Assistant Director, Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE)

Department: Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship

Division: Open Studies

FLSA Status: Exempt

Union: NA

Grade: 7

Salary Range: $61,740 - $68,600

Reports to: Director, Creative Entrepreneurship

Position Summary: The position leads creative commerce initiatives for the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship (RCCE), with a focus on expanding art sales opportunities for the MICA community. The role is responsible for developing and managing programs that support student and alumni engagement in the creative economy.

General Purpose: Provide strategic direction for the design, execution, and growth of sales-driven RCCE programs that support MICA students, alumni, faculty, and staff in entering and thriving in the creative marketplace. The role also supports all RCCE public programming through robust event management and operational coordination.

Major Role Functions:

• Serve as the primary lead for MICA’s Art Markets multi-day public events held during the holiday season and ArtScape featuring work from students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
• Act as the primary coordinator and logistical lead for RCCE’s annual programming, including the RCCE National Conference, UP/Start Venture Competition Finale, and other events as assigned.
• Research, develop, and implement an e-commerce platform to support art and product sales for MICA students and alumni, including resource development and programming.
• Provide administrative and programmatic support for RCCE and affiliated faculty teaching entrepreneurship and grant-funded courses.
• Serve as the RCCE liaison for curricular pop-up markets and build out a dedicated makerspace to support student entrepreneurial activity.

Position Responsibilities:

• Plan, recruit for, manage, and execute MICA Art Markets, overseeing all aspects of operations.
• Develop and launch an online art sales platform and manage pop-up retail programs, working closely with the MICA Store to support student and alumni entrepreneurs.
• Lead planning and execution of all RCCE events, including logistics for the UP/Start Finale, the national RCCE Conference, and others.
• Manage and oversee CEINNOV Lab events and launch initiatives (CEINNOV incubates early stage creatives to grow their ideas into fully formed MVP's or minimum viable products that they can go to market).
• Design and facilitate professional development programming related to art sales, markets, and creative entrepreneurship.
• Provide individual advising and classroom-based workshops on art sales and entrepreneurship.
• Support student and alumni marketing and product testing efforts through online platforms, pop-up shops, and collaboration with the MICA Store.
• Create and administer assessments and surveys, including advising feedback, event evaluations, and exit surveys.
• Use the Startup Tree platform to collect data and assess RCCE participation and outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Advise and support the student-led Creative Entrepreneurship Club.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of administrative experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of administrative experience.
• Demonstrated experience in art/product sales through in-person and online marketplace environments.
• Experience with event planning, coordination, and execution.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, particularly during key programs such as Art Markets and the UP/Start Venture Program.
• Strong understanding of the role of artists in society and a passion for supporting creative entrepreneurship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Computer skills including proficiency in InDesign and the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and databases and web research.
• Experience in an art and design environment.
• Start-up or entrepreneurial experience.
• Academic/curriculum planning experience.
• Experience with event planning.
• Experience working with college students.
• Supervisory experience.

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidate will successfully complete a full background check.
• Valid driver’s license: The position will be expected to travel to/from key locations, partner sites, and to meet with clients.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest, and contact information for three references.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Required training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment.

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.