Art School Manager

One River School of Art and Design • Montclair, NJ

10d • $60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

This is not a traditional teaching or administrative role. As Art School Director, you are the welcoming face and steady heartbeat of the school—ensuring every student, parent, and visitor feels supported, informed, and excited to be part of our creative community.

This role is ideal for someone who loves working with people, thrives in a customer-facing environment, and enjoys owning the day-to-day experience of a busy, creative space. You don’t need extensive management experience—we’re looking for someone who leads through hospitality, follow-through, and care.

Requirements

• Loves helping people and takes pride in great customer service
• Is warm, organized, and confident communicating with families and students
• Enjoys follow-up, details, and seeing things through
• Thrives in a lively, creative, people-centered environment
• Believes great art education starts with a great human experience
• Is comfortable learning systems, processes, and best practices (we train and support you)
• Has a genuine interest in art, creativity, and community—even if you’re earlier in your leadership journey
• Bachelor’s Degree in a visual arts–related field required
• 3–5 years of experience in a customer-facing role (education, hospitality, retail, membership services, or similar)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Comfortable working evenings and Saturdays during the school year (September–June)

Nice To Haves

• Some leadership, coordination, or ownership experience preferred—but not required

Responsibilities

• Serve as the front-line point of contact for all inquiries—phone, email, walk-ins, and online leads
• Thoughtfully follow up with prospective students and families, guiding them from first inquiry through enrollment
• Lead school tours and consultations, clearly communicating programs, schedules, and next steps
• Ensure a smooth, welcoming onboarding experience for new students and families
• Maintain warm, proactive communication with current members to support retention and satisfaction
• Handle front desk operations with professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail
• Oversee daily opening and closing procedures and ensure the school runs smoothly each day
• Manage rosters, attendance, makeups, and schedule changes with accuracy and care
• Support families with billing questions, account updates, and general service needs
• Maintain organized systems for leads, enrollments, and student records
• Create a calm, friendly, well-run front desk environment that reflects our values
• Support a team of artists and educators by keeping schedules, communication, and logistics running smoothly
• Step in to teach or support classes when needed (training provided if needed)
• Collaborate with school leadership and instructors to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences
• Help onboard new staff and model strong customer service standards
• Represent the school with professionalism and enthusiasm in the local community
• Support events, exhibitions, open houses, and partnerships that bring new families into the school
• Build genuine relationships with students, parents, and local partners
• Ensure the studio and front desk areas are always welcoming, organized, and well stocked
• Coordinate with leadership to address facility needs and supply requests
• Support gallery exhibitions and community events hosted in the space

Benefits

• Strong pay with room to grow
• Competitive salary plus quarterly bonuses tied to achievable goals.
• Plan for your future
• Access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) with pre-tax contributions.
• Time to recharge
• Paid vacation time to rest, travel, make art, or reset.
• A schedule that fits creative lives
• Later start times and a non-traditional schedule. Saturday availability required.
• Health coverage support
• We contribute toward health insurance with flexible plan options.
• Keep making your own art
• Free classes at One River School so you stay creatively engaged.
• Real growth opportunities
• We promote from within and support long-term careers in art education.
• Training & mentorship
• Ongoing support to help you succeed in your role today and grow into future leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level