Reports to: Director of Education & Community Engagement

Welcome to the Tennessee Association of Museums

• The Metal Museum / Artist Residency Site & Studio Manager

Reports to:

Director of Education & Community Engagement

Classification:
Exempt, full-time

Mission &Description of the Museum

The Metal Museum is the only institution of its kind dedicated exclusively to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of fine metalwork. Through world-class exhibitions, a renowned permanent collection, working Metals Studios, and innovative educational and community engagement programs, the Museum serves as a center for metal arts. The Museum supports artists, fosters craftsmanship, inspires lifelong learning, and connects diverse audiences with the rich traditions and evolving future of metal arts.

Purpose

The Metal Museum is launching an artist's residency program at its Bluff Campus. This full-time position helps ensure the campus, including the Foundry and Smithy, the artist's residence, and the grounds, remains safe, functional, and welcoming for resident artists and the public. The Artist Residency Site & Studio Manager is responsible for daily site readiness during the campus’ five-day public schedule, including opening and securing the campus gates, monitoring the grounds and public areas, and coordinating routine maintenance and repairs.

The Manager serves as the primary on-site studio point of contact for resident artists, supporting them as they work independently and offering safety oversight and technical guidance as needed. They also oversee safety orientation, day-to-day shop oversight, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and manage consumables and supply orders.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

This is a new position for a developing program. The roles and responsibilities of this position will likely evolve over time.

Bluff Campus Grounds, Public Access & Events

• Open the Bluff Campus gates and designated public areas before established public hours and secure the gates, buildings, and public areas at closing.
• Help maintain the Bluff Campus’ regular five-day public schedule by monitoring site readiness, communicating access concerns, and ensuring the designated public areas are available and prepared for visitors.
• Conduct routine inspections of the grounds and other public spaces for litter, damage, hazards, vandalism, or maintenance needs.
• Coordinate routine grounds maintenance, landscaping, contracted services, and approved repairs with Facilities/Operations staff, vendors, and contractors.
• Perform routine grounds upkeep within the established scope of the position, including removing litter, maintaining orderly public areas, cleaning shop bathrooms, and addressing minor site needs.
• Report urgent grounds, building, security, or safety concerns promptly to the Director of Operations and restrict public access to affected areas when necessary.
• May be asked to support Bluff Campus events by coordinating gate and building access, vendor and participant arrivals, parking and loading access, site readiness, basic set-up and breakdown, safety oversight, and post-event closing procedures.
• Coordinate with the staff members responsible for each event regarding schedules, facility needs, visitor access, and division of responsibilities.

Artist Residence Support

• Orient incoming residents to housing amenities, house rules, shared spaces, and security procedures upon arrival.
• Coordinate housing check-in and checkout for resident artists, including documenting the condition of the residence and furnishings, collecting and issuing keys, arranging contracted cleaning and approved repairs, replenishing standard household supplies, reporting damage or policy concerns, and preparing the residence for the next occupant.
• Communicate with incoming residents about studio capabilities, material ordering, local vendors, and what to bring.
• Orient incoming resident artists to studio rules, security procedures, equipment function, and safety guidelines, including safety training documents. Schedule periodic check-ins with resident artists to understand needs, flag safety concerns, and identify equipment or supply issues early.
• Facilitate studio turnover between residents: inspect studio spaces prior to departure, document condition, coordinate cleaning and repairs, and reset spaces before the next arrival.

Studio Operations & Safety

• Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for resident artists regarding studio access, policies, and day-to-day studio use.
• Open and close studios as scheduled; complete daily start-up/shutdown and safety checklists.
• Manage keys/studio access and coordinate studio use schedules and bookings for residents and approved users, as applicable.
• Conduct routine safety and facility checks; ensure PPE, ventilation, and safety systems are in place and functioning.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and help ensure safe handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of materials and chemicals.
• Maintain cleaning and organization…