Job Opportunities at Foci MCGA

Summer Program Assistant (Seasonal)

Status: Temporary (20-30 hours per week, mornings, nights, and weekend availability required)

Classification: Non-Exempt, hourly

Compensation: $19-$21 per hour, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Glass Arts Education and Partnerships Manager

Start Date: May 25, 2026, anticipated end date September 11, 2026

Application Process: Applications received by May 13 will be given priority. To apply send an email to julie.strand@mnglassart.org and include a resume, brief cover letter, and three references.

Description: This position supports Foci MCGA summer programming including youth and teen glass camps, open house and off site engagement events, and the MN State Fair Glass Gallery and Demonstrations. The role will function as the first point of contact for visitors and families in the studio, and support the education and outreach efforts during the summer months. The Summer Program Assistant must be available to work onsite at Foci MCGA and sometimes off site at various locations. All work is in person. Core hours will be Monday-Thursday 8:30am-1:30pm; however, some weeks hours will flex according to outreach and summer programming needs.

Responsibilities:

• Summer Camp Program Support - (50%)

  • Check in students and families for camp, making sure all permissions paperwork has been received

  • Support studio set up and clean up, as well as materials prep

  • Communicate with parents about daily activities and needs

  • Communicate through email and phone with families ahead of camps and after for project pick up

  • Sub in as a TA or instructor if needed

  • Light up hotshop equipment or flame equipment if tech is unavailable

  • Prep snacks and hydration for youth and teens in camps

  • Maintain supply inventory and run program-related errands as needed

  • Track attendance, tardies, and absences daily

  • Proactively follow up on absent students and communicate with families as directed

  • Serve as the primary logistical contact for parents and caregivers during drop off and pick-up

  • Respond to routine schedule and location questions

  • Escort students, families, and guests to appropriate locations

  • Take pictures of camps and student work in progress

  • Provide direct logistical support to the Program Manager and Instructors

  • Anticipate needs and proactively problem-solve operational gaps

  • Complete additional operational tasks as assigned by program leadership

  • Maintain awareness of student supervision across shared spaces

  • Uphold all safety, consent, and mandatory reporting requirements

  • Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and clear communication at all times

• Event and Outreach Support - (20%)

  • Staff the front desk which includes greeting all visitors, students, and artists.

  • Assist gallery shoppers, ringing up art purchases, and packaging objects.

  • Use the front of house POS system (SquareUp)

  • Provide occasional brief tours of our studio to curious visitors

  • Ensure that the front desk, gallery, classroom, and kitchen area are clean and orderly

  • Unlock and lock doors according to Foci MCGA procedures

  • Maintain an awareness of accessibility accommodations for visitors and staff

  • Support off site and on site glass art demonstrations including but not limited to stained glass activities and demonstrations, and hot glass demonstrations with the mobile glassblowing studio

• State Fair Outreach Work (30%)

  • Support staff in accepting artist work and organizing inventory in preparation for the fair

  • Support gallery and demonstration equipment preparation

  • Support artists at the demonstration stage and/or staff in the glass art gallery

  • Use the POS to check out customers

  • Answer questions about artwork and help customers with check out

  • Support morning/opening tasks

  • Clean gallery and restock shelves

  • Support volunteer coordination and needs

Qualifications:

• Experience in a hotshop, glass studio, or other visual arts studio setting

• Experience making and teaching glass art processes

• Experience working with youth and teens

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to communicate via email concisely and in a professional manner

• Interested in efficiencies and detail oriented

• Ability to type and maintain data with accuracy

• Ability to greet visitors with a friendly and welcoming demeanor

• Excellent time management and problem solving skills

• Ability to systematically think through and handle tasks, including follow-through, to completion

• General knowledge of Google Drive

• General knowledge of CRMs and Salesforce

• Experience with customer service

Preferences:

• Post Secondary education in glass arts

• Experience teaching or TAing hot, warm, or cold glass processes

• Knowledge and experience in studio arts or arts administration, and related business practices

• Digital photography and editing skills

• Experience working with a POS system and responding to visitor requests

• Experience answering phones and directing community questions and needs

Work Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and consistent access to a vehicle

• Ability to stay organized, read complex schedules and show up to events on time

• Ability to work independently, without frequent oversight

• Ability to lift 55 pounds

• Ability to bend and stretch to accomplish necessary tasks

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time

• Ability to work mornings, nights, and weekends

Mission and Values Alignment:

The Summer Program Assistant supports Foci MCGA’s mission by ensuring summer camp and outreach programs run smoothly and participants have excellent experiences. This role requires commitment to inclusivity, access, customer service, attention to detail, program quality, and enthusiasm for connecting communities with creative potential of glass.

Application Process: Applications received by May 13 will be given priority. To apply send an email to julie.strand@mnglassart.org and include a resume, brief cover letter, and three references.