Director, Creative Design ​/ Digital Art, Education ​/ Teaching

Art School Director (Studio Manager / Arts Program Director)

📍 Montclair, NJ | Full-Time

Salary:$75,000 – $100,000 (incl. Quarterly Performance Bonus)

Benefits: Health insurance contribution, 401K plan, paid vacation, free art classes

Are you a visual artist or arts professional with a proven track record in leading creative communities? One River School of Art + Design is looking for a BFA or MFA level creative leader to run our Montclair school—mentoring artists, building a vibrant student community, and helping grow a thriving contemporary art program.

This is not a traditional teaching or administrative job. As Art School Director
, you will lead a creative business and community—managing a team of artists and educators while shaping exceptional experiences for students and families.

This role blends studio culture, team leadership, community engagement, and business management
, making it ideal for artists or arts professionals who enjoy mentoring others and bringing creative ideas to life.

• Manage and mentor instructors and studio staff

• Hire, onboard, and support talented educators

• Foster a collaborative and inspiring studio culture

• Occasionally teach classes to stay connected to the studio environment

• Ensure a welcoming, high-quality experience for students and families

• Build strong relationships with parents and adult students

• Support student retention and community growth

• Build partnerships with local schools, businesses, and community organizations

• Support local marketing initiatives, events, and outreach

• Represent the school within the local arts and education community

• Monitor revenue and expenses

• Support enrollment growth and sustainable operations

• Maintain a beautiful, welcoming studio and gallery environment

• Has a BFA, MFA or other visual arts degree and loves working in a creative environment

• Has managed people, programs, or studios and enjoys mentoring artists

• Wants to stay connected to contemporary art while leading a creative organization

• Enjoys building relationships with students, families, and community partners

• Thrives in a lively studio environment where no two days are the same

• Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts (BFA preferred), Art Education, or related field

• 5+ years of professional experience

• 1+ year of management or leadership experience

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

• Passion for contemporary art and creative education

• Availability to work evenings and Saturdays during the school year

Master’s degree in Fine Arts, Art History, or Education

• Competitive salary: $75–$100K incl. quarterly bonuses

• 401K plan to invest in your future

• Health insurance contribution

• Paid vacation to recharge or work on your own art

• Free art classes at One River School

• Career growth opportunities within a growing national arts organization

• Leadership training and mentorship

One River School was founded with a simple but powerful mission:
To build a community for contemporary art in the suburbs through innovative education programs and partnerships with living artists.

Our schools bring together students, artists, and educators in welcoming studio environments that celebrate creativity and artistic growth.

One River School of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy, or marital status.