About Us
Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts (The Bray) was founded at the foothills of the Montana Rockies in 1951 by entrepreneur, brick maker, and avid arts patron Archie Bray, who intended it to be a place to “make available for all who are seriously interested in the ceramic arts, a fine place to work.” The primary mission is to provide an environment and connection with other serious artists that stimulates creative work in ceramics. The Bray is committed to equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of its operation. It seeks to create an environment that allows opportunities for employees, artists, and participants to enjoy and benefit from its programs.
Summary of Education Manager Position:
The Education Manager provides vision, leadership, and direction for The Bray’s Education & Engagement program, overseeing the development, implementation, and continued evolution of educational programs that serve a broad range of participants, artists, educators, and communities. The Education Manager is responsible for ensuring that educational programming reflects The Bray’s mission and commitment to ceramic education for all while remaining responsive to the needs of participants, instructors, community partners, and the field of ceramics. This position provides both strategic and operational leadership, balancing long-term vision and program development with the day-to-day systems, relationships, and details required to deliver high-quality educational experiences. The Manager leads and mentors the Education & Engagement team and Educational Fellows, supports and trains teaching artists, and works collaboratively across departments to advance organizational priorities. The position is also responsible for program planning, budget development and oversight, staff supervision, community partnerships, communications, facilities and studio needs, and evaluation of educational offerings. The successful candidate will be a dynamic, open-minded, and inspirational leader with a strong background in ceramics and a genuine belief in the value and accessibility of ceramic education. Reports To: Interim Creative Director
Roles and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Personnel:
Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for Education & Engagement programming and departmental priorities. Lead, supervise, mentor, and support Education & Engagement staff, creating a positive, collaborative, accountable, and sustainable team culture. Develop staff capacity and leadership by providing clear expectations, appropriate autonomy, constructive feedback, and opportunities for professional growth. Recruit, train, lead, and support instructors, staff, fellows and volunteers Manage the Educational Fellowship program, including recruitment, application coordination and review, onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing support. Manage payroll processes and ensure accurate and timely submission of payroll information for Education & Engagement personnel. Foster strong working relationships across departments and contribute to a healthy, respectful, and collaborative organizational culture.
Educational Programming:
Provide vision and leadership for the development and execution of The Bray’s educational programs. Develop and maintain a comprehensive annual calendar of educational programs in alignment with The Bray’s organizational calendar, mission, strategic priorities, and available resources. Create and oversee educational opportunities that serve a wide range of ages, abilities, backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. Develop innovative and compelling approaches to ceramic education while maintaining the quality, integrity, and accessibility of Bray programs. Establish systems and standards that support consistent, high-quality educational experiences. Provide technical and educational assistance to students, teachers, residents, and other campus participants as appropriate.
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
Develop and sustain meaningful community partnerships that expand access to ceramic education and strengthen The Bray’s relationships with diverse audiences and constituent groups. Represent The Bray and its educational mission and vision with professionalism, care, and enthusiasm. Strengthen relationships with participants, educators, artists, community partners, donors, and other stakeholders. Identify opportunities for Education & Engagement to contribute to broader organizational goals, community presence, and reputation.
Administrative & Organizational Leadership:
Develop and manage the annual Education & Engagement budget in alignment with organizational priorities and financial goals. Monitor program revenue and expenses and make informed decisions regarding program development, pricing, staffing, materials, and resources. Coordinate class registration systems and oversee invoicing and payment workflows in collaboration with Education, Finance, and Gallery teams. Support grant proposals, reporting, and other development efforts related to educational programming in partnership with the Development team.
Building, Studio, & Program Operations:
Maintain a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and efficient educational and studio environment for all users. Oversee educational programmatic needs including classroom preparation, supplies, materials, equipment, firing, studio workflows, and other requirements necessary for successful programming. Ensure educational spaces are appropriately maintained and prepared for use including classrooms, labs, kiln rooms, media spaces, library, storage, offices, and communal spaces. Manage inventory of educational supplies, tools, and equipment. Develop systems that support efficient, sustainable, and proactive educational operations.