Director of Programming & Outreach Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts (Foci MCGA) About Foci MCGA Established in 2009, Foci MCGA (Minnesota Center for Glass Arts) proudly represents a vibrant arts community as Minnesota's only non-profit public access glass studio and education center. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is located in Minneapolis and offers a full glass studio curriculum taught by artists locally and nationally recognized, as well as programming for youth, corporate group experiences, events, and exhibitions. Our goal is to be a safe space for all to feel welcome and engaged, creating experiences that motivate curiosity, build excitement, and advance mastery. Position Summary Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts is seeking a collaborative and community-focused Director of Programming & Outreach to lead educational programming, gallery initiatives, community partnerships, grants, fundraising development, and donor relations. This position is one of three peer leadership roles within Foci MCGA's Co-Leadership Model, working alongside the Directors of Operations & Studio and the Director of Administration. The three Directors share responsibility for organizational strategy, financial sustainability, major fundraising efforts, organizational culture, and mission outcomes. Key Responsibilities Programming & Education Lead the development, scheduling, and evaluation of educational programs & curricula based on community needs and instructor feedback. Develop workshops with visiting & local artists and oversee instructors & teaching assistants. Educational programming includes one-day "Discovery Experience classes & multi-week "Core classes" in areas of glassblowing, flameworking, kilnforming, neon, stained glass, coldworking, and mosaics. Oversee the Program Assistant. Community Outreach & Partnerships Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, artists, and partners. Develop outreach efforts that increase awareness, participation, and access to Foci MCGA programs. Partnerships include local schools, library systems, youth initiative organizations, and other local arts nonprofits. Budget & Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the Programming/Development budget and participate in Foci MCGA's annual budgeting and fundraising strategy. Grants & Fundraising Lead grant strategy, writing, reporting, and pipeline development. Cultivate donor relationships, coordinate donor acknowledgments, and support organization-wide fundraising efforts. Gallery Oversight Lead gallery programming, including Foci MCGA's Marketplace Gallery, Exhibition Space, State Fair Gallery, and offsite opportunities; and oversee the Gallery Coordinator. Provide oversight of the in-house glass production line in collaboration with the Gallery Coordinator and Production Support Staff. Program Promotion Coordinate promotion of classes, workshops, exhibitions, and other programs in partnership with the Graphic Designer & Director of Administration. Event Collaboration In collaboration with Gallery & Administrative Staff, coordinate outreach events, including artist lectures, open house events, and public demonstrations. Assist with coordination of Foci MCGA's largest outreach event: the Minnesota State Fair Gallery Booth and Mobile Glassblowing Stage. Staff & Instructor Leadership Supervise and support all Instructors, Teaching Assistants, Program Assistant, Gallery Coordinator, and Production Support Staff. Set clear expectations, manage schedules, provide coaching, and deliver performance feedback. Production Support Staff reports to the Gallery Coordinator. Shared Leadership As a member of the Co-Leadership Team, the Director of Programming & Outreach will participate in:
- Strategic planning and annual organizational priorities
- Organizational budgeting and fundraising strategy
- Major policy and personnel decisions
- Cross-department initiatives
- Organizational culture and risk management
- Board reporting and organizational performance The Director has day-to-day authority within Programming & Outreach and collaborates with the other Directors when decisions affect multiple areas of the organization.
Qualifications Requirements:
- Undergraduate or graduate college degree in glass or arts management; equivalent experience considered
- Working knowledge of glassmaking processes and terminology, with an understanding of the unique needs of glass arts education and studio-based programming
- General understanding of studio safety considerations associated with glassmaking and the importance of established safety procedures
- Minimum of two years instructing or managing glass art classes
- Experience writing syllabi and working with syllabi
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to type and to use and maintain databases with accuracy
- Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills
- Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to systematically think through projects, plan backward, and adhere to a budget
- Ability to work independently and with direction
- A positive attitude and collaborative nature
- Confidence talking in front of a crowd
- Ability to welcome and effectively work with people of many lived experiences
- Ability to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays
- Ability to lift 35 pounds
- Ability to bend and stretch to accomplish necessary tasks
- Ability to stand on feet throughout the day
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time
Preferred Requirements:
- Knowledge of Google Workspace
- Knowledge of Salesforce
- Experience working in a glass studio environment Successful candidates will bring experience or demonstrated skills in several of the following areas:
- Arts, educational, or community programming
- Program development and coordination
- Community outreach and partnership development
- Grant writing and reporting
- Fundraising and donor relations
- Working with artists and instructors
- Working with youth
- Staff, instructor, or volunteer supervision
- Budget management
- Program marketing and promotion
- Collaborative or shared leadership Strong communication, relationship-building, organizational, and project-management skills are essential.
Success in the Role Success will be measured through program enrollment, grant development, fundraising performance, community partnerships, progress on strategic priorities, stakeholder satisfaction, and effective collaboration across the organization. Compensation $31/hour. Full-time employees at Foci MCGA receive a monthly healthcare stipend, generous PTO, safe and sick time, Minnesota Paid Leave, accrual of studio points, and VIP membership perks.
Reports to:
Board of Directors Executive Committee To Apply Please submit a resume, a list of three references, and a brief statement describing your interest in the position and how your experience relates to programming, arts education, community engagement, partnerships, grants, fundraising, or donor development in PDF format to the Board of Directors President, Sandra Brick, at sandra.brick@mnglassart.org. Open until filled.