Job Opportunities at The Crucible

We are currently looking for several positions:

Full Time Studio Manager

Development Director

 

 

Managing Director

Faculty Positions

The Crucible (www.thecrucible.org) is an Oakland-based non-profit arts center focusing on industrial arts and the hub of a vibrant community of artists. The Crucible offers classes in blacksmithing, welding, glass, metal casting, fire dancing, neon, woodworking, and other industrial arts to almost 5000 students each year. Our programs attract working artists, trades people, and community youth and adults. The Crucible's Youth Outreach program has served over 3000 youth, 50% are on scholarship from the West Oakland community.

Description: The Crucible is looking for an individual for the position of Studio Manager, who has the capabilities to manage a diverse group of people ranging from studio staff, outside contractors, and faculty for both the adult and youth programs. This person must also be able to communicate effectively with the administrative staff of The Crucible to coordinate classes, and events in a thoughtful and productive manner. The Studio Manager must have the ability to create and manage studio related administrative tasks. The Studio Manager works as part of a team to build, organize, maintain, and supervise the studio for classes, events, and special projects. The Crucible studio is an exciting, diverse environment, where we deal will conventional facilities issues, while also dealing with technical problems that arise in a sculpture facility. During our fundraising events, the studio staff also takes on event management and event production roles. Much of this work is done with volunteer help, and donated materials, so a creative, innovative work method is a must.

Specific Duties:
• Maintain seamless tool room and studio operations, ensuring that all classes have materials, equipment, and special project support
• Oversee maintenance and repair of all shop equipment
• Manage Studio Volunteers and Interns
• Build out studio areas and complete special projects as assigned
• Monitor studio and class material usage, restocking as necessary
• Ensure that appropriate safety standards are met for all studio activities
• Participate in all staff/studio meetings and special committees as assigned
• Pick up / receive donated equipment and supplies
• Oversee studio security during all hours of operation, including special events
• Complete nightly closing procedures to lock down studio

Qualifications:
Successful candidate must demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to collaborate as a team member, and must be familiar with some or all of the art mediums used in our facility. S/he must be able to work with a high degree of accuracy to prioritize and work on several projects concurrently. Minimum 2-3 years of management experience. S/he must posses a strong working knowledge of hand and power tools. Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in construction, metal fabrication, foundry, and glass working. Electrical and mechanical skills as well as the ability to maintain and repair tools are a plus. Should be able to work well with a diverse population and interface well with the public. Must be MAC literate and hold a valid CA drivers license.

Job Specifics:
32-40 hours per week
Salary commensurate with experience
Health plan and earned vacation/sick
Access to a large sculpture facility and free classes (1 per session), and possible teaching opportunities

Send resumes and letters of interest to: employment@thecrucible.org

The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.

The Crucible seeks an enthusiastic, resourceful and flexible individual to be the Development Director

The Crucible (www.thecrucible.org) is an Oakland-based arts center focusing on industrial arts and the hub of a vibrant community of artists. The Crucible offers classes in blacksmithing, welding, glass, metal casting, fire dancing, neon, woodworking, and other industrial arts to almost 5000 students each year. The Crucible’s Youth Outreach program has served over 3000 youth, 50% are on scholarship from the West Oakland community.

The Crucible produces two innovative events: the Fire Arts Festival, an open-air event celebrating fire and light artists, and an annual anniversary event, which combines traditional arts and fire arts in a theatrical spectacle.

Mission: The Crucible is an educational facility that fosters a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials, and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public.

Reports To: Executive Director

Staff Reporting to Development Director: Full-time Development Associate, and contracted Grant Writer. 

Classification: The Development Director position is classified as full-time: 40 hours per week position. 

Context and scope: As a senior staff member, the Development Director provides the leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination for all Crucible fundraising efforts totaling approximately $1.2 million dollars annually. The Development Director creates fundraising strategies that increase the organization's support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources. The Development Director plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. The Development Director works in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Development Committee, Board of Directors and senior staff to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, administer, and implement all fundraising activities of The Crucible
• Develop annual and long range fundraising plans in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development Committee
• Research, cultivate and directly solicit individual and corporate sponsorships and major gifts, working with the Executive Director and Board, as appropriate
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for The Crucible’s mission and programs
• Coordinate the donor experience at Crucible events and galas in collaboration with the event coordinator and production staff
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, individual and corporate donors, sponsors, board members and volunteers
• Maintain a proactive, creative leadership role in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and tracking of individual, corporate and foundation contributions
• Provide detailed, accurate and timely reports on fundraising activity to the Executive Director, Development Committee, Board of Directors and others on a regular basis
• Manage the development department in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals
• Establish priorities for contracted Grant and oversee the preparation, writing and reporting of government and foundation grants
• Manage and oversee the Development Associate’s performance in the areas of, including but not limited to, the annual membership program, Database management, and donor stewardship

Ideal Experience: The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• At least five years of proven experience managing a complex fundraising program in a non-profit organization with a reputation for quality and excellence
• A successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals, corporations and foundations
• A record of measurable results in organizing and implementing such activities as: major gifts, annual gifts, grant writing, corporate and foundation giving, direct mail and special events
• Skilled and experienced writer with a track record as an effective communicator
• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing budgets, forecasting and reporting
• Computer and Internet literacy (Mac environment) with knowledge of standard office applications, FileMaker Pro and other database programs
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Benefits:

• Health benefits include medical and dental
• 403(b) plan
• Free Crucible class per quarter
• Very flexible hours and vacation time, and casual atmosphere
• Compensation: Negotiable and commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY: (Please do not apply without sufficient experience)

While The Crucible fully appreciates all who have an interest in sculpture, education, the arts, fire, & the like, we are seeking an experienced development professional. Please sign up for a class or become a volunteer if you want to get involved in The Crucible… Thanks!

