthly introductory sessions, a juried Studio Artist Membership with 24/7 access for up to 36 members, and visiting-artist workshops three times a year.

This role keeps the studio running safely and smoothly, and is a welcoming, knowledgeable presence for students, members and teaching artists. It reports to the Artistic Director.

Key Responsibilities

Kilns and firing

• Load, unload and fire two electric kilns (bisque and cone 6 glaze) independently after training, on a steady weekday firing cycle for classes, open studio and members.
• Keep firing logs, monitor kiln performance, and care for kiln shelves: cleaning, grinding and kiln wash.
• Schedule firings so student work is finished before each session ends, and flag capacity issues early.

Studio operations

• Keep the studio, glaze room and storage clean, organized and fully functional.
• Maintain safe practices for clay dust, glaze materials and kiln ventilation.
• Oversee routine maintenance of wheels, kilns and equipment, and coordinate repairs.
• Reclaim clay and manage materials and waste systems.
• Track inventory and coordinate purchasing and pickups (mileage reimbursed).
• Help stock the studio store: tool kits, clay, aprons and supplies.
• Prepare the studio for classes, introductory sessions and visiting-artist workshops.
• Help develop and maintain the MPA Clay glaze program (training provided).

Members, students and community

• Lead orientations for new students and Studio Artist Members.
• Communicate and enforce studio policies and safety protocols.
• Manage student open studio sign-ups, shelf assignments and the shared studio calendar.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact for members, and help build a friendly, serious community of working clay artists.
• Support visiting-artist workshops, including setup, firing and artist hospitality.
• Answer registration questions and help with scheduling.
• Work with MPA staff on program planning and ongoing studio improvements.
• Be an active, collaborative member of the MPA staff.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of ceramics processes and equipment; electric kiln experience strongly preferred (training provided)
• Strong organizational skills and a disciplined approach to studio standards
• Warm, clear communication, and comfort enforcing policies kindly and consistently
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing needs
• Basic computer skills (email, Outlook, shared calendars and documents)
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods

Preferred

• Experience mixing glazes
• Experience managing a community or membership studio
• Personal practice as a ceramic artist
• Degree in ceramics or a related field

To Apply

Start date: Mid-October
Please send a résumé and a brief note on your ceramics, glaze and kiln experience.

McLean Project for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need an accommodation to apply or interview, please let us know.

Pay: $27,500.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Ceramics: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person