Title: Studio/Operations Manager Position Details: Full-time Permanent, 35 hours/week hybrid, 80k annual, exempt employee,immediate start date. Position Description:The Studio Manager reports to both the Studio Director and the Artist. They will assist in managing various aspects of the artist’s studio with a primary focus on administrative and project management. This role requires soft skills, flexibility, quick-thinking, and a strong sense of organization. Previous experience working with professional artists in some capacity is preferable. We seek a highly motivated professional with a background in both project and people management, who can think proactively, act intentionally, and anticipate needs before they arise. This role serves as the Studio Director’s right hand and helps to oversee the day-to-day operations of the artist’s studio and directly supports goals surrounding production and exhibition planning. This is a strictly administrative role and does not involve or require art making experience. It is best suited to someone accustomed to working with a team, who loves a good schedule, but highly adaptive, will hop on the phone with vendors to ensure clarity of vision, and doesn\'t mind the occasional work trip or off-hours text. Additionally, there are aspects of personal assistance working with the artist directly so attention to detail is essential. Responsibilities: This position is responsible for assisting in all aspects of artist management and studio operations in accordance with the guidelines and policies of Derek Fordjour Studio. Specific duties include but are not limited to:-manages complex personal and professional calendar for artist and production team.-assists director in general studio management including oversight of full and part-time staff, freelancers and coordination with external vendors.-assists director in designing and implementing plans/timelines for studio production and exhibitions.-oversees the archive of both the artist’s work and personal collection.-maintains accurate financial records and assists in expense tracking and budgeting.-oversees logistics and communication for travel, artwork packing and shipping, framing, photography, and other related duties.-maintains studio inventory, material sourcing and ordering of studio supplies. In conjunction with the Studio Director and Administrative Coordinator:- coordinates personal and professional travel arrangements including air travel, ground transportation, and accommodations for artist and staff as needed.-assists in planning and organizing studio events.-maintains professional and detailed communication with vendors, press, and galleries.-related personal and professional assistance for artist and studio -Data management: Printing, scanning, and filing documents.-Packing and shipping via FedEx/UPS as needed.-Specialty research projects (i.e. sourcing images, digital color matching, writing, etc.)-greets studio visitors, answers phone calls, and maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.-Attend staff, artist, and gallery meetings as appropriate. Requirements: -Bachelor’s degree required. MA in Arts Administration or arts related field preferred.-Previous art world experience and/or knowledge and interest in contemporary art practice.-Minimum three years of experience in a project based and/or administrative role. At least one year managing people and projects is preferred.-High level of discretion and reliability.-Knowledge and well-proven skills are required in all aspects of organization, scheduling, commonly used basic office software systems, data management, and problem solving.-Strong long-form writing skills preferred. Professional verbal and written communication and fluency in English are required. -Basic computer skills including MAC operating systems, Microsoft Office and Google Suite required. Prior knowledge of Airtable and Dropbox are helpful. -Must be able to self-manage, balance multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and retrieve information quickly.-Some experience in HR, payroll or accounting a plus.-Light art handling experience a plus.-Drivers license a plus. Physical Demands: To successfully function in this role, an individual is required to remain sitting for extended periods of time, lift up to 15 lbs., communicate with others to exchange information verbally and in digital forms, and perform repeated motions in your wrists, hands, and/or fingers. You may occasionally be asked to assist in group lifting objects up to 50 lbs. or drive a motor vehicle (if licensed). Reasonable accommodations may be made to modify these duties. Derek Fordjour Studio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, formerly incarcerated status, national origin, HIV status, genetics, physical, mental, or sensory disability, age, martial, parental, or veteran status.
