Penland is hiring : Photo, Painting & Drawing Studio Coordinator Penland, NC in R

Photo, Painting & Drawing Studio Coordinator Penland, NC

Make lives meaningful through making.

Who We Are

Penland School of Craft is an international center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 420 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 16 teaching studios and 60 historic and contemporary buildings. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a staff of 50+. Penland operates with a $54 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $8.4 million. We are located about an hour northeast of Asheville, NC.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Penland School of Craft, we believe that fostering a climate of equity, inclusion, diversity, and antiracism are essential to our work. We are committed to creating a campus community free of discrimination, and we welcome everyone who supports this commitment.

Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, and other people who identify as people of color or BIPOC individuals are encouraged to apply, as are people holding other marginalized identities related to gender, sexual orientation, ability, and class background.

Reports to : Studio Operations Manager

Department : Programs

Employment Status : Full-time - 30 - 35 hours weekly with flex up 5 hours over the summer months

FLSA Status : Non-exempt

Last Updated : August 26, 2025

Position Summary

The photography & drawing / painting studio coordinator reports directly to the studio operations manager and provides specialized oversight for the photography studio and the drawing & painting studio. The coordinator works directly with the studio team and collaboratively across the organization to support all programming and studio use throughout the year by assuring that the facilities and equipment are in good working order, and by communicating with key staff, studio assistants, and instructors to plan and support successful programming. The studio coordinator is also responsible for budget planning and tracking, inventory management, processing purchase orders for materials, tools, and equipment as it relates to programming, and communicating and facilitating safety guidelines and practices.

Primary Responsibilities

Manages the studio space and equipment throughout the year for programs such as spring, summer, and fall workshops; short-term residencies; demonstrations; staff access, and other special events

Provides technical assistance and oversight to instructors, students, and staff as it relates to the demonstration and training in the safe operation of studio equipment and materials handling

Supports the needs of instructors before and during programming, including : assures good working order of tools and equipment; configures studio space; orders and stocks supplies and materials as requested; researches and shares information about local resources, as needed; serves as the point person for all studio-related questions and concerns for the duration of programming

Coordinates and manages the workflow of programming changeovers (weekends), including reviewing and coordinating programming needs upon instructor arrival and conducting onboarding for, and assigning tasks to, studio assistants

Trains and manages studio assistants : establishes and enforces safety standards, operational procedures, equipment usage guidelines, and procedures for resale for materials; works with studio assistants to establish studio safety guidelines; collaborates with studio operations manager to provide regular studio assistant check-ins for duration of programming

Works with studio operations manager to create an annual budget proposal for studio operating and capital budgets; monitors projects, maintenance, and inventory to remain within the approved annual budget

Supports the creative director and programs manager as requested by providing instructor recommendations, offering input on course topics, and making recommendations about the studio’s capacity for enrollment and ability to support various types of activities

Under the studio operations manager’s direction, works collaboratively with the studio team and facilities staff to maintain equipment and safety systems and manage hazardous waste disposal and materials storage and handling

Collaborates with and serves as a strong, effective member of the studio team to assure and uphold consistency of safety and administrative policies and procedures across all Penland studios

Performs additional duties as required

Qualifications

In-depth knowledge of the equipment and technical processes to be used in the studios, general understanding of the field of craft, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair, or facilitate service of, tools and equipment in the studios are required; note that the Penland photography program includes workshops in digital and analog photography, including black and white darkroom and 19th century printing processes.

Knowledge of and commitment to health and safety as it applies to equipment operation and materials handling regulations

At least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in a public or teaching studio; or equivalent combination of educational and professional experience

This position requires strong interpersonal and customer service skills in keeping with Penland’s commitment to generosity. The individual must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able and willing to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

Ability to work independently, proactively, and also collaboratively

Organizational and task management skills are required; prior experience with budget and / or project management is desirable.

Experience and proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom and proficiency with Epson printers and printer software; functional ease with Google Suite and Mac / Windows platforms

First Aid and CPR certifications are required and can be provided by Penland.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, to work at a computer, and to perform repetitive tasks. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, and handle hazardous materials. The employee must regularly lift and / or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more, including delicate and expensive photo equipment, and remove trash and hazardous chemicals. Specific vision required by this job includes close vision. Evening and weekend work is sometimes required by studio programming.

Compensation

This is a full-time, year-round, benefits-eligible position consisting of 35 hours per week over the course of the year, with hours flexing up to 40 in the summer months, totaling 1890 budgeted hours per year. The starting wage for this non-exempt position is negotiable within the range of $17.70 - $21.63, based on the applicant’s skills and experience they bring to the position. Employees at Penland enjoy competitive pay, attractive benefits, and a lively, creative work environment.

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