Join our Team!

About our organization:

The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, established in 1976 and rebranded in 2017, is a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to fostering creativity, education, and community through the ceramic and glass arts. Located in the historic Cherry Building in the NewBo Cultural District of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  We offer 11,000 square foot state-of-the-art facilities and diverse programs, including classes, workshops, artist-in-residence program, and mobile outreach initiatives. Serving 25,000 individuals annually, our mission is to foster understanding, appreciation, and professional development in the ceramic and glass arts. We engage with underserved communities, support emerging artists, and create meaningful connections through events like the Iowa Clay Conference,  public workshops, and in studio classes. As an integral part of the Cultural Corridor, the Center is a thriving hub for creativity and community, and we are committed to sustaining our mission through earned income, grants, donations, and community partnerships.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is a full-time, exempt leadership position that oversees the overall operations, strategic direction, financial health, and community presence of the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio (ICCGS). The ED is a highly visible, forward-facing role responsible for cultivating donor and community relationships, supervising key staff, supporting the Board of Directors, and ensuring that all programming aligns with the organization’s mission. The ED works closely with the administrative and program teams to foster a collaborative and creative environment. This position is supervised by and reports to the Board of Directors.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Oversight

• Provide organizational leadership aligned with ICCGS’s mission and values.

• Supervise the Associate Director of Operations and Education and the Director of Communications and Outreach.

• Lead strategic planning and annual goal setting in partnership with staff and board.

• Manage and support all fundraising initiatives and outreach programming efforts.

Board Engagement

• Maintain clear and regular communication with the Board of Directors.

• Coordinate board recruitment, orientation, and engagement.

• Prepare board reports and support all board and committee meetings.

Financial Management

• Oversee budget planning, payroll, grants management, and financial reporting.

• Manage accounts payable/receivable and organizational spending in collaboration with the finance committee.

• Work with an accounting firm to ensure accurate financial reconciliation and reporting.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead fundraising strategies, including donor stewardship, grant writing, sponsorships, and annual campaigns.

• Manage Capital project fundraising efforts.

• Oversee donor communications and coordinate special fundraising events.

Programming & Community Engagement

• Act as a public ambassador for ICCGS with donors, partners, and the arts community.

• Oversee gallery exhibitions, visiting artist events, and retail operations.

• Support community partnerships and outreach programming, including school, mobile, and private events.

Operations & Policy

• Guide organizational strategic planning and maintain a safe, effective work environment.

• Maintain and update internal policies, procedures, and program documentation.

• Support facility planning, maintenance, and capital improvements.

Hours

• Full-time, exempt. Evening and weekend hours will be required for special events, programming, exhibitions, or fundraising activities.

Qualifications and Experience Required

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Studio Art, or related field preferred.

LEADERSHIP / SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years in nonprofit or arts leadership.

• Experience supervising staff and overseeing multiple program areas.

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNICATIONS

• Proven track record in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

COMMUNITY ARTS EXPERIENCE

• Understanding of or commitment to ceramic and glass arts.

• Experience working in a community studio or arts education environment preferred.

• Experience working as a liaison to connect with the broader community.

TECHNICAL / ADMINISTRATIVE

• Proficient with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and QuickBook Online,  registration/donor systems.

• Ability to manage a budget and communicate financial information clearly.

• Business acumen experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to move throughout the studio and lift up to 25 lbs for events or gallery prep when needed.

Compensation

• Salary $59,000+, exempt position, commensurate with experience.

• Benefits include:

• Paid time off and holidays

• Access to personal studio space

• Material discounts and kiln use stipend

• Annual professional development time off and stipend

• Health insurance stipend

• Simple IRA match 

How to Apply: 

Please send a cover letter, two page resume, and list of three professional references to board@iowaceramicscenter.org.

Review of application will begin August 1st, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Statement

ICCGS is committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center’s policy to hire and promote qualified individuals based on their skills, interest, and aptitude—regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable laws.

ICCGS Organizational overview

Mission Statement:
The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio is committed to fostering understanding, appreciation, and professional development in the ceramic and glass arts. We provide a vibrant space where creativity and community intersect, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse array of programs for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our mission is to inspire, educate, and connect through the transformative power of art.

Organizational History:
Established in 1976 as Iowa Art Works, Inc., the organization has been a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids community, offering art education and events for both children and adults. In 2008, the organization relocated to the Cherry Building and rebranded as The Ceramics Center, expanding its programming to include ceramics and glass arts. In 2017, the name was changed to Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio to reflect the growing emphasis on glassmaking. Over the years, the Center has introduced numerous programs, including the Artist-in-Residence program, the Iowa Clay Conference, and mobile outreach initiatives, reaching thousands of individuals and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.

Target Population:
The Center serves a diverse audience, including children and adults from the Cedar Rapids and Cultural Corridor communities. Through outreach partnerships with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits, the Center extends its reach to underserved populations, ensuring access to quality art education and experiences for all.  The organization serves 25,000 people a year through their in-studio and outreach programming.

Key Programs:

• Classes and Workshops: Offering a variety of ceramic and glass classes for beginners and advanced students, including wheel throwing, handbuilding, and warm glass techniques.
• Summer Camps: Creative summer programs for children in grades K-12, focusing on artistic exploration and skill development.
• Mobile Outreach: Programs that bring art-making experiences to underserved communities, including schools, daycares, and nonprofit organizations.
• Artist-in-Residence Program: A nationally recognized program providing emerging artists with studio space, materials, and mentorship in exchange for teaching and community engagement.
• Visiting Artist Workshops: Opportunities for the community to engage with nationally recognized artists through workshops and demonstrations.
• Community Events: Regular events such as the Iowa Clay Conference, gallery exhibitions, and public workshops that foster community engagement and celebrate the arts.

Facilities:
The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio occupies 11,000 square feet of space in the historic Cherry Building. Our 4,000-square-foot clay studio is equipped with 32 wheels, slab rollers, extruders, and a variety of kilns, including electric, gas, soda, and raku kilns. The 850-square-foot glass studio features grinders, cutting systems, slumping molds, and COE 96 glass, supporting a wide range of glass art techniques. Additionally, we have a 1,000-square-foot retail store and gallery, as well as a 500-square-foot classroom space. Both studios are designed to provide an ideal environment for artistic creation and learning.

Community Engagement:
The Center is an integral part of the Cedar Rapids community, actively participating in local events such as the Marion Arts Festival and NewBo Art Fest. Through engaging programs like “Friday Night Out” and “Storybook Clay,” we offer creative experiences for both adults and children. Our biennial Iowa Clay Conference serves as a vital platform for artists to connect, share ideas, and refine their craft.

Support and Sustainability:
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Center relies on a diverse mix of earned income, grants, private contributions, and memberships to support our programs and operations. Initiatives like the Marion C. Jacobs Resident Artist Fund honor the legacy of community members and help sustain the Center’s mission for years to come.