Southeastern Museums Conference is hiring: Job Posting: Manager of Studio Progra

Manager of Studio Programs, Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, AR

Position Type: Full Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Learning & Engagement

Department: Public Programs

Reports to: Director of Public Programs

Compensation Range: $55,800 - $60,000

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities.

The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Studio Programs leads the planning, development, and execution of engaging studio programs and artmaking experiences across Crystal Bridges & The Momentary (CBMO). This role manages all facets of studio programming, including classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, drop-in artmaking experiences, and CBMO artmaking content, ensuring they are engaging, inclusive, and accessible to all.

With the museum’s planned expansion and the addition of state-of-the-art studio spaces, the Manager will play a key role in expanding studio offerings, including ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, sculpture, new media, and more. The Manager will bring a strong understanding of museum audiences and a solid grasp of high-quality artmaking experiences for all ages.

This position reports to the Director of Public Programs, supervises studio educators, and collaborates across museum departments to develop engaging and impactful programming. As a key leader on the Public Programs team, the Manager oversees studio program scheduling, ensures effective program timelines, and works closely with the Director of Public Programs to evaluate program success, drive innovation, and manage budgets and spending.

1. Develop and lead a portfolio of engaging, high-quality, and innovative studio programs, workshops, and drop-in artmaking experiences for all audiences.
2. Oversee and support teaching artists in leading workshops, designing drop-in art activities, and facilitating other studio engagements.
3. In collaboration with the Director of Public Programs, design and implement an expansion plan for studio programs in alignment with the museum’s 2026 expansion.
4. Establish a long-term vision for Studio Programs across Crystal Bridges and The Momentary’s campus.
5. Create content and implement artmaking experiences across CBMO programs, working with internal teams to ensure cohesive and impactful artmaking opportunities.
6. Serve on cross-departmental teams to collaboratively plan engaging, in-gallery artmaking experiences.
7. Provide clear, accessible, and compelling written content for studio projects, marketing, and public-facing instructions.
8. Build relationships with local artists, institutions, and organizations to expand partnerships and strengthen community connections.
9. Assist in program marketing and content development in collaboration with the Brand Strategy & Communications team.
10. Collaborate with the Strategic Operations team to manage program schedules, budgets, and resources.
11. Cultivate a collaborative, motivated, and efficient studio team.
12. Assess programs for impact, effectiveness, and opportunities for growth and refinement.
13. Stay informed on emerging trends in audience engagement, studio practice, and museum education.

Qualifications and Skills:

1. Practicing artist with formal education in studio arts or art education.
2. Strategic thinker with a creative and innovative approach to program development.
3. Strong proficiency in two- and three-dimensional media.
4. Ability to teach studio-based classes at a beginner to intermediate level.
5. Exceptional writing and content development skills.
6. Knowledge of visual arts, museum pedagogy, and a willingness to explore connections with nature and architecture.
7. Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.
8. Highly organized, adaptable, and able to work independently and within a team environment.
9. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn museum systems such as Asana, Momentous, and Tableau.
11. Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art education, art history, museum studies or related field required. Minimum three years’ experience developing and leading studio programs in an art museum or similar setting.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.