We're Hiring!
HandThrown is looking for our next Studio Manager and Studio Coordinator.
HandThrown is a community studio for artists of all levels to learn together through classes, memberships, events and private sessions in Richmond, Virginia. We're committed to nurturing a community that welcomes both experienced and novice potters to explore, inspire, and share knowledge. We hope to further education in the ceramic arts at all levels by providing summer programs, partnering with local organizations and inviting artists to share their craft through teaching.
See the details and instructions for how to apply for each position below. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Studio Manager
Part-Time | 15-20 hours/week | $23-$28/hour, commensurate with experience
Expected Start: Mid October-November 2026
The Studio Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of HandThrown's studio facilities, equipment, materials, classes, memberships, and studio systems. Working closely with the co-owners, the Studio Manager will supervise and support the Studio Technician team and serve as an important point of contact for instructors, students, members, and staff.
Because this is a 20-hour-per-week position, the Studio Manager's primary focus is on leadership, coordination, systems, and accountability rather than completing studio tasks personally. A successful candidate will be someone who can identify what needs to happen, organize the people and resources needed to accomplish it, and follow through to ensure it gets done.
HandThrown will be moving to a new location in 2027. This position will scale up during the move and offer potential for increased hours, pay, and responsibilities.
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$23-$28/hour, commensurate with experience
Approximately 15-20 hours/week in studio and performing administrative duties
Opportunities for additional paid hours for workshops, special events, and projects
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Discounted firing for personal work
Studio membership including a 4ft shelf
Unlimited open studio access
Discount on classes and workshops
Discount on studio merchandise and supplies
Invitations to all markets and events
Professional development opportunities
Opportunities to teach classes and workshops
Consistent scheduling with flexibility when possible
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Consistent weekly schedule in-studio created in collaboration with studio leadership
Flexible administrative hours based on availability
Occasional evening and weekend availability required for staff meetings, special events, visiting artists or operational needs
Holidays off
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2+ years of experience in a pottery studio, art studio, makerspace, or comparable creative environment
Strong working knowledge of pottery studio operations including:
Wheel throwing and handbuilding
Clay reclaim processes
Glaze preparation and application
Kiln loading/unloading and firing processes
Basic kiln troubleshooting and maintenance
Studio safety
Ability to safely operate and troubleshoot common studio equipment
Experience managing staff, instructors, volunteers, or studio members
Experience firing and maintaining electric kilns
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to independently prioritize daily tasks and respond to unexpected operational issues
Comfortable communicating with students, instructors, staff, vendors, and studio leadership
Ability to track and maintain inventories and identify material needs on an appropriate timeline
Comfortable working in a physically active studio environment and ability to lift and move approximately 50 lbs
Commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful studio environment
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Experience firing raku kilns, and alternative firing methods
Experience keeping kiln parts inventory and ordering replacement parts
Experience managing a community pottery studio or similar art space
Experience developing studio procedures, safety protocols, and staff training
Experience supervising employees and conducting staff meetings
Experience teaching pottery or working directly with pottery students
Familiarity with Google Workspace, Slack, and Kiln Fire
Degree or equivalent professional experience in pottery, fine arts, arts administration or a related field
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We’re looking for someone who is comfortable taking the lead, has advanced experience with pottery, and experience in a community-centered art space.
You might be the right person for this role if:
You notice when something needs to be done and take ownership of making sure it happens.
You’re a self-starter and take initiative before direction is given.
You can give clear direction to a team while remaining approachable.
You care equally about the student experience and the conditions of the studio.
You’re comfortable delegating.
You can identify a problem, determine who needs to address it, and follow through until it’s resolved.
You’re comfortable nurturing a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and open communication as a daily practice.
You want to contribute to the continued growth of an independently-owned Richmond pottery studio.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your ceramics experience, relevant management or studio operations experience, and why you are interested in joining the HandThrown team.
You can send all information to admin@handthrown.studio
Studio Coordinator
Part-Time | 8-10 hours/week | $18/hour, commensurate with experience
Expected Start: Mid October-November 2026
The Studio Coordinator serves as a key point of contact for students, members, instructors, and prospective community members. This role keeps communication moving, class administration organized, and the systems behind the studio running smoothly. From managing inboxes and class rosters to coordinating private classes and supporting quarterly scheduling, the Studio Coordinator helps create a thoughtful, consistent experience for everyone who interacts with HandThrown.
This is a part-time role well suited to someone who is exceptionally organized, comfortable working independently, communicates warmly and professionally, and enjoys coordinating many small details behind the scenes.
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$18/hour
Approximately 8-12 hours/week
Opportunities for additional paid hours for workshops, events, and special projects
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Discounted firing for personal work
Studio membership including a 4ft shelf
Unlimited open studio access
Discount on classes and workshops
Employee discount on studio merchandise and supplies
Invitations to all markets and events
Professional development opportunities
Opportunities to teach classes and workshops
Consistent scheduling with flexibility when possible
-
Flexible hours based on availability
Occasional evening and weekend availability required for staff meetings, special events, visiting artists or operational needs
Holidays off
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Strong organizational and time-management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
Ability to manage multiple priorities and recurring deadlines
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Comfortable using Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and calendar systems
Ability to learn and confidently navigate studio-specific software such as Kiln Fire and Squarespace
Professional judgment and discretion when handling community and studio information
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of students, instructors, staff, and community members
Reliable access to email and the ability to respond to time-sensitive communications during agreed-upon work periods
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Experience in administrative coordination, studio management, customer service, education, arts organizations, or community-based organizations
Experience managing shared inboxes or customer/community communications
Familiarity with scheduling, registration, rosters, or event coordination
Experience with Google Workspace, Squarespace, Slack, or similar platforms
Experience working in a small business or independently-operated organization
Familiarity with ceramics, pottery studios, or other creative communities
Experience working with sensitive customer situations
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We’re looking for someone who is comfortable working behind the scenes, enjoys creating systems that run smoothly, and understands that their work has a direct impact on the experience of every person who walks through the studio doors. They communicate with warmth and take responsibility for their work. Ask questions when needed and aren’t hesitant to tackle new processes or strategize answers to unknown questions or tasks.
This person doesn’t need to know everything about pottery. They do need to be organized, dependable, thoughtful, and detail-oriented.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your ceramics experience, relevant administrative or studio operations experience, and why you are interested in joining the HandThrown team.
You can send all information to admin@handthrown.studio
