Thank you for your interest in seeking employment or an internship with AMOCA.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. It is unlikely that any applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role, and AMOCA welcomes and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the Museum. The following positions are accepting applications:
Ceramics Studio Manager
The American Museum of Ceramic Arts seeks a dynamic candidate to serve as its Ceramics Studio Manager. The Studio Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and safety of a 12,000 square-foot ceramic studio, including managing equipment, materials, and personnel.
Reports to the Executive Director
40 hours per week with benefits
Non-Exempt Employee
The Studio Program includes:
- Studio store selling AMOCA swag, tools, and Laguna Clay products
- 33-36 rental studios, serving approximately 65 artists
- Artists-in-Residence (AIR) program with two 12-month residencies and two 6-month residencies annually
- 10-12 hand-building and wheel-throwing classes (6-week sessions), quarterly
- 2 introductory clay classes, monthly
- Demonstrations and skill-building workshops
- Firing services for artists in the community
- Studio store selling AMOCA swag, tools, and Laguna Clay products
Key Responsibilities
- Foster positive relationships with colleagues, artists, students, and visitors
- Deliver exceptional customer service in person, over the phone, and via email
- Communicate regularly with the studio and museum team regarding studio needs, priorities, scheduling, and marketing
- Oversee all aspects of the Artist-in-Residence program, including the artist selection process, and provide support and guidance to artists during their residency
- Manage inventory needs to ensure seamless studio operations
- Coordinate scheduling, loading, and unloading of gas and electric kilns; production of studio glazes; and maintenance of kilns, tools, and equipment with the Studio Technician
- Oversee studio cleanliness and safety standards
- Prepare materials, set up spaces, and coordinate with instructors and volunteers to support classes, workshops, and public events
- Monitor, prioritize, and implement studio repairs and maintenance
- Coordinate scheduling for K-12 programs with the Education Manager
- Maintain administrative systems: calendar, POS program, timesheets, contracts, class registration, attendance tracking, security, and kiln logs
- Develop and manage adult ceramic programs
- Recruit and train staff
- Represent the studio at community events and build partnerships with other organizations
- Assist with studio budget development, expense tracking, and financial management
- Update studio social media and contribute content and news on studio channels (Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, Mailchimp)
Qualifications, Skills, and Personal Attributes
- Possess an appropriate undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in ceramics or related areas
- At least 2-3 years of working in the field
- Knowledge of kiln firing processes (gas, electric, salt, soda), glaze chemistry, and materials handling
- Ability to lift 60 lbs. and perform physical labor, including climbing ladders and moving heavy objects
- Excellent organizational and computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Gmail, and Google Calendar
- A valid driver’s license
- Working knowledge of Spanish is helpful
- The ability to drive a forklift is helpful
- Ability to work as part of a team, work with interruptions, and adapt to changing priorities
Working Conditions
The manager will work in general office and ceramic studio conditions, with some participation in museum activities. Responsibilities will require evening and weekend hours consistent with the studio and museum’s schedule of events and activities.
The position involves a significant amount of contact with museum staff, volunteers, donors, and the public, which may be of a sensitive or confidential nature. Discretion and sound judgment are essential. The manager must be able to relate well to individuals from various backgrounds and positively represent the museum in these relationships.
Studio work involves exposure to clay and glaze materials, kiln heat, and occasionally using power tools. Must follow all safety guidelines and be willing and able to clean and maintain studio spaces regularly.
Compensation
$62,000 with paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation days.
50% of the health insurance premium is covered.
An annual stipend is provided to attend NCECA.
Teaching opportunities at AMOCA offer additional compensation opportunities.
AMOCA is an equal-opportunity employer. Please send a letter of interest and resume to: bgerstein@amoca.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Preferred start date is July 7, 2025.
Mudmobile Art Instructor
The Mudmobile program is a mobile museum program that focuses on creating equitable access to the arts by taking AMOCA’s programming out of the museum to meet students and teachers where they are. The role of the Mudmobile Art instructor is to: lead programs focused on teaching Visual Thinking Strategies; clay working techniques to K-12 grade students; and participate in educational and in-service activities including training sessions and feedback sessions as needed. Assignments may include day, evening, and/or weekend hours, but assignments will, for the most part, take place during a regular school day. Part-time assignments are scheduled on an as needed basis from the “pool” of approved teachers.
Pay Rate: $19/hr. Mudmobile Instructors will be paid for travel time from AMOCA to the program site, set up, instruction time, clean up, and return travel to AMOCA from the program site.
A successful candidate must have past experience teaching or leading groups of students through pre-planned activities and some experience working with clay. They must also be able and willing to travel from the AMOCA to teach on school campuses and in classrooms within a 15-mile radius from the museum.
Ability to drive a van, lift/move materials up to 50 pounds and pass a background check.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
All interested applicants should send a resume and letter of interest to: info@amoca.org
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at AMOCA is a great way to learn more about ceramics, meet people with similar interests, and share your enthusiasm for ceramic art with visitors. Volunteers are an important part of AMOCA’s culture and an essential part of making our museum a success. Volunteer applications are accepted year-round. Head over to our Volunteer page to read more about opportunities at the museum. Once you’ve completed our online volunteer application and let us know your interests, a staff member will be in touch.
Want to share your love of art with museum visitors? AMOCA’s Docent Program accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply to be a docent here.
Unpaid Internships
AMOCA recognizes that unpaid internships are an equity issue, and is actively looking for funds to support paid internships. If you are interested in supporting paid internships, please contact Jenifer Fleming at jfleming@amoca.org.
Until paid internships are possible, unpaid internships will remain available to persons wishing to gain practical experience in the museum or non-profit sectors in any of the disciplines listed below. AMOCA is accepting applications for internships on a rotating basis. Please send resumé and cover letter to the department manager. Click here for staff contact information.
- Curatorial Internship
- Collections Management Internship
- Development Internship
- Public Relations Internship
- Museum Education Internship
- Retail Internship
Unpaid Internships for Course Credit
Please note that internship applicants are responsible for providing copies of the internship description to their advisors, and for making all appropriate arrangements with their schools to receive credit for internships. Hours vary and are flexible; however, a minimum of 12 hours per week is generally expected to receive course credit.
Please email your resume, letter of interest, written sample, and two letters of recommendation to education@amoca.org.
- Curatorial Internship
- Collections Management Internship
- Development Internship
- Public Relations Internship
- Museum Education Internship
- Retail Internship