Mural Studio Manager

Studio Manager who will co-team with another Mural Studio Manager to fulfill a range of client services with a focus on mural design and production, while providing youth, ages 18-24, with mentorship and guidance. 

ArtWorks, an equal opportunity employer is strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse team that creates an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission.

Job Title: Mural Studio Manager

Salary Range: $25,000 (25hrs/wk) Employee benefits package includes prorated paid time off, 401k plan, and investment in career development

Job Type: Part Time Exempt

Location: ArtWorks Administrative Office, 2460 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Reports to: Director of Creative Projects

Start date: May 1, 2023

About ArtWorks: Now in its 27th year, ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that has pioneered public art and economic impact throughout the region to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages. ArtWorks works alongside community leaders to build civic pride with art that beautifies the region, creating jobs for more than 300 artists annually, including young artists ages 14-24, to earn a living wage. The economic empowerment and mentorship that ArtWorks provides leads to upward mobility, which is critically important for young people who come from a majority of under resourced and underemployed neighborhoods and households. Since 1996, ArtWorks has employed over 4,000 youth and 3,500 creative professionals. The organization has completed more than 14,000 public and private art works of art, including public sculpture, light-based installations and more than 200 permanent outdoor murals, contributing to the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. Now headquartered in Walnut Hills, ArtWorks is part of the burgeoning arts district in Cincinnati’s historic second downtown. Learn more at artworkscincinnati.org.

Job Description

ArtWorks is expanding its mural production studio launched in 2022 and is seeking a second Mural Studio Manager who will co-team with another Mural Studio Manager to fulfill a range of client services with a focus on mural design and production, while providing youth, ages 18-24, with mentorship and guidance. The role offers a talented teaching artist with expertise in mural design and production to work alongside an emerging artistic team to maximize their social impact through ArtWorks’ mission.

Reporting to the Director of Creative Projects, the Mural Studio Manager is responsible for the execution of ArtWorks’ program mission and overseeing the Mural Studio projects. The Mural Studio Manager focuses on murals of varying scales, both public-facing, exterior and interior projects. Most projects are client commissioned and provide sustainability income for the Studio.

This role requires the ability to inspire a diverse group of young people with high energy and strong organizational skills. The role requires the ability to engage young people in the design and production process by communicating and breaking down tasks into steps that help the Junior Muralists uncover their best ideas and strengths.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead projects and teams from start to finish by managing client communication, presentations, production schedules, team delegation and collaboration, design process, quality control, onsite or studio production logistics and coordination, and final delivery/completion of projects.

Design, Production, & Studio Management

• Apply a strong understanding of mural design and production to interior and exterior mural projects.
• Identify, create, and implement strategies and systems for studio management, maintenance, and file/spatial organization. Ensure all aspects of the project are uploaded, accessible, and maintained through to project closing.
• Develop a team workflow with a strong sense of deadline and time management.
• Delegate the design process, including the creation of designs, to a team of 20 Junior Muralists (JMs) and 5+ subcontracted Artists/Designers.
• Coordinate expectations, production timelines, and invoicing with third party Designers/Artists (subcontracting).
• Monitor project budgets: human and material resources against project budget parameters and create solutions that maximize efficiency and produce quality results. Ensure all materials are purchased and ready for use as needed in the production schedule.
• React to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently that arise during production.

Youth Workforce Development

• Create and communicate clear expectations to Junior Muralists by making project goals, action plans, schedules, files, and materials accessible.
• Design curriculum that strengthens JMs’ understanding of client management, the design and production process, creative problem solving, and interpersonal communication skills (among team members and as part of the client management and relationship building process).
• Identify training opportunities, workshops, field trips, activities, etc. that inspire JMs.
• Build individual relationships with JMs through active conversation and one-on-one instruction, ensuring their professional development.
• Share important information to JMs regarding ArtWorks activities and programs that they can leverage.
• Track JM attendance/lateness, approve hours worked, and evaluate performance.
• Support the Impact Department in compiling qualitative data; JM evaluations and surveys are completed.

Client Management

• Establish and maintain positive client relationships to determine project scope, expectations, deadlines, pricing and budget development, and invoicing of clients.
• Lead the development and pitching of project proposals/presentations and creative briefs.
• Facilitate ongoing communication amongst the client, JM production teams, Artists/Designers (when needed), and ArtWorks Impact Team during the project cycle.
• Act as an ArtWorks ambassador to current and potential clients and guests.

Qualifications and experiences:

• Commitment to support ArtWorks’ mission, culture, and an equitable workplace
• BFA preferred, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years experience in mural production and design
• Experience managing projects, design process, and clients from start to completion
• Experience leading, mentoring and managing a diverse team; preference is with young adults
• Proficiency in digital design software - Illustrator, Photoshop, Coral Paint, and Procreate preferred
• Excellent project management skills (time management, verbal and written communication, presentation)
• Flexibility to a work schedule that includes hours outside of normal business hours as needed. The weekly schedule is flexible but requires alignment to the other Mural Studio Manager and the Director of Creative Projects that ensures all projects and timelines are progressing.
• Practice ArtWorks core competencies: relationship builder, thrive through collaboration, champion diversity, embrace change, and approach opportunities with creativity.

Skills and abilities:

• Builds effective relationships through formal and informal networks, internally and externally
• Collaborates by building internal and community partnerships with shared objectives
• Champions diversity that recognizes the value of different perspectives and cultures
• Embraces change by adapting approach and demeanor to match the shifting demands of different situations
• Is resourceful in securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently
• Plans and aligns work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
• Communicates effectively in a variety of communication modes – groups, 1-1 and virtual
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills independently and with a team
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and information management systems
• Adhere to ethical behavior and business practices; handles sensitive information with integrity
• Sets priorities, develops work plans and schedules, monitors and reports progress

The Payoff:

• Be part of an amazing mission and make a mark in transforming the Greater Cincinnati region with public art, building community, and investing in young artists
• Help build a future home for ArtWorks with a site for permanent art studios, gallery, and event space to build a more vibrant community
• Be part of a dynamic team that embraces a growth mindset
• Be part of a collaborative, creative and flexible work culture that is people centered.
• Join a team that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in community-centered work that creates positive change. Read our full commitment here.

To Apply: Click here with cover letter, resume, 10 portfolio samples, and references. For the portfolio samples, please include large scale projects that you have worked on and artwork of your own design. Please combine all images into one PDF document no larger than 4MB. Upload using the additional materials button.