Education Director

Canberra Potters is looking for a dynamic leader to take our established ceramics education programs to new levels of reach and excellence.

AN EXCEPTIONAL CERAMICS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

Position Title:                     Education Director

Organisation:                      Canberra Potters Society Inc.

Employment Type:            Part-time (25 hours/week), 3-years (negotiatble, renewable) 

Location:                              Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Salary:                                  $90,000 per annum equivalent (negotiable) +   superannuation

We are seeking a passionate and energetic Education Director to shape the future of one of the Australia’s leading ceramics education programs at Canberra Potters Society (Canberra Potters).

 You will be responsible for ensuring that Canberra Potters continues to develop ceramics education at all levels, attracting leading Australian and international artists and ceramics educators and fostering excellence and innovation in professional ceramics practice.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead our teaching teams to develop and deliver a ceramics education program that is inclusive and welcoming, and that provides comprehensive ceramic education from beginner level to masterclasses for professional potters.

You will ensure that our education program continues to drive Canberra Potters’ ongoing financial sustainability and operational excellence.

In this pivotal role you will build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders, including Canberra Potters members, the ACT government and artsACT, peer organisations in Australia and internationally, and our network of exhibiting, visiting and in-residence artists.

This is a unique opportunity to lead education programs within a flourishing membership-based organisation that is celebrating its 50th anniversary and aspires to national and international prominence in ceramics education and professional and artistic practice. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE INCLUDE:

Educational Management

• Oversee all educational matters for Canberra Potters in compliance with relevant Australian and ACT legal and regulatory requirements;
• Plan and deliver four terms of regular classes at different levels; nine weeks of holiday courses and ongoing introductory courses during the year;
• Plan and staff workshops, masterclasses and other short courses taught by Visiting Artists and/or Artists-in-Residence;
• Work with the CEO to develop and implement business plans for the education program based on the organisations’ strategic direction; and
• Work with the CEO and the Board to develop and update policies relating to our education program.

 Program Delivery

• Handle enquiries about classes, workshops, and enrolments;
• Maintain online enrolment and class information systems;
• Supports NDIS participants by working with Support Coordinators, clients and Plan Management Agencies;
• Lead community outreach events and visits by schools, community groups and support agencies; and
• Promote term classes in a way that ensures equitable access and planned participation by students and members.

Curriculum Development

• Develop, review and implement course program, with input from the CEO, the Board and relevant staff;
• Develop curriculum, course outlines and schedules that meet the needs of clients and members from children to emerging to practicing artists;
• Seek regular feedback on class offerings from students, members and the Board;
• Report regularly to the CEO and the Board on education program management; and
• Actively pursue grant opportunities relevant for Canberra Potters’ education and artists’ programs.

People Leadership and Culture

• Lead, mentor and support the Canberra Potters teaching teams;
• Work with the Finance team to manage  teacher absences, payroll, records, and course budgets;
• Lead regular teaching team meetings and professional development; and
• Develop relationships with Visiting Artists and Artists-in-Residence and maintain links with Artist program alumni

Marketing

• Develop social media strategy and advertising with relevant staff to support the education program; and
• Network with ceramic community and other professional artist and arts organisations to identify opportunities to promote and develop the Canberra Potters education program

Work Health and Safety

• Liaise with the Workshop Manager/Technical Assistant to ensure the workshop facilities (workshops, glaze room etc) and equipment are safely maintained and ready for use by classes and workshops;
• Maintain teaching staff professional development documentation including WWVP records; and
• Maintain EVAC training records and alert staff to requirement to update training.

Membership

• Ensure that courses and professional development meet the needs of members at all levels, making the Canberra Potters offering vibrant and distinctive

Education Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain productive relationships with our key ceramics education peers and partners in Australia and internationally

QUALIFICATIONS and ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for this role you will:

• Be resident in, or close to, the ACT (required)
• Have experience in ceramics as an artist, professional potter, educator or curator (required)
• Have experience in education program design and delivery or project management (required)
• Hold relevant tertiary qualifications in education, arts administration or curatorial studies or related fields (desirable)
• Demonstrate familiarity with access and equity, including NDIS-eligible education (desirable)
• Demonstrate management experience with diverse teams, diverse stakeholders and the requirements of a not-for-profit setting (desirable)

About Canberra Potters Society Inc.

Canberra Potters is one of Australia’s only fully integrated ceramics centres, offering an international artist-in-residence program, professional workshops, kilns and glazing facilities, gallery featuring local, national and international exhibitions, retail outlet and tranquil outdoor spaces.

Canberra Potters is the leading ceramic arts organisation in the ACT and is supported by artsACT.

Canberra Potters is a not-for profit membership based association. As a leading arts organisation for the ACT It receives grant funding from the ACT government but finances 80% of its activities through its own activities and income streams. It is the sole tenant of the Watson Arts Centre, a public facility, and manages this on behalf of the ACT government.

The Education Director is appointed by Canberra Potters Board and reports to the CEO.

REMUNERATION

A starting salary of $90,000 per annum, pro-rata (subject to negotiation) for a three-year contract with option to renew. Shorter engagements may be considered. Six month probation period.

HOW TO APPLY

Your application will need to include:

• a short pitch of no more than 2 pages outlining why you are interested in the role, what attributes you offer as an Education Director and how these related to the key responsibilities, relevant career history and achievements, and your leadership attributes.
• your short form resume (2 pages maximum) including details of two referees.

Applications are required by COB Friday 16 May 2025

• Interviews will be conducted for shortlisted applicants shortly afterwards.
• We will contact referees at the shortlisting stage and not before seeking your approval to do so.

CONTACT

The contact for this position is the President and Chair of the Board, Professor Veronica Taylor (Veronica.Taylor@canberrapotters.com.au)