Employment Opportunities

Residency Coordinator 

The Residency Coordinator is a senior staff position responsible for planning and implementing the programming of the SHAW International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics, including the highly respected Medalta International Artists in Residence (MIAIR) Program. In support of
independent artistic research, this position includes 24/7 access to personal studio space within the Shaw Centre, firings and glaze materials.

Located within the Historic Clay District and housed in the purpose-renovated 12,000 square-foot SHAW International Centre for Contemporary Ceramics is a state-of-the-art facility attracting ceramic artists from all over the world to participate in self-directed residencies, short-term workshops, kiln rentals, and special events. Optional accommodation at the purpose-renovated, communal living space, BMO Artists’ Lodge, which enhances the participants’ sense of community.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Residency Coordinator is responsible for the successful leadership and overall management of the SHAW Centre in a manner consistent with the strategic direction set by the Friends of Medalta Society (FOMS), a not-for-profit organization with charitable status. Responsible for all aspects of the SHAW Centre; from budgeting and planning to scheduling and management of programming, to documentation and reporting, the Residency Coordinator will liaise with other areas of the organization to assist in the implementation of other programming initiated by the Board.

Medalta is an equal opportunity employer and employs personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, creed, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, visible or invisible disability, or financial ability. While remaining alert and sensitive to the issue of fair and equitable treatment for all, Friends of Medalta Society recognizes that, at this time not all positions within the organization are suitable for persons with severe mobility issues.

Medicine Hat is located along the South Saskatchewan River in southeast Alberta. It is approximately 169 km (105 mi) east of Lethbridge and 295 km (183 mi) southeast of Calgary. This city and the adjacent Town of Redcliff to the northwest are within Cypress County. Medicine Hat had a population of 65,441 in 2019.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop and maintain operational policies and procedures for SHAW Centre programs, and Artists’ Lodge.
• Facilitate internal communication with staff and resident artists.
• Provide day-to-day oversight to the SHAW Centre Studio Technician, class instructors, and SHAW Centre volunteers.
• Convey information about programming and resident artists to the marketing department in a timely manner, including information for website, social media, and print media.
• Program and manage the artist residencies, workshops, classes, and special events.
• Facilitate and oversee preparations for special events.
• Grant application writing and reporting for funding programming pertaining to the SHAW Centre, Artists’ Lodge, and special events (conferences, symposia, etc.).
• Manage kiln rental bookings and accommodations at the Artists’ Lodge.
• Prepare invoicing for sales from within the SHAW Centre, including kiln rentals, decal printing, and ceramic material purchases in accordance with FOMS financial policies.
• Prepare purchase orders for procurements to the SHAW Centre in accordance with the FOMS purchasing policies.
• Liaise with curatorial and exhibition programming for the Yuill Family Gallery.
• Maintain an active presence in the local and national arts communities, represent the organization to funding agencies, and act as a spokesperson through interactions and networking with the press, community groups, and other national and international arts organizations.
• Undertake related tasks and projects consistent with these responsibilities, as assigned.
• Maintain an active ceramics practice in the studio space provided at the SHAW Centre.
• Work with the Executive Director to prepare and manage budgets for the SHAW Centre, Artists’ Lodge, and programming.
• Provide regular updates to the Executive Director.

Necessary Training and Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years working in a cooperative studio environment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of independent studio practice.
• A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Ceramics.
• An equivalent combination of training (BFA) and experience may be considered.

Necessary Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Technical processes and procedures related to ceramic materials and techniques.
• Proficiency with various firing techniques including electric and fuel-fired kilns (gas, wood-fired, raku, etc.).

Ability to:

• Understand and follow general directions, and work on your own initiative.
• Demonstrate strong administrative and organizational skills as they relate to project management, and the ability to set ongoing goals and objectives, manage competing priorities, and work in a self-directed manner.
• Develop and schedule complex procedures, and coordinate and oversee the work of others.
• Be proficient in the use of computer software for word processing, financial management, contact management, and Internet presence. Strong computer skills with superior knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office are essential. Knowledge of Constant Contact, PayPal an asset.
• Document and archive video and photo-imagery of the activities at the SHAW Centre with the tools provided.
• Demonstrate a high level of written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Communicate effectively, possess a high degree of interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and resident artists.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills including; analysis, decision-making, problem-solving, record-keeping, and time management.

Performance Criteria:

• Successfully carrying out the prime functions of the job description.
• Development of strong working relationships with the Executive Director, and all relevant individuals and organizations.
• Taking advantage of opportunities for professional development.

Wage: Salary commensurate with experience, between $42,000-45,000. Three-month probationary period, renewable on a yearly basis at fiscal year-end.

Hours: This is a full-time salaried position (4 days/week, 32 hours/week. Programming may require some evening or weekend hours), with access to shared studio space, clay and glaze materials, and firings.

Start Date: 10 July 2023

Application deadline: 9 June 2023

Salary: $42,000 – $45,000 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount

Schedule:

• 8-hour shifts
• Monday to Thursday
• Weekend availability

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Work remotely:

• No

To apply email your resume and cover letter to laurie@medalta.org