VISION

HELP US DO THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE and create a glass blowing studio in the heart of Appalachia that is self-sustaining through product sales but also provides local youth and the larger community opportunities to learn the art of glassblowing. At Farms Work Wonders, we dream of a flourishing glass studio—a hive of activity where local Appalachian youth engage, learn, and contribute to a financially sustainable model. Within our state-of-the-art studio, coupled with an interactive outdoor space and gallery, we aim to inspire through product creation, educational workshops classes, and collaboration with visiting artists. Help us uphold our standards of quality and innovation as we strive to impact our community positively.

OVERVIEW

As the Studio Manager of Dakota Glass Works, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative and operational direction of our glassblowing studio. This position is integral in nurturing the artistic and professional growth of our team and participants. Your leadership will ensure the studio's vibrant culture and operational efficiency, aligning with Farms Work Wonders' broader mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities listed below are meant to serve as a high level overview of this role and not an exhaustive list. As a manager you will be required to perform at a high professional level and manage direct reports appropriately to meet Farms Work Wonders standards of operation as well as studio specific goals.

GLASSBLOWING

• Develop and maintain a studio maintenance schedule that ensures all equipment is working optimally at all times.
• Manage daily operations and supervise staff, including gaffers and visiting artists.
• Train and mentor our Junior Crew and other participants in glassblowing techniques and processes.
• Lead in product development, class offerings, and artist collaborations, ensuring alignment with our mission and financial objectives.
• Engage with the public, promoting our studio's work and educational model.
• Organize and lead studio team meetings, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Ensure that the studio environment is neat, clean, orderly and safe at all times.
• Engage as a thought partner in the marketing and external communications of the studio
• Ensure sustainability through collaborating with the Programs Manager to set and meet monthly sales goals.
• Serve as the representative of the studio at external events, as needed.
• Represent Dakota Glass Works well in your movements throughout the glassblowing community.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Exhibit leadership within the studio and organization, contributing to strategic planning and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the Programs Manager to set and manage the annual budget, reviews, goal setting, staff and Junior Crew performance management, and general team oversight.
• Develop studio policies to optimize productivity and engagement.
• Participate in leadership meetings and perform related tasks to drive our mission forward.
• Perform additional administrative tasks necessary to ensure the studio is meeting its goals both mission and financial both within the larger organization and on its own.
• Attend organizational management trainings, as needed.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Curiosity and learning mindset able to take and give constant feedback.
• Proven expertise in glassblowing and/or glass sculpture production and operations.
• Knowledge of the arts and glassblowing community.
• Comprehensive knowledge of glass studio equipment and maintenance requirements.
• Commitment to quality, consistency, and the studio's creative vision.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on additional responsibilities and tasks to ensure the studio, organizational, and financial goals are being met.
• Valid driver’s license, ability to lift 50 pounds, and comfort working in high-temperature environments.
• Previous work experience with youth or possessing of the patience and understanding required to work with youth.
• Willingness and ability to relocate to Wardensville, WV full time.

DESIRED TRAITS

• Optimistic, proactive, and adaptable disposition.
• Strong desire to mentor and educate youth, community members, and emerging artists.
• Experience with art retail/wholesale sales and marketing.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full-time, year-round position requiring weekend availability. Schedule flexibility occasionally necessary to meet studio and community needs. 40 hours per week.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt position with a salary commensurate with experience. Starting annual salary of $48,000 with a comprehensive benefits package which include medical and life insurance, paid time off, bereavement leave, and discounts at our enterprises.

We have a standard ninety (90) day orientation period that allows you to decide if we meet your expectations, and for us to ensure you can perform the job assigned to you. During the orientation period, you may or may not be eligible for certain benefits.

*This position will help inform the development of blow time and consignment policies for glassblowers at Farms Work Wonders, while also strategizing ways to ensure consistent access to and management of these benefits.

HOUSING

Short-term, limited housing assistance may be available for those relocating for the position.

ABOUT FARMS WORK WONDERS

Farms Work Wonders is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to ignite the spark of curiosity in Appalachian youth so they see themselves and their future in new and exciting ways. We create living classrooms to provide real-life learning experiences and generate proceeds that are 100% reinvested back into the local community. In 2016, Farms Work Wonders started with the Wardensville Garden Market project—an organic farm and farm stand. Since opening, our enterprises have expanded to include a market, bakery, glass blowing studio, and restaurant that have currently created over 100 local, good-paying jobs with many held by local high school students.

Farms Work Wonders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. As this position is with a youth focussed organization, all employees are required to pass a background check, as well.