Ceramics Department Chair

The Ceramics Department Chair is a part-time position (averaging 25 hours per week) overseeing daily operations of the department, including managing the studio space and equipment, ensuring safety conditions, and maintaining supply inventory. Reporting to the Windgate Art School Director, this position works closely and collaboratively with the WAS assistant director, other department chairs, faculty, and departments to provide engaging and interactive programming that promotes the AMFA community, regional, and national profile. They have specific expert knowledge of their medium, materials, equipment, and techniques, and possess skill and a passion for teaching, taking pleasure in the success of their students.

Key Responsibilities

• Guide the development of high-quality ceramics courses, workshops, and demonstrations across all skill levels.
• Support instructors in fostering inclusive, collaborative, and creative learning environments.
• Ensure curriculum reflects contemporary practices, technologies, and student interests.
• Collaborate with faculty to evaluate and update course offerings in alignment with institutional goals.
• Plan core classes and special programming in coordination with the WAS Director and Assistant Director.
• Recommend and support public-facing programs, including guest artists, workshops, and special events.
• Integrate ceramics programming with AMFA exhibitions, events, and performances.
• Promote the Windgate Art School locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Oversee the daily operations of the ceramics studios, kiln yard, and clay/glaze kitchen
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized studio environment.
• Manage inventory, supplies, equipment maintenance, and studio budget compliance.
• Respond to inquiries and support administrative functions related to the ceramics department.
• Assign and evaluate instructors; participate in hiring processes.
• Report departmental needs, issues, and opportunities to the WAS Director.
• Required to regularly attend and participate in weekly department chair and faculty meetings.
• Uphold AMFA policies and foster a professional, welcoming studio culture.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• College degree or equivalent training and/or experience in a field of study
• Minimum of two years of experience as a ceramics studio technician, preferably at the Art School or equivalent
• Demonstrated expertise in kiln processes, ceramic hand-building, wheel throwing, and other clay techniques.
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Ability to apply math skills such as fractions, ratios, percentages, and proportions related to working with art materials
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom
• Ability to work safely, following established norms and protocols

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand and/or walk for prolonged periods of time (up to 4 hours at a time)
• Regular use of hands and arms to exhibit and instruct techniques of craft
• Occasionally sit prolonged periods of time (up to 4 hours at a time)
• Occasionally bend, lean, push, pull, stoop, and crawl
• Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Regularly required to use speech to instruct and interact with students
• Regular use of visual acuity for exhibiting and instructing techniques of craft

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications of the position. It may be subject to change based on the Museum’s specific needs and policies.