Employment Opportunities

Clifton Forge School of the Arts (CFSOTA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands by providing quality arts education and experiences to people of all ages and abilities, and to increase economic opportunity through the arts. CFSOTA draws on an extensive network of local artist-teachers to offer more than 100 classes annually, spanning more than 25 subjects. We also support artists year-round by hosting exhibitions and events, selling their work, and providing rehearsal and studio space. CFSOTA’s campus consists of 3 buildings: the main facility that houses classrooms for multiple subjects, a painting studio, a library, and a gallery; the Mill, a historic (circa 1893), large, open space with timber-frame construction ideal for programming and rentals, blacksmithing forges and woodworking shop; and the Reynolds Studios, which holds pottery, glass, and sculpture studios. These three distinct spaces are linked by the garden, a specimen arboretum, open to the public for viewing and enjoyment.

Clifton Forge School of the Arts is a welcoming organization that promotes an inclusive, dynamic, and equitable environment that allows students, visitors, and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and create together. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any legally protected class.

Current Openings

Director of Education and Programming

Program Assistant

Director of Education & Programming

DOWNLOAD JOB DESCRIPTION PDF

POSITION OVERVIEW: Clifton Forge School of the Arts seeks a Director of Education and Programming to plan and oversee CFSOTA’s art classes and educational programming. The Director of Education and Programming will run current programming in addition to seeking out and creating new programming in line with the School’s priorities. We are looking to fill this position as soon as practicable. Applicant should be an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative individual who is passionate about providing quality arts education and programming to students of all ages.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the daily education and programming activities of CFSOTA
Create, schedule and manage art classes and programming for students of all ages (from children to seniors)
Develop a seasonal arts education schedule, including drafting class descriptions
Produce, publish and promote class/workshop/club schedules in conjunction with communications/marketing staff
Liaise with and manage communications with instructors to create and set seasonal schedules
Plan and oversee preschool, afterschool, homeschool, and summer programming for children
Review student feedback; evaluate existing methods and systems and suggest improvements
Collaborate with partner organizations who hold lessons/classes at CFSOTA
Ensure all educational activities comply with relevant rules, regulations, and policies
Schedule and conduct timely meetings with both teaching and non-teaching staff
Track the implementation and fulfillment of various educational goals
Stay up-to-date with the developments in the arts education industry
Work with marketing director to create press releases and other content, and to develop outreach programs
Manage the education/programming budget
Coordinate with office staff and bookkeeper to process tuition and instructor fees
Respond to community requests for specific programming, define new areas of education/programming and locate new instructors
Determine scholarship opportunities in coordination with other staff members
Assist with planning and preparation of gallery exhibits
Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings to provide reports to Board members and set educational programming priorities
Additional availability to attend occasional community events on CFSOTA’s behalf
Additional availability during major CFSOTA events, including Kriskindlmarkt and MayFaire

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

Required
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least five years experience in an arts-based field or demonstrated, equivalent experience
- Excellent time management, project management, and organizational skills
- Interpersonal and leadership skills
- Strong writing skills
- Computer proficiency with a working knowledge of desktop publishing software programs (Microsoft Word/Excel) and ability to navigate School’s management/enrollment programs once trained
- Excellent communication skills in person, over the telephone, and through email
- Ability to multi-task and organize large amounts of information
- Detail oriented and highly motivated
- Ability to work with with others in a creative and collaborative environment
- Ability to work with and manage a volunteer corp
Preferred
- Strongly preferred: demonstrated experience with educational programming
- Degree or commensurate work experience in an education-related field
- Comfortable speaking to groups

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

HOURS: Approximately 32 hours a week (plus additional hours, as noted above); this is a part-time role without benefits

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Four days a week, 8 hours a day; please note that while the schedule must generally accommodate class/programming needs, there is the potential for flexible hours and some remote work

SALARY: $35,000 – $40,000 range, depending on relevant experience

This posting is intended to describe the essential job functions and requirements and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Please submit a brief cover letter and resume to director@cfsota.org and be prepared to provide references upon request. Any offer of employment is contingent upon clear results of a background check. Please email director@cfsota.org with any questions or inquiries related to this job posting. We appreciate your interest in our organization; please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you!

Program Assistant

DOWNLOAD JOB DESCRIPTION PDF

POSITION OVERVIEW: Clifton Forge School of the Arts seeks a reliable, detail-oriented individual to support the School’s management team as a part-time Program Assistant. The Program Assistant will serve as the main person greeting and assisting visitors, students, parents, and instructors when they enter CFSOTA. Additionally, the Program Assistant will carry out administrative tasks to support the School’s programming and related office needs. We are looking to fill this position as soon as practicable. Applicant should be an enthusiastic, self-motivated, and creative individual who is passionate about providing quality arts education and programming to students of all ages.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist and support CFSOTA’s management team and the organization as follows:

Answer phones, take clear messages, check voicemail, and respond to emails
Enter and manage data and files in a variety of information tracking systems (both electronic and hard copy)
Maintain internal calendar systems
Greet visitors and assist as needed
Register and enroll students in courses
Take payments, deliver invoices and receipts
Manage event rental communications and coordination
Work with bookkeeper to track needed information
Take inventory, track and order supplies when needed
Prepare donation acknowledgement letters for director review and signing
Take detailed meeting notes for files
Support marketing/communications staff with keeping social media platforms and website content current
Perform basic organizational and maintenance tasks to ensure presentable reception, waiting areas, and studio space; assist with classroom set-up as needed
Other duties as needed to support the director-level staff and organization
Additional availability during major CFSOTA events, including Kriskindlmarkt and Mayfaire; potential for additional hours during private venue rentals

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:

Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Reliable and punctual
- Excellent time management, project management, and organizational skills
- Strong writing skills
- Basic computer and typing proficiency, with a working knowledge of desktop publishing software programs (Microsoft Word/Excel) and ability to navigate School’s management/enrollment programs once trained
- Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills over the telephone and through email; comfortable engaging with a range of community members
- Ability to multi-task and organize large amounts of information
- Willingness and ability to keep up with new and changing information in order to pass that on to others as needed (directors, students, instructors, visitors, etc.)
- Detail oriented and highly motivated
- Some light manual labor, including light cleaning (must be able to carry 25 pounds up and down a flight of stairs)
- Ability to work with with others in a creative and collaborative environment
- Must be a self starter; identify program needs and work with directors to address them
Preferred (not required)
- Experience working in an office setting
- Experience with Google platforms, Mailchimp, WordPress, and/or Quickbooks Payments
- Background in the arts

REPORTS TO: Director-level staff

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE: Tuesday-Thursday 12:00-6:00 pm and Fridays 10:00 am-12:00 pm

HOURS / PAY: Approximately 20 hours a week, $15 per hour, with the opportunity for additional hours during CFSOTA events (noted above); this is a part-time role without benefits

CFSOTA is a welcoming organization that promotes an inclusive, dynamic, and equitable environment that allows students, visitors, and employees of multiple backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to learn, work, and create together. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any legally protected class.