Assistant Studio Manager
Full Time • Seattle, WA • Starting immediately
About Pottery Northwest
Founded in 1966, Pottery Northwest is Seattle’s preeminent non-profit ceramics organization that promotes innovation, arts excellence, and education with a mission of fostering an inclusive community centered in clay. Our nationally renowned ceramics studio offers vibrant programming to over 2,000 students each year. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their careers. We believe clay is for everyone and are committed to creating intentional space for people to explore their creativity and personal growth, regardless of the many socio-economic obstacles they may face.
Position Summary
Pottery Northwest is looking for a full-time Assistant Studio Manager to join the studio team at our full-scale, community ceramics studio in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle. The studio team at Pottery Northwest is responsible for maintaining the overall studio space, equipment, and materials, leading the Apprentice program, managing the Studio Monitor program, and supporting our classes and events. The Assistant Studio Manager will support the Studio Manager in maintaining the operations and upkeep of the studio. Additionally, this position is responsible for assisting with the administrative aspects of studio operations and directly supervising the studio techs.
Our studio team members serve as the on-site point of contact for our community of students, artists, and other guests during open studio hours, which are available 7 days a week from 10am to 9pm. The Assistant Studio Manager's hours will be 100% onsite in our studio. Interested applicants should be passionate about maintaining an adaptive, people-centered studio that fosters an inclusive community centered around clay.
HOURS & CONDITIONS
Reports to: Studio Manager
Type: Full-time, 40-hours per week; salaried, non-exempt
Remote/Onsite: 100% onsite (no remote work)
Pay: $55,000-$58,000/year
Shift Times: Sunday* through Thursday, 10am to 6pm
*Depending on experience, the first 2-3 weeks may be Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 6:00pm to undergo additional training. Once a week, on a weekday, the shift time will be 8am to 4pm for studio cleaning. There will occasionally be evening work required.
Benefits:
Open PTO to be used for vacation and sick leave (eligible after 60 days)
13 paid floating holidays
100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance
401(k) retirement plan opt-in
Monthly commuter stipend
Annual professional development stipend (eligible after 60 days)
Complimentary classes, workshops, and studio usage
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
General Studio Management (70%)
Facilities
Assist with day-to-day maintenance, upkeep, and effective functioning of the studio.
Monitor, repair, and maintain studio equipment such as kilns, wheels, shop tools, etc.
Maintain studio glazes, slips, chemicals, clay, and dry materials, including mixing and making glazes, and recycling/reclaiming clay.
Organize and clean studio tools, equipment, materials, and spaces throughout the studio.
Perform facilities maintenance as needed (sinks and plumbing, physical plant, lighting, security cameras, internet, etc.).
Oversee and manage kiln firing schedules and independently load, fire, and unload electric kilns.
Work collaboratively to establish policies regarding studio usage, safety, and other relevant matters.
Track and order studio, kitchen, and bathroom supplies.
Take point on changing door codes and studio signage between academic quarters.
Act as the primary contact for the cleaning crew.
Classes, Workshops, & Events
Ensure sufficient inventories for all class and workshop materials.
Provide tool and material inventories regularly to the studio manager, along with recommendations on ordering.
Manage studio shelf assignments each academic quarter.
Help move student work through the firing cycles in a timely fashion.
Support onsite and offsite events and workshops for Pottery Northwest and its partners as needed.
Facilitate quarterly studio orientations and give an overview of policies and procedures to class students and studio access members.
Provide support as needed for major exhibitions, open houses, artist talks, and fundraising events.
Studio Personnel Management
Assist the Studio Manager with recruiting, selecting, training, and supervising a diverse team of ~10 apprentices.
Help train and supervise other studio personnel as delegated by the Studio Manager.
Assist with coordinating and maintaining personnel scheduling to ensure the studio is staffed during open studio hours.
Student & Visitor Support
Answer the studio doorbell and give guided tours as needed.
Assist students in the studio space with grabbing clay, answering questions, demonstrating how to use equipment, etc.
Studio Administration & Operations (25%)
Assist with the organization and development of the annual studio budget (contribute views on the studio’s spending needs and tracking expenditures).
Answer email inquiries from staff, instructors, and community members.
Track and organize wares from clay nights and workshops, and assist the Education Manager with contacting private event participants that wares are ready for pick up.
Work with the Education Manager to send important studio communications to the Pottery Northwest Community, such as upcoming deadlines, important announcements, and reminders.
Shared Leadership (5%)
Participate in team check-ins, weekly staff meetings, and planning and staffing support for Pottery NW events.
Identify and participate in professional development opportunities that advance skills for the role.
Assist the Studio Manager in an annual studio work plan with metrics tied to overall organizational goals.
Participate in our strategic planning and budgeting efforts.
Help maintain shared calendars.
This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All Pottery NW employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Physical Activities & Requirements of this Position:
Ability to lift, carry & move heavy objects ~60lbs.
Frequent bending and reaching above shoulders.
Standing and walking for long periods of time.
Working with and around power tools and other machinery with moving parts.
Exposure to chemicals: silica dust and other hazardous materials that are used in the ceramics process.
Working closely with others.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Values alignment:
Deep and demonstrated commitment to DEIA, racial and gender equity, and understanding the role inequities play in our society.
Passionate about maintaining an adaptive, people-centered studio grounded in fostering an inclusive community around clay, with the highest priority placed on creating and ensuring everyone has access to learning and enjoying ceramics.
Values sharing power, trusting each other, being transparent, celebrating small successes, integrity, and cross-cultural respect and sensitivity.
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of experience working in a full-scale ceramics studio.
Broad knowledge of glaze chemistry and mixing.
Experience firing and loading/unloading electric kilns.
Demonstrated interest and working knowledge of the ceramics field.
Experience with budgeting (projecting and tracking expenses and revenue).
Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan out project steps, create and meet deadlines, and manage schedules.
Ability to work weekend and evening hours as needed.
Demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, and understanding the role inequities play in our society.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with a variety of diverse students, partners, and community members.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving, including the ability to pivot to meet immediate needs, or address unforeseen circumstances.
A persistent commitment to communication in the face of challenge and conflict.
Application Instructions:
Pottery Northwest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a place where DEIA builds the foundation for people. Women, non-gender-binary/trans individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and people with disabilities are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
To apply, submit a completed application. We do not want a cover letter, please fill the application out in its entirety.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The priority deadline is November 17, 2025
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will be open until filled. All applicants can expect to hear back within a month of submitting their application. The hiring process for this role will include an on-site panel interview. The final offer will be contingent on the completion of a clear background check. Email questions to Jasmine@potterynorthwest.org.