Assistant Studio Manager | Glass Art Kalamazoo

Glass Art Kalamazoo is seeking an organized, dependable Hot Shop glassblower who enjoys teaching and helping a community arts studio run smoothly. This full-time role combines class and instructor scheduling across our studios with approximately 16 hours of Hot Shop teaching each week and assistance with glass production. Studio maintenance and upkeep tasks as needed.

Glass Art Kalamazoo is a nonprofit community arts education studio. Our mission is to enrich the community by providing exceptional experiences in glass art. We offer glassblowing, flame working, bead making, kiln fusing, and cold working experiences, along with community programs, visiting artists, and public events.

The Assistant Studio Manager reports to the Studio Manager and owns the day-to-day work of building the class calendar, scheduling instructors, and arranging teaching coverage. You will teach Hot Shop classes (and potentially other studios if qualified), support rental activity, perform routine studio maintenance and upkeep, supervise instructors while on-site, and serve as the on-site lead during assigned shifts, including Sundays.

• Build and maintain class schedules across all studios, coordinating instructors, studio space, equipment availability, and community programs.
• Confirm instructor availability and assignments, arrange substitutes, and communicate changes to instructors and staff.
• Prepare complete class information for registration and promotion and monitor enrollment to recommend schedule improvements.
• Teach approximately 16 hours per week of Hot Shop classes, workshops, and private experiences, with hours varying by enrollment and season.
• Assist the Studio Manager with glass production, including preparing tools and materials and assisting at the bench.
• Supervise instructors during assigned on-site shifts, coordinate daily work, and support a safe, welcoming experience for students and renters.
• Support the Studio Manager with rentals and coordinate Sunday classes, rentals, and retail coverage.
• Assist the Studio Manager and Studio Tech with studio maintenance and studio upkeep.
• Work with the Studio Technician on class materials, customer service, and equipment needs.
• Assist with demonstrations and GAK events.

• At least two years of Hot Shop experience or equivalent education and hands-on training, with the ability to teach beginner classes safely.
• Strong organization, communication, and scheduling skills and a reliable approach to follow-through.
• A patient, welcoming teaching style and enjoyment of working with youth and adults.
• Familiarity with glass studio safety and a willingness to learn across studio disciplines.
• Comfort using shared calendars, Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and registration systems.

Teaching experience and experience coordinating classes or studio activities are preferred. A degree in glass art or a related field is welcome but not required.

Approximately 40 paid hours per week, generally Wednesday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday off. Evening and weekend availability is required. Sunday activities may include classes, rentals, retail support, studio maintenance and upkeep.

Full-time salaried position with annual compensation of $49,920. The role includes approximately 16 Hot Shop teaching hours per week, with remaining time devoted to scheduling, instructor supervision, production assistance, and studio operations. Health insurance eligibility begins after 90 days, subject to plan terms. Eligible for 156 hours of paid studio time per year.

This is an active glass studio role involving heat, sharp materials, equipment, prolonged standing, bending, and lifting materials…