Subject line: Development Director
E-mail: cover letter, resume, salary history and 3 reference contacts to: employment@thecrucible.org

No faxes, letters or calls please!

The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.  

The Crucible (www.thecrucible.org) is an Oakland-based arts center focusing on industrial arts and the hub of a vibrant community of artists. The Crucible offers classes in blacksmithing, welding, glass, metal casting, fire dancing, neon, woodworking, and other industrial arts to almost 5000 students each year. The Crucible’s Youth Outreach program has served over 3000 youth, 50% are on scholarship from the West Oakland community.

The Crucible produces two innovative events: the Fire Arts Festival, an open-air event celebrating fire and light artists, and an annual anniversary event, which combines traditional arts and fire arts in a theatrical spectacle.

The Crucible is an educational facility that fosters a collaboration of Arts, Industry and Community. Through training in the fine and industrial arts, The Crucible promotes creative expression, reuse of materials, and innovative design while serving as an accessible arts venue for the general public.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Managing Director

Reports To: Executive Director

Staff Reporting to Managing Director: Human Resources Staff, Volunteer Manager, Marketing and Public Relations Director
Classification: The Managing Director position is classified as full-time.
Start Date: August 2008

Summary:
The Managing Director oversees the day-to-day management and administration of The Crucible. Major areas of responsibility include human resources and staff management, project management, management of strategic initiatives, development of policies and procedures, administration of contracts and insurance policies, management of permits and licenses, oversight of office systems and community/government relations. The Managing Director is the senior member of the staff management and policymaking team, taking the lead role in internal affairs, and works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify goals and strategies to ensure operational stability.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Direct the effective and efficient day to day operations of The Crucible
• Lead strategic planning processes for development of short and long range goals and objectives and ensure implementation, evaluation and communication of results
• Coordinate with the Controller to develop The Crucible’s budget
• Direct the allocation of resources in accordance with the goals and mission of The Crucible
• Direct and support staff in their work
• Maintain an entrepreneurial and professional working atmosphere where open communication encourages creativity, stability and achievement
• Lead staff management initiatives including direction of the staff management and policymaking team, professional development opportunities, trainings, etc.
• Oversee human resource related business such as performance reviews and personnel files, orientation experience and benefit plans
• Oversee marketing and promotion of The Crucible’s programs and brand
• Develop policies and procedures as needed
• Act as a liaison with staff, departments, board and community contacts, taking the lead role in the organization’s internal affairs and projects requiring the cooperation and resources of multiple departments or entities
• Manage special projects including contract design, vendor or service provided agreements and administration
• Maintain, renew and establish all necessary business or other permits and licenses on behalf of The Crucible
• Track and manage all insurance policies for The Crucible including employee health, workman’s comp, business liability, event, property, directors and offices and automobile
• Act as liaison for all city, county and state offices pertaining to the operations of The Crucible including oversight of federal nonprofit status
• Manage and maintain office administration including systems and equipment
• Oversee office technology development and serve as primary contact for IT consultants
• Direct and evaluate the work of subordinate administrators
• Provide support to the Executive Director and the Board as needed
Experience: The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:
• At least three to five years of proven experience managing business operations at a non-profit organization with a reputation for quality and excellence
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic planning processes
• Strong budget development and management skills
• Proven ability to effectively manage resources and projects across departments
• Substantial supervisory experience with a management style that emphasizes team building and respect and support of individual expertise
• Excellent problem solving and negotiating skills
• A track record as an effective communicator and presenter
• Ability to gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, contractors, community and civic leaders
• Experience setting policy and procedure
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Computer and Internet literacy with an understanding of technology systems
• Minimum education--Bachelor's degree required
Personal Qualities: The Managing Director will be:
• Enthusiastic about The Crucible’s mission and programs
• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible
• A self starter willing to take initiative and play an active role in shaping the position but able to take direction
• A focused strategist who is adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through
• A team builder with strong skills in management and leadership

Reviews: Performance reviews scheduled annually.

Compensation: Negotiable and commensurate with experience.

To Apply:
Subject line: Managing Director
E-mail: cover letter, resume, salary history and references to sabina@thecrucible.org

The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.

 Teaching Opportunities at The Crucible

The Crucible is always seeking new faculty and class proposals.

The Crucible, a nonprofit arts education community organization is currently seeking instructors for arc welding, wood working, stone carving, and kinetics. If you have experience and interest in teaching fine and industrial arts to the community, we encourage you to apply!

The Crucible faculty is comprised of Bay Area artists, tradespeople, artisans and educators who teach innovative educational programs to students of all ages, experience levels and areas of interest. The Crucible seeks a staff of broad diversity and strongly encourages women and people of color to apply.

Class Proposals and Faculty Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Your class may also be considered for a different semester in the future depending on studio availability. Please note that applying does not guarantee acceptance.

Download the Class Proposal and Faculty Application
Use this form to propose new classes, if you are applying as new faculty or if you would simply like to provide updated information. We prefer this application to be sent in a digital format - either as email attachment or on a CD.

Class Proposal and Faculty Application Form [Word Document: 248k]
Class Proposal and Faculty Application Form [pdf: 122k]

Please return completed form to:

We look forward to hearing from you!

Non-discrimination policy: The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability.

Tax status and privacy statement: The Crucible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All information is confidential; we do not sell, trade, donate or otherwise distribute information on our members, faculty, volunteers, students and donors.