Arts Residency Program Assistant

Part time, permanent, salaried

About the job:

The Arts Residency Program Assistant plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts, located eight miles east of downtown Ithaca, New York, on the traditional lands of the Cayuga Nation. 

Founded in 1995, Saltonstall is a small not-for-profit organization serving New York State artists and writers with free, stipend-supported residencies, low-cost retreat space, and various literary and exhibition opportunities throughout the year. 

The residency consists of six unique one-bedroom suites and studios housed in two contemporary buildings. In 2020-2021, a portion of the studio building was renovated, and a new addition was built which provides accessible accommodations, studio space, and kitchen. The Foundation’s office is also located on the property, which includes 200 acres of varied natural habitats.

This position supports every aspect of Saltonstall’s administrative and programmatic operations. Key responsibilities include:

Administration and Communications

  • Gather, write, and prepare content for the Foundation’s newsletter, website and social media channels related to the Foundation’s activities and the activities of residency alumni
  • Help to respond to common inquiries made via email
  • Contribute to overall marketing efforts, especially during our yearly call-for-entries for the juried residency program
  • Help administer Submittable and support the application process during and immediately after our call-for-entries
  • Initiate and maintain filing, bill paying, and other organizational systems in the office

Operations and Hospitality 

  • Maintain and coordinate the booking calendar and communications with off-season retreat guests
  • Conducts regular walkthroughs of the residency buildings and perform light housekeeping as needed, especially during the fall, winter, and spring months
  • Maintain inventory of residency/household essentials
  • Run errands for supplies as needed
  • Provide general in-person support for open house events, readings, etc. at the residency and at various off-site events

 Skills and qualifications:

  • Strong writing skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and a professional, friendly demeanor with an ability to interact easily and respectfully with creative people 
  • Proficiency with administrative softwares including Google Docs, Mac OS, Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and ability to learn other digital systems and programs as needed
  • Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing environment
  • Exceptional organization and communication skills with the ability to look for efficient solutions and handle issues carefully and patiently
  • Ability to meet deadlines effectively
  • Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
  • Ability to problem-solve in a creative, open-minded way, exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions with minimal direction
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong work ethic, resourcefulness and initiative to “get the job done”
  • Interest in the arts and artists communities welcome

 

Physical demands

Some elements of this position can be physically taxing and require the employee to walk unaided between the office and the residency buildings as well as up and down stairs. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The employee must occasionally move small pieces of furniture, use a ladder, and engage in other tasks consistent with hospitality and hosting guest artists and writers. 

 

Pay, benefits, and schedule 

This in-person position is 20 hours per week and is based in the Saltonstall office. Depending on the time of year and volume of work, some of the position’s duties could be conducted remotely, and the workweek schedule can be flexible. During the spring, summer, and fall, the candidate must be able to work during an occasional weekend and/or evening event. 

Salary: $20,280 (equivalent to $19.50 per hour)

Benefits: 10 days of paid time off in addition to 11 Federal holidays

 

Additional requirements:

Due to Saltonstall’s location, candidate must have a car or a reliable all-season mode of transportation. Vaccination for the coronavirus is a condition of employment. An exemption for a medical or religious reason will be considered. 


Equal Opportunity

The Saltonstall Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. 

 

To Apply 

Digital applications only. Please send a brief cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references by Wednesday, September 20, 2023 to: lesley@saltonstall.org subject: Part-time position