Director of Programming & Outreach | Foci MCGA

Director of Programming & Outreach
Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (Foci MCGA)

Established in 2009, Foci MCGA (Minnesota Center for Glass Arts) proudly represents a vibrant arts community as Minnesota’s only non‑profit public access glass studio and education center. Our 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization is located in Minneapolis and offers a full glass studio curriculum taught by artists locally and nationally recognized, as well as programming for youth, corporate group experiences, events, and exhibitions.

Our goal is to be a safe space for all to feel welcome and engaged, creating experiences that motivate curiosity, build excitement, and advance mastery.

Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts is seeking a collaborative and community‑focused Director of Programming & Outreach to lead educational programming, gallery initiatives, community partnerships, grants, fundraising development, and donor relations. This position is one of three peer leadership roles within Foci MCGA’s Co‑Leadership Model, working alongside the Directors of Operations & Studio and the Director of Administration. The three Directors share responsibility for organizational strategy, financial sustainability, major fundraising efforts, organizational culture, and mission outcomes.

Programming & Education Lead the development, scheduling, and evaluation of educational programs & curricula based on community needs and instructor feedback. Develop workshops with visiting & local artists and oversee instructors & teaching assistants. Educational programming includes one‑day “Discovery Experience classes & multi‑week “Core classes” in areas of glassblowing, flame working, kiln forming, neon, stained glass, cold working, and mosaics. Oversee the Program Assistant.

Community Outreach & Partnerships Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, artists, and partners. Develop outreach efforts that increase awareness, participation, and access to Foci MCGA programs. Partnerships include local schools, library systems, youth initiative organizations, and other local arts nonprofits.

Budget & Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the Programming/Development budget and participate in Foci MCGA’s annual budgeting and fundraising strategy.

Grants & Fundraising Lead grant strategy, writing, reporting, and pipeline development. Cultivate donor relationships, coordinate donor acknowledgments, and support organization‑wide fundraising efforts.

Gallery Oversight Lead gallery programming, including Foci MCGA’s Marketplace Gallery, Exhibition Space, State Fair Gallery, and offsite opportunities; and oversee the Gallery Coordinator. Provide oversight of the in‑house glass production line in collaboration with the Gallery Coordinator and Production Support Staff.

Program Promotion Coordinate promotion of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and other programs in partnership with the Graphic Designer & Director of Administration.

In collaboration with Gallery & Administrative Staff, coordinate outreach events, including artist lectures, open house events, and public demonstrations. Assist with coordination of Foci MCGA’s largest outreach event: the Minnesota State Fair Gallery Booth and Mobile Glassblowing Stage.

Supervise and support all Instructors, Teaching Assistants, Program Assistant, Gallery Coordinator, and Production Support Staff. Set clear expectations, manage schedules, provide coaching, and deliver performance feedback. Production Support Staff reports to the Gallery Coordinator.

• Strategic planning and annual organizational priorities
• Organizational budgeting and fundraising strategy
• Major policy and…