Year-Round Positions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference given to those received by Friday, January 31, 2025.
Preferred start date is March 3, 2025.

A Note About Qualifications & Experience

We understand that talent comes in various forms, and we encourage applicants with a diverse range of skills and experiences to submit their applications. We recognize the breadth of skills & responsibilities in the job description is vast and that candidates may not possess every skill or have extensive experience in all areas listed, but we believe in the potential for growth and learning. All applicants will be thoroughly considered for the role based on their unique strengths and potential contributions to our organization. Join us in shaping the future of ceramic arts and community engagement at Watershed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watershed is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility to foster a vibrant workplace and artist residency culture. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for the open positions at our organization. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of perspectives and identities. Our organization values the unique contributions that individuals from different lived experiences bring to the table and we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts seeks a year-round, part-time Communications Coordinator with a full range of skills and experience needed to promote Watershed’s mission, story, programs, and opportunities. 

The successful candidate will manage the communications, promotional, and marketing aspects of Watershed’s diverse programming, fundraising, and other endeavors. The Communications Coordinator collaborates with Watershed’s program, studio, and development staff and the ideal candidate will enjoy and excel at planning and executing messaging strategies, branding, visual and written storytelling through online and social platforms, printed materials, and email newsletters. This work is most efficiently achieved by someone with a strong aesthetic, good understanding of brand strategies, and excellent graphic design and photography skills supported by an aptitude for writing and proofreading. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Social-media strategy and fluency  across multiple platforms. Ability to use and leverage social-media for both storytelling and promotional purposes. 
• Experience organizing, writing, and crafting effective e-newsletters
• Graphic design skills for day-to-day visuals 
• Photography skills (formal training not required)
• Adept with computers, software programs, and platforms, including MacOS, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Suite (Mail, Calendar, Drive, etc.), Dropbox, Zoom, WordPress, Constant Contact, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and/or Canva or similar, and database software (eTapestry, Blackbaud preferred)
• Adept, efficient, and effective writing ability and editing skills. As an arts organization, we follow Chicago Manual of Style. 
• Strong sense of visual aesthetics and ability to align with brand and style guide
• Experience and ability to manage processes using collaborative systems and software such as shared calendars and other online tools.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills, and the ability to professionally and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Highly collaborative and organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• A self-starter and self-helper with keen attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Personal and professional dedication to diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs and values
• An interest in the ceramic arts, artists, and arts organizations
• Experience with e-commerce a plus

RESPONSIBILITIES DETAIL

• The Communications Coordinator’s primary and regular deliverables include: online and print media, monthly e-newsletters and other email blasts, ongoing website and social media updates, support and design of larger development projects, and collaborate on new merchandise designs.
• Create annual marketing and advertising plans to increase Watershed brand recognition and reach
• Create messaging, content, and branded advertising materials for workshops, residencies, public programs, and special events. Place ads in key online listings, print and digital publications.
• Write and disseminate press releases with input from other staff
• Photography and editing of Watershed’s programs, participants, and special events; directs photographers and videographers as needed.
• Communicate with media partners and other arts and educational organizations interested in learning more about Watershed. Collaborate to expand Watershed’s network and connections.
• Collaborate with development staff on print and digital materials, including the annual report, the annual appeal, Giving Tuesday, scholarship campaigns, and other special fundraising projects that include public messaging 
• Serve as project manager for print production, coordinating with print houses and other staff to ensure timely delivery of materials
• Collaborate with development staff on digital templates for public fundraising campaigns, copy for special materials and communications for donors, and work with outside designers and creatives, as needed. 
• Support Salad Days, an “all hands on deck” event during the days leading up to and on the day of the event. 

General/Other

• Participate in ongoing short- and long-term strategic planning with the organization, providing a perspective from a communications lens.
• Assist with on-campus cultivation and donor stewardship events.
• Manages inventory of designed print materials, including letterhead, envelopes, and special thank-you cards. 

Mission and Culture

• Promote and embody Watershed as a welcoming and inclusive organization, where all people are valued and respected.
• Support the values and purpose of Watershed as expressed in the mission statement and other guiding documents.
• Uphold the reputation of Watershed and support strong relationships with and among Watershed founders, staff, board, residency artists, local supporters, and individual donors and foundations.

Work Conditions and Demands

Work is most often stationary and performed at a computer in an office environment, but requires event-related work outdoors occasionally and the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs. Some remote work is available to be coordinated with the Executive Director, but this is considered an on-site position which benefits from regular collaboration, communication, and connection with coworkers. 

Details, Compensation, and Benefits

The position is part-time, year-round, and hourly position (nonexempt status) with a regularly scheduled 24 hour per week expectation. The schedule is typically during the standard Monday – Friday work week, and can be arranged and adjusted as needed to accommodate employee’s availability. Role will require some work on evenings and weekends with advanced notice.  

