Studio Director

Role Description

The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, operation, and stewardship of Space Program, a privately funded San Francisco-based artist residency that provides artists across a range of disciplines with the space, resources, and time to create while fostering meaningful artistic collaboration and community engagement.

Through thoughtfully curated residencies, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programming, Space Program plays a unique role in supporting artists and contributing to the vitality of the Bay Area arts community.

Reporting directly to the Principals, the Director serves as Space Program's operational leader, translating the Principals' vision into an exceptional artist experience while overseeing:

• Artist recruitment and engagement
• Residency planning
• Creative project development
• Exhibitions and public programming
• Community relationships
• Day-to-day operations

This position calls for a thoughtful leader who combines creative leadership with exceptional organizational discipline, sound judgment, initiative, and a deep appreciation for stewardship.

The role is intentionally structured as a flexible, part-time exempt leadership position, typically requiring an average commitment of approximately 30 hours per week.

Success is measured by the quality of the resident experience, artistic outcomes, operational excellence, and the Director's ability to thoughtfully steward organizational capacity.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Stewardship

• Serve as the steward of the Principals' vision for Space Program.
• Guide the overall quality, integrity, and creative direction of residency experiences.
• Lead the day-to-day operation of Space Program.
• Regularly assess organizational priorities and operational capacity.
• Partner closely with the Principals to establish annual priorities.
• Translate strategic direction into practical implementation plans.
• Preserve Space Program's reputation through thoughtful leadership.

Residency & Program Operations

• Direct all aspects of the artist residency program.
• Partner with resident artists from the earliest planning stages.
• Oversee the successful execution of residencies, exhibitions, and community programs.
• Ensure studios and shared creative spaces remain safe and functional.
• Coordinate residency schedules and logistics.
• Coordinate project resources and approved budgets.

Artist & Community Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships throughout the Bay Area arts community.
• Serve as a trusted mentor and creative sounding board for resident artists.
• Foster a welcoming, collaborative residency environment.
• Conduct residency tours and cultivate partnerships.

People Management

• Provide leadership and direction to the Studio Manager & Print Technician.
• Coordinate workloads and operational priorities.
• Foster a collaborative and respectful culture.
• Participate in recruitment and onboarding.
• Mentor and develop team members.

Administration & Organizational Effectiveness

• Maintain organized operational documentation and program records.
• Prepare operational updates and recommendations for the Principals.
• Exercise sound judgment in stewarding facilities and resources.
• Evaluate existing processes and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience within creative, cultural, or mission-driven organizations.
• A respected artistic background with the ability to serve as a trusted mentor.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing complex creative projects.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience exercising thoughtful stewardship of program resources.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and foster collaboration.
• A leadership philosophy grounded in creative excellence and operational discipline.

Benefits

• Concentric covers 100% of the premium on the PPO medical plan for employee and dependent coverage.
• Medical FSA
• Employer-paid insurance: life, STD, LTD, and AD&D
• Paid leave (vacation, sick)
• Employee Assistance Program for personal needs
• San Francisco, California Pay Range: $160,000 - $160,000 USD