Director of Printmaking

Position Title: Director of Printmaking

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $65,000 to $80,000 annually, plus benefits including health insurance, four weeks of PTO, 14 paid holidays, personal wellness reimbursement, use of the Studio and equipment outside of working hours, and BAT of each print produced as lead collaborative printer. 

Location: Pendleton, OR. This role is on-site with some expectation of travel. This is not a remote position.

About the Organization

Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts (CSIA) provides a creative conduit for educational, social, and economic opportunities for Native Americans through artistic development. Its vision is to elevate and illuminate the world through the genius of Indigenous creativity.

Position Overview

The Director of Printmaking is a critical leadership position responsible for managing all aspects of CSIA’s collaborative printmaking program. We are seeking a master of the craft—someone with an exceptional level of skill and extensive experience in collaborative lithography. The ideal candidate will bring both technical expertise and artistic vision, guiding resident artists through the collaborative printmaking process. They will maintain the highest artistic standards, ensuring excellence while prioritizing and centering the artists’ vision and voice.

The Director of Printmaking must be an exceptional leader and teacher, able to work with diverse groups across a range of ages and experience levels. While nonprofit experience is a plus, a collaborative, hardworking, and team-oriented attitude is essential for success. The successful applicant will demonstrate a nuanced understanding and passion for contemporary Native American and Indigenous art, and will support the advancement of the organization's mission. The Director of Printmaking reports to the Executive Director, and is responsible for overseeing the Printmaking Studio and Artist-in-Residence program, collaborating with established and emerging artists, managing studio operations and staff, and furthering CSIA’s reputation for excellence in limited edition fine art print publishing.  

Job Description:

• Manage day-to-day operations of the printmaking studio, ensuring a safe, organized, and collaborative work environment.
• Foster a culture of adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement within the studio. Hire, train, and supervise studio staff, providing mentorship and fostering professional growth.
• Plan and conduct specialized workshops and training sessions for artists, community members, and local schools and youth programs, emphasizing the unique intersection of contemporary art and traditional Indigenous practices.
• Work with the Artist Selection Committee to identify and solicit participation from relevant artists for artist residencies.
• Invite, correspond, and answer all pertinent questions with Artists-in-Residence, providing clear expectations of the residency, collaborative print process, and structure before arrival in the studio to ensure the best possible experience.
• Collaborate with artists in the studio to produce limited edition fine art lithographs, monoprints, and monotypes utilizing innovative printmaking techniques and pushing the boundaries of traditional methods to create unique and compelling artworks.
• Anticipate, track, and calculate all publishing costs of print projects, while keeping the scope of projects within budget and a manageable time frame for studio production.
• Maintain the highest standards in print production, archival curatorial practices, and print inventory management.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and manage the studio budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation and staying abreast of technological advancements in the field.
• Work with the Development Director to identify and pursue funding opportunities to sustain and expand studio programs and capacity.
• Work with marketing staff to promote residencies, receptions, artist talks, and new releases.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with artists, community partners, and stakeholders, contributing to the enrichment of the local, regional, and national art community.
• Represent CSIA at local, regional, and national forums, showcasing and promoting CSIA’s collaborative printmaking program.
• Prepare a monthly report for the Board of Directors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in lithography and other relevant printing techniques.
• Tamarind Institute training, MFA in Printmaking, or equivalent education strongly preferred. Extensive experience and demonstrated expertise may substitute for formal education for the right candidate.
• Proven leadership skills required, and experience in managing a printmaking studio preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse groups of artists and stakeholders.
• Commitment to cultural sensitivity, especially in working with Indigenous artists and communities.
• Excellent organization skills.
• Ability to represent the organization in a positive, professional manner to all constituents, the media, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently, complete tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to keep sensitive information in strict confidence.
• Comfort with technology, including Google Workspace, email, and calendar software.
• Ability to work in-person in the physically-demanding environment of a professional printmaking studio, as well as in an office environment, including seated work at a computer for extended periods.

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, professional collaborative printmaking portfolio, and three professional references familiar with your work as a collaborative printmaker to Executive Director, Phinney Brown at phinney@crowsshadow.org with the subject line, “(Last Name) – Director of Printmaking.”

Applications will be evaluated and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.