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Glass Studio Instructor

Chrysler Museum of Art Tagline

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA is a premier cultural destination, showcasing over 30,000 works across 50 galleries and featuring the Mid‑Atlantic’s only Glass Studio. With free admission, the Museum is dedicated to accessibility and inspiring all who engage with art.

Department:

Glass Studio

FLSA Classification:

Non-Exempt

Position Type:

Part-time (PT)

Reports to:

Glass Studio Manager & Programming Director

Revision Date:

July 3,2026

Compensation:

Employees are compensated based on the duties they perform during scheduled work hours; Compensation will be based on the specific duties performed during each shift.

Studio Operations Rate: $16.50 per Hour/Teaching & Demonstration Rate: $20.00 per Hour

Primary Purpose:

The Glass Studio Instructor supports the daily operations of the Glass Studio while providing high-quality educational experiences through classes, workshops, and demonstrations. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, organized, and fully operational studio environment, assisting with equipment and kiln operations, and delivering engaging instruction and demonstrations to participants of all skill levels.

This position has three primary objectives:

1. To operate and to maintain the glass studio and the equipment
2. To support operations through shop organization and administrative efforts
3. To prepare for and participates with studio programming

Key Performance Indicators (KPI):

Openness: Share information transparently and collaborate across departments to strengthen organizational trust.

Respect: Handle sensitive donor and member data with confidentiality and professionalism, ensuring all interactions reflect the Museum’s values. Ensure donor records are maintained with accuracy and kept up to date.

Growth: Seek opportunities to improve database processes, documents, adopt best practices, and support the Museum’s evolving needs.

Dynamism: Adapt quickly to new projects, technologies, and priorities, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness in a fast‑paced environment.

Essential Functions:

As it pertains to Studio Operations:

• Works in conjunction with the Studio Manager & Glass Studio Technician to develop, follow and enforce the proper procedures to ensure the safety of the staff, visitors and of those using the equipment
• Properly opens and closes studio, operates equipment, maintains cleanliness and enforces safety protocols
• Mentors Studio Assistants and ensures they are productive with daily tasks & projects
• Monitors rentals, blow slots and college students shop time
• When scheduled, can act as a first responder to all equipment-related emergencies
• Designs and fabricates custom equipment and upgrades/modifies current equipment
• Assists with administrative and marketing efforts as assigned

As it pertains to Supporting Programming:

• Prepares, maintains and participates in the studio’s operating schedule including but not limited to:
  • Public + private demonstrations (often acting as Gaffer + public speaker.)
  • Special group and school demonstrations
  • Educational public and private classes
  • After School programs
  • Artist in Residence program/Visiting Artist Programs
  • Studio rentals and private lessons
  • Performance events
  • Special event rentals

• Serves as an ambassador for the Museum and the Studio, actively working to build public excitement about the facility and its programs and to foster collaborative programs with regional schools and universities
• Contributes to the ongoing development of studio protocol, programs, and planning
• Contributes to promoting programming through public media
• When assigned: helps create sample objects for the course catalog, class syllabi, display and other programming
• Does photo/video documentation of studio developments and highlights when assigned
• Performs other duties as assigned or required, it is necessary to be proactive in this work environment

Required Education/Experience:

Required:

-3 + years’ experience working in the glass studio or public educational studio.

-Significant experience working in and operating glass studio equipment.

-Extensive glass blowing experience.

-Must be comfortable and confident working in front of and communicating with the public.

Preferred:

-Bachelor’s degree in fine arts, or related discipline is required.

-Flame working, cold working and casting experience.

-Prior experience teaching glass working.

-Woodworking, metalworking experience.

-Proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, and video skills preferred.

-Knowledge of setting up and operating AV equipment (projectors, PA’s, soundboard, etc.…)

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in a busy public environment and be subject to frequent interruption. This position also requires public interaction. Will be required to adhere to and enforce strict safety regulations.

Weekend availability is required.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift and carry supplies and other awkward items (including glass) weighing up to 75 lbs. without assistance. Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting, squatting, stretching, and bending throughout the workday; on days when there is programming, standing and walking for 8+ hours a day should be expected. Must be able to see and hear. Must be able to work in the heat throughout the 8-hour or longer workday.