Coordinator, The New York Studio School

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The New York Studio School, founded in 1964 by artists for artists, offers a variety of studio-centric academic programs—including a two-year MFA degree, a three-year Certificate and Virtual Certificate, intensive two-week Marathons, and a range of Evening & Weekend classes. Located in the historic Greenwich Village building that served as the original home of the Whitney Museum of American Art, NYSS is currently seeking a hard-working, self-motivated, hands-on individual to join its dedicated staff as Studio Coordinator.

About the position

The Studio Coordinator is a full-time position responsible for overseeing our incredible studio and classroom spaces; providing support to the Facilities Manager and general building operations; and collaborating with faculty members and students to ensure optimal working conditions for classes and independent projects. Preference will be given to applicants with a background in Sculpture and knowledge in workshops/fabrication. This is an ideal role for a working artist who would enjoy being part of vibrant community and assisting with the realization of all aspects of making at the School. The Studio Coordinator reports directly to the Facilities Manager, indirectly to the Dean and Associate Deans, and collaborates with all staff members, faculty members, and students to support the School’s mission and uphold the best studio and School environment possible

The New York Studio School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, or sexual orientation. The School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Studios, Shared spaces & Sculpture department

Daily rounds of all studios and shared spaces to maintain and improve functionality and operations
Attend to general upkeep and usability of all spaces
Oversee and perform routine cleaning, organizing and assigning of the studio spaces
Coordinate and maintain shops and materials for the Sculpture department
Instruct and guide students on armature fabrication, woodworking, and welding techniques
Recycling of clay using pug mill
Management of clay work to be fired/post firing
Loading/unloading, firing, and maintenance of ceramic kiln
Manage all equipment, including kilns, welding equipment, sinks, and traps
Inventory and order supplies for classes and department
Uphold strict policies for dust control and the safe use of tools and equipment, including training and monitoring working environments

Faculty & Student Services

Proactive and frequent outreach/conversation with Faculty members and Students to ensure their needs are met in the building (supplies, building features, coordination of space use)
Orient and instruct students in proper studio etiquette, material usage, building policies and general safety and security
Oversee and train class monitors and tuition remission students

Facilities

Construction of setups for classes
Conduct regular inspections of premises, machinery, and tools, effecting necessary repairs
Manage storage areas and keep all common areas clear
Inspection of fire extinguishers and first aid stations
Drain valves and steam traps for boiler during heating season
Oversee contractors for maintenance on HVAC systems, inspection of fire suppression equipment
Operation of HVAC systems
Fill in for Front Desk (reception) staff when needed

Gallery and Public programs

Setup/breakdown for Lecture Series and for special events
Art handling, support for gallery installation, de-installation, and maintenance

Ideal Qualifications

Diplomacy, exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Versatility, patience, and solution-oriented mindset
Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience and/or aptitude for working respectfully with students and people of diverse backgrounds
Independent professional judgment, good time management, and dedicated team player
Creative problem-solving skills and compassion in dealing with student and faculty issues
Highly organized and capable of creating systems that will enhance efficiency at all levels of studio management
Experience working in a historic building preferred
Sculpture background/education preferred
Woodworking/carpentry
Use of power tools, including table saws
Knowledge of clay and clay production, including recycling
Knowledge of firing and maintaining kilns
Experience & competence in oxy-acetylene torches, arc welding and other machines and tools related to metal work
Knowledge of how to build a proper figure armature
Skill in various casting techniques from small heads to life-size figures; to teach students the basics in plaster mold making
Able to read and interpret documents such as safety manuals, MSDS and operating and maintenance procedures
Flexibility of schedule with ability to work weekend, evening, or possibly late-night hours as needed
Able to lift and carry 50 lbs
Able to perform frequent bending, lifting, and walking, including climbing and descending stairs frequently
Able to use ladders safely
Able to clear a background check and to work legally in the United States
NYC Fire Department Certificates of Fitness F-93 (Fireguard) & G-95 (Flammable Gasses, cutting/welding) (If not currently possessed, ability to attain once employed)

Compensation

This is a full-time position with a starting salary of approximately $50,000 – $55,000 with growth opportunity. The work schedule will typically be Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, with any exceptions to be discussed and agreed upon. NYSS offers a benefits package that includes health care coverage. The offices are located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, in a historic building that does not meet ADA compliant standards. The staff is presently working both onsite and remotely. This is an in-person, hands on position.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send as a single pdf: Cover Letter; Resume; names and contact details of at least three references to humanresources@nyss.org. No phone calls please. Please use the subject line “Your Name – STUDIO COORDINATOR.”

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Two rounds of interviews are anticipated, to begin in June 2022.