2D Studio Coordinator (Photography, Letterpress & Print)

Position Summary

The 2D Studio Coordinators report directly to the studio operations manager and provide specialized oversight for up to three of the 2D Studios on the Penland campus. 2D studios comprise six distinct studios: Books, Drawing & Painting, Letterpress, Papermaking, Photography, and Print. The 2D studio coordinators each have direct oversight of three of these studios, but work collaboratively on any overlapping needs.  This 2D position specifically will work with the Printmaking, Letterpress, and Photography studios.

The 2D coordinators work directly with the studio team and collaboratively across the organization to support all programming and studio use throughout the year. Studio coordinators maintain studio equipment, support budget planning and tracking, inventory management, and purchasing for materials, tools, and equipment related to their assigned studios. They also communicate and facilitate safety guidelines and practices. Information on studio facilities and equipment can be found on Penland’s Letterpress, Printmaking, and Photography webpages.

This is a technical, administrative, and services-oriented position. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage studio spaces, equipment, and materials for all programming, including workshops, residencies, demonstrations, staff use, and special events.
• Provide technical assistance and training to instructors, students, and staff on safe equipment operation and materials handling.
• Prepare studios for programming, including configuring space, ensuring tools and equipment are in good working order, and ordering or stocking supplies.
• Coordinate workflow during programming changeovers, including onboarding and task assignment for studio assistants.
• Train and supervise studio assistants, establishing safety standards, operational procedures, and guidelines for equipment and materials.
• Collaborate with the Studio Operations Manager to prepare operating budgets and capital project proposals; monitor expenditures, inventory, and maintenance.
• Support curriculum planning by advising on course topics, enrollment capacity, and studio logistics.
• Maintain hazardous waste disposal, materials storage, and safety systems in collaboration with the studio team and facilities staff.
• Serve as an engaged member of the studio team, upholding consistency of safety and administrative policies.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• At least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in a public or teaching studio; or equivalent combination of educational and professional experience
• In-depth knowledge of the equipment and technical processes to be used in the studios, a general understanding of the field of craft, and the ability to troubleshoot and repair, or facilitate service of, tools and equipment in the studios are required.
• Knowledge of and commitment to health and safety as it applies to equipment operation and materials handling regulations
• This position requires strong interpersonal and customer service skills in keeping with Penland’s commitment to generosity. The individual must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able and willing to handle sensitive and confidential situations. 
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and collaboratively
• Organizational and task management skills are required; prior experience with budget and/or project management is desirable.
• First Aid and CPR certifications are required and can be provided by Penland.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, to work at a computer, and to perform repetitive tasks. The employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand,  walk, bend, and handle hazardous materials. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more, including delicate and expensive photo equipment, and remove trash and hazardous chemicals. Specific vision required by this job includes close vision. Evening and weekend work is periodically required by studio programming.

Compensation

This is a full-time, year-round, benefits-eligible position consisting of 35 hours per week (38 weeks) over the course of the year, with hours flexing up in the summer months to 40 hours per week (14 weeks). The starting wage for this non-exempt position is negotiable within the range of $18.39 - $23.79 based on the applicant’s skills and experience they bring to the position.

To Apply

The position will remain open until filled, an initial review of applications will begin with applications received by April 1, 2026.