Adult Studio Program Director (Art, Sciences and Theater Specialist)
City of Palo Alto Palo Alto, California, United States
- Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
- Categories: Administration and Management, Museum and Arts, Sciences and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Jul 29, 2025
Job Description:
Adult Studio Program Director (Art, Sciences and Theater Specialist)
Description
DescriptionJoin the Palo Alto Art Center as Our Next Adult Studio Program Director
Are you passionate about art, community, and creative engagement? The Palo Alto Art Center is seeking a dynamic, Adult Studio Program Director to develop programs that engage the community through hands-on artmaking opportunities. In this key leadership role, you’ll oversee a thriving program of art classes, workshops, and drop-in opportunities that serve more than 2,000 diverse adult participants each year.
The Art Center’s vibrant studio facilities--a creative hub in the community--feature a fully equipped ceramic studio, and dedicated spaces for jewelry making, printmaking, drawing, painting, and fiber arts. You’ll be the driving force behind these programs, managing operations, developing innovative curriculum, and fostering an inclusive, inspiring environment for learning and artistic exploration.
In the process, you’ll engage a committed team of staff, contractors, and volunteers, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while shaping the long-term vision of adult programs at the Art Center. This role blends hands-on operations with high-level strategy, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact in a beloved, community-centered institution.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- A strategic, detail-oriented planner with strong administrative and program management skills.
- A collaborative communicator skilled at working with artists, staff, and community members.
- A customer-focused leader who thrives in a public-facing, community-oriented environment.
- A creative professional with experience managing art studios—ceramics experience a plus.
- Familiarity with municipal operations and a passion for making art accessible to all.
Learn More About Us
The Palo Alto Art Center is your place to see and make art, activate your creativity and expand your community. We invite you to learn more about who we are and what we do click here: Palo Alto Art Center.
Essential Duties
The Adult Studio Program Director leads the strategic direction and daily operations of the Palo Alto Art Center’s Adult Studios Program, which serves over 2,000 participants and generates $550,000+ annually.
Responsibilities include:
- Program Development: Plan, implement, and evaluate quarterly classes, workshops, and drop-in artmaking opportunities.
- Instructor & Course Management: Recruit and select instructors, manage proposals, contracts, and course scheduling through Civic Rec.
- Facility Oversight: Ensure a safe, welcoming studio environment across ceramics, jewelry, printmaking, painting, and fiber arts, scheduling appropriate staffing and managing safety measures, security, and compliance.
- Budget & Operations: Manage program budgets, monitor revenue/expenses, and process payments.
- Marketing & Promotion: Collaborate with Marketing Coordinator to promote programs and boost enrollment.
- Team Leadership: Supervise two staff members and a group of volunteers, providing training and mentorship.
- Customer Service: Enforce studio policies and ensure a positive participant experience.
- Fundraising Support: Partner with the Art Center Foundation on the annual Studio Sale, budgeting, and ongoing membership and donor engagement.
- Internal Collaboration: Work across program areas to align studio programs with broader Art Center and City of Palo Alto initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:
- Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Humanities/Theater/Sciences or equivalent. Master's Degree desirable.
- Three years of experience related to the position.
- Experience managing an art studio
Supplemental Information
This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The Selection Process:
- Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying).
- Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
- Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
- The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
See our Benefits at a Glance Bookletfor more details.
Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.
Closing Date/Time: 8/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific