Department Head, Foundry

The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an innovative hub built around the industrial arts The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth and vibrant community connections. A leader in the Bay Area arts community The Crucible is widely recognized for its exceptional learning experiences rich and varied arts programs skilled and committed faculty and unparalleled educational facilities

Job Summary

The department head plays a lead role in planning the classes workshops and programs in their department and maintaining the equipment and resources needed to make the Foundry operate. The department head collaborates with the Programs team on faculty recruitment and retention and scheduling as well as on class planning new courses and curriculum development.

The department head is also responsible for making sure that their department feels welcoming and inclusive of everyone interested in learning. Department heads are also the lead point person for sharing information about what is happening in their department. We rely on them to keep their department faculty informed of new educational procedures safety and skills training opportunities and new classes that will be scheduled.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with Faculty Coordinator Programs staff and Programs Director to plan and schedule classes and fill them with available faculty
• Work with Foundry Tech to support and advise with the ordering for upcoming classes and with the studio to store and manage inventory for classes.
• Hold a department meeting every quarter for an hour to communicate key developments challenges and opportunities in the department. (Virtual meetings are fine and we can help you set them up.)
• Support The Crucibles equity and inclusion goals by making your department a safe welcoming and supportive place for everyone.
• Create and offer an equitable TA and teaching opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with other departments on ways to improve systems coordinate energy and equipment usage and support artists and learners.
• Send out a quarterly email to department members updating them on what is happening in the department.
• Attend faculty meetings
• Develop and maintain area procedures and standards in partnership with studio crew.
• Report machinery needs and repair needs to Foundry Tech and/or senior studio crew and studio technicians if applicable
• Relay facility and equipment situations that could impact classes to Foundry Tech and/or studio and programs team
• Evaluations/observations for new instructors coaching for teaching assistants
• Offer training to develop teaching assistants and staffers in Foundry
• Develop programming six months to one year in advance for new classes and workshops
• Teach in your department on an active basis and regularly support Foundry faculty in all classes
• Ability to coordinate with the Events and Programs teams with respect to legacy Foundry events
• Manage dedicated Foundry volunteers

• Five years of experience producing work projects in their area of expertise a minimum of two years teaching experience and the capacity to create an inspiring environment in the classroom.
• Excellent teacher with demonstrated leadership in your field
• Possess ability to safely operate and lead a team using crucible and cupola foundry furnaces
• Knowledge of common foundry materials and any hazards that may be associated with them
• Advanced-level skill in various mold-making processes
• Able to guide advanced self-directed Foundry lab users
• Proficiency with common patination chemicals and their application
• Experience in identifying casting defect causes and minimization strategies
• Proficiency with Google suite tools
• Able to perform regular departmental financial and material audits
• Strong commitment to teaching curriculum design and development and collaboration
• Able to meet students where they are respect and welcome them
• Nonprofit educational and or industrial arts experience a plus
• Willing and able to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends when required.
• Able to lift 35 lbs
• Must hold a valid CA drivers license