The New Children's Museum is hiring: Art Studio General Manager in San Diego

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The New Childrens Museums (NCM) mission is to spark creativity, exploration, and a sense of belonging through interactive art experiences. Located in downtown San Diego, the New Childrens Museum collaborates with contemporary artists to design and create art installations and educational programs for children.

Our vision is to be the most innovative, most loved, most inspiring, and most sustainable childrens museum in the world. Our interactive art installations and hands-on art programming provide creative and educational experiences for children and families. We work with artists to reimagine our spaces so that there is always something new to discover when you visit. As a nonprofit institution, we rely on daily admissions, memberships, and community support to fund our daily operations.

In 2024 we completed renovations to transform 8,600 square feet within The New Childrens Museum's existing footprint, including adding an expanded art studio, gallery space, and Education Commons. In these spaces, we will hold vacation week camps for visitors ages 6-12, offer art programs for ages 6-18, expand teen programs for ages 14-18, toddler classes, and much more.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The General Manager of The Studio develops and oversees revenue generating art-making programming and project manages a full spectrum of programs from across departments in The New Childrens Museums newly constructed art studio, a state-of-the-art studio space opening in early 2025. This leadership role works collaboratively and cross-departmentally to deliver high-quality art-making experiences for visitors of all ages. The General Manager will project manage programming, including scheduling, staffing, and operations for this innovative space, fostering an environment of joy, creativity, curiosity, and kindness.

The General Manager works closely with the Assistant Manager of The Studio and The Studio Coordinator to ensure the smooth operations of daily programming, manage supply inventory, and maintain the studios hands-on making programs. Additionally, they mentor and provide professional development for their team, ensuring exceptional visitor engagement and a welcoming environment for all.

The ideal candidate brings proven experience in customer service, scheduling management, program development and managing creative spaces.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily operations and program offerings in The Studio, including scheduling, staffing, and supply inventory management.
• Working in close partnership with the Art + Engagement leadership team to ensure a holistic programming vision and strategy, develop and implement revenue-generating art-based activities and programing that inspire creativity and curiosity across all age groups.
• Work in close partnership and collaboration with the Art + Engagement team to integrate and implement a wide range of programming into the Studio ranging from school programs, teen programs, community programs, early childhood, literacy programs, artist residencies and more.
• Coordinate the studio schedule, ensuring equitable access and programming space across departments.
• Monitor, manage, and model the studio budget, ensuring programs are cost-effective, financially sustainable, and meet revenue goals.
• Promote The Studio programs and events through marketing and outreach in collaboration with the Communications and Marketing team.
• Manage and mentor at least two direct reports: the Assistant Manager of The Studio and The Studio Coordinator, fostering professional growth and team collaboration.
• In collaboration with the Arts + Education team, support visitor-facing programs by cultivating an inclusive environment for children, families, and community groups.
• Lead in the development of revenue-generating adult programming and multi-generational programming within The Studio.
• Provide coverage for The Studio team roles as needed to ensure seamless daily operations.
• Monitor program success, participant satisfaction, and visitor feedback, implementing improvements as necessary.
• Maintain safety and operational standards for the studios equipment, including ceramics and other tools.
• Teach regular classes and workshops on a range of media.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Experience: Bachelors degree or equivalent experience in art, education, business management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an art museum or studio arts setting, with a strong focus on customer service and art studio practices.
• Proven experience managing a creative or educational space; ceramics experience preferred.
• Enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in PC/Windows-based environments and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience with scheduling software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a youth and/or professional studio setting.
• Familiarity with marketing tools such as Canva and MailChimp.
• Fluency in Spanish.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EQUIPMENT USAGE

• Walking, Standing, and Sitting: The duties and responsibilities of this position will be performed in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for approximately 75% of the workday and will require movement throughout museum spaces to interact with visitors and educators and to activate museum experiences.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and moving of furniture, equipment, and supplies weighing up to approximately 50 lbs.
• Manual Dexterity: May operate various equipment, including but not limited to power tools and sharp tools.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is in-person at The New Childrens Museum and is based in the dynamic and collaborative environment of the organization. The role may require evening and weekend availability to support programming.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Compensation: The salary range for this position is $65,000 75,000, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a Flexible Spending Account.
  • 403(b) retirement account with a 3% match after the first year.
  • 10 paid vacation days.
  • 10 paid sick days, with 2 days available for immediate use.
  • 12 paid holidays, plus 3 floating holidays.