Art School Manager

Art School Manager – Manhasset, NY

Full Time

Salary Range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually (plus quarterly bonus opportunities)

This is not a traditional teaching or administrative role. As Art School Manager, you are the welcoming face and steady heartbeat of the school—ensuring every student, parent, and visitor feels supported, informed, and excited to be part of our creative community.

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with people, thrives in a customer-facing environment, and enjoys owning the day-to-day experience of a busy, creative space. You don’t need extensive management experience—we’re looking for someone who leads through hospitality, follow-through, and care.

What You’ll Do

Student & Family Experience 

• Serve as the front-line point of contact for all inquiries—phone, email, walk-ins, and online leads

• Thoughtfully follow up with prospective students and families, guiding them from first inquiry through enrollment

• Lead school tours and consultations, clearly communicating programs, schedules, and next steps

• Ensure a smooth, welcoming onboarding experience for new students and families

• Maintain warm, proactive communication with current members to support retention and satisfaction

• Handle front desk operations with professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail

Member Services & Front Desk Operations

• Oversee daily opening and closing procedures and ensure the school runs smoothly each day

• Manage rosters, attendance, makeups, and schedule changes with accuracy and care

• Support families with billing questions, account updates, and general service needs

• Maintain organized systems for leads, enrollments, and student records

• Create a calm, friendly, well-run front desk environment that reflects our values

Team Support & Studio Coordination

• Support a team of artists and educators by keeping schedules, communication, and logistics running smoothly

• Step in to teach or support classes when needed (training provided if needed)

• Collaborate with school leadership and instructors to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences

• Help onboard new staff and model strong customer service standards

Community Presence & Outreach

• Represent the school with professionalism and enthusiasm in the local community

• Support events, exhibitions, open houses, and partnerships that bring new families into the school

• Build genuine relationships with students, parents, and local partners

Space & Experience Care

• Ensure the studio and front desk areas are always welcoming, organized, and well stocked

• Coordinate with leadership to address facility needs and supply requests

• Support gallery exhibitions and community events hosted in the space

We’re Looking for Someone Who…

• Loves helping people and takes pride in great customer service

• Is warm, organized, and confident communicating with families and students

• Enjoys follow-up, details, and seeing things through

• Thrives in a lively, creative, people-centered environment

• Believes great art education starts with a great human experience

• Is comfortable learning systems, processes, and best practices (we train and support you)

• Has a genuine interest in art, creativity, and community—even if you’re earlier in your leadership journey

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a visual arts–related field required

• 3–5 years of experience in a customer-facing role (education, hospitality, retail, membership services, or similar)

• Some leadership, coordination, or ownership experience preferred—but not required

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

• Comfortable working evenings and Saturdays during the school year (September–June)

Why Artists (and People-People) Love Working Here

Strong pay with room to grow
Competitive salary plus quarterly bonuses tied to achievable goals.

Plan for your future
Access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) with pre-tax contributions.

Time to recharge
Paid vacation time to rest, travel, make art, or reset.

A schedule that fits creative lives
Later start times and a non-traditional schedule. Saturday availability required.

Health coverage support
We contribute toward health insurance with flexible plan options.

Keep making your own art
Free classes at One River School so you stay creatively engaged.

Real growth opportunities
We promote from within and support long-term careers in art education.

Training & mentorship
Ongoing support to help you succeed in your role today and grow into future leadership opportunities.

About One River School of Art Design

Founded in 2012, One River School of Art Design was created with a simple but powerful mission: to build a community for contemporary art in the suburbs through engaging programs and partnerships with living contemporary artists.

One River is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, pregnancy, or marital status.