Compensation: $20/hour plus benefits including optional FSA, 2% Simple IRA match after 1 year, lunch provided on weekdays during summer residencies, access to Watershed’s state-of-the-art studio, some complimentary ceramics materials and kiln firings within reason, and accrual of Earned Paid Leave per Maine law (1 hour per 40 hours worked).

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts seeks a part-time Development Assistant to maintain the database, create donation acknowledgment letters, and provide support to the Sr. Development Manager and Executive Director. The successful candidate will be organized, highly detail-oriented, and a problem solver with an aptitude for numbers. They are a self-starter with analytical, communication, and social skills to effectively manage data and assist with development projects in a collaborative team environment.

The Development Assistant reports directly to the Sr. Development Manager and works closely with the Executive Director, Finance and Operations Manager, and Communications Coordinator. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior donor database management experience. One to three years of experience and knowledge of Blackbaud and eTapestry preferred.

• Proficient with computers, software programs, and platforms, including MacOS, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Suite (Mail, Calendar, Drive, etc.), Dropbox, Zoom, WordPress, and Constant Contact
• Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to professionally and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Collaborative and very organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Adopts a proactive and resourceful approach to their work, with a willingness to learn and an eye toward optimization
• Highly trustworthy, employing ethical, best-practice standards in dealing with sometimes sensitive and confidential donor information 
• Event planning experience preferred
• An interest in the arts, artists, and arts organizations preferred

RESPONSIBILITIES DETAIL

• Provide support to manage and maintain all aspects of Watershed’s donor database (eTapestry), including but not limited to data entry, gift processing, report generation, pledge tracking and donor “payment due” reminders, online payment processing, and other constituent recordkeeping (e.g., updating contact information, tracking donor contacts). 
• Optimize database operations, maintaining data accuracy and integrity along with efficient workflow. 
• Prepare, process, and acknowledge gifts, pledges, and reminders. Ensure that all acknowledgments are timely, reflect donor intent, and conform to specified legal and IRS requirements. Oversee the process for personalized thank-you letters and/or calls to major donors, in coordination with the Executive Director and board members.
• Collaborate with the Finance and Operations Manager in processing and reconciliation.
• Produce routine exploratory and analytical reports for staff and board.
• Assist with all aspects of Watershed’s fundraising appeals (Annual Fund, Giving Tuesday, scholarships, etc.), including personalization, bulk mailing, mass emails, and online and social media components. 
• Support the planning and production of development materials, including print, email, and online content. Assist with planning, production, and mailing of Watershed’s Annual Report, including pulling public donor lists and creating associated digital messages.
• Help meet Salad Days fundraising goals, and ensure sponsors receive the promised benefits and acknowledgments.
• Solicit donations and communicate with donors to support all Watershed fundraisers, including raffles and auctions. 
• Support Salad Days, an “all hands on deck” event during the days leading up to and on the day of the event. 
• Manage Griggs Circle communication and renewals; work with appropriate solicitors and Executive Director on approach and outreach.
• Oversee production and distribution of major donor thank-you gifts (Patrons and Griggs Circle welcome and annual gifts).
• Assist with cultivation and donor stewardship events.
• Support the board’s Stewardship and Development Committee: attend and support meetings as needed.
• Assist with grant administration and reporting.

General/Other

• Participate in ongoing short- and long-term strategic planning with the organization, providing a perspective from a development lens.
• Assist with on-campus cultivation and donor stewardship events.

Mission and Culture

• Promote and embody Watershed as a welcoming and inclusive organization, where all people are valued and respected.
• Support the values and purpose of Watershed as expressed in the mission statement and other guiding documents.
• Uphold the reputation of Watershed and support strong relationships with and among Watershed founders, staff, board, residency artists, local supporters, and individual donors and foundations.

Work Conditions and Demands

Work is most often stationary and performed at a computer in an office environment, but requires occasional event-related work outdoors and the ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 lbs. Some remote work may be available, but this is considered an on-site position that benefits from regular collaboration, communication, and connection with coworkers. 

Details, Compensation, and Benefits

The position is part-time and year-round with a regularly scheduled 24 hour per week expectation. The office schedule is typically 9 am-5 pm weekdays, but events and meetings take place during evenings and weekends periodically. Staff will work with the successful candidate to arrange a mutually beneficial work schedule. 

Compensation: $20/hour plus benefits including optional FSA, 2% Simple IRA match after 1 year, lunch provided on weekdays during summer residencies, access to Watershed’s state-of-the-art studio, some complimentary ceramics materials and kiln firings within reason, and accrual of Earned Paid Leave per Maine law (1 hour per 40 hours worked).