"Danforth Art School Administrative Assistant"

Danforth Art School Administrative Assistant

Company: Framingham State University

Job Location: Framingham, 01701

Category: Administrative Assistants

Type: Adjunct/Part-Time

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU seven Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity and led to our recognition in the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

The Danforth Art School at Framingham State University serves the public by providing non-credit community art classes to all ages. Our mission is centered on hospitality, inspiration and comprehensive fine studio art practice. Our students work in several large, sunny studios and enjoy learning from the incredible collection and exhibitions at the Danforth Art Museum. We are both located at the historic Jonathan Maynard Building on the Framingham Town Centre Common.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Art School Administrative Assistant will serve as the front desk representative for the Art School when the Administrative Coordinator is not scheduled. The Art School Assistant will be responsible for tasks related to class and event registration and management, routing phone calls and emails appropriately, assisting with studio and art supply maintenance and providing general administrative support to operations at the Danforth Art School.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Director, Danforth Art School

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: none

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts general communications, including phone and email for the art school, routing inquiries as needed.
• Works closely with all staff members, participating in staff meetings as available
• Assists with event and school registration processes working with registration software, updating student records, assisting with online and in-person registrations, processing transfers and cancellations of registrations.
• Confirm models for classes as needed
• Assist in the maintenance and organization of studios, ensuring they are set up properly and orderly for each class and that all equipment such as easels and light stands are in working order
• Support Art School staff as needed in collecting data such as class metrics and photos of class sessions and student work.
• Maintain an understanding of school programs, pedagogy, and the teaching styles of faculty members.
• Maintain excellent point of entry experience for school and museum visitors, students, faculty and others.
• Assist in the organization of art supplies
• Supporting overall goals and mission of the Danforth and the university and serving as ambassador for the Danforth brand.
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May have some lifting and moving. Must be available to work evening and weekend shifts

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in an office setting providing administrative support
• Strong interpersonal skills to work with a variety of audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required.
• Must be reliable, punctual, accountable and professional.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment and to contribute in a meaningful way to the diversity and inclusion efforts of the University.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some evening and weekend shifts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Art, Museum Studies, Education or related fields
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Word Press, Learning Stream or other registration software
• Knowledge of museums and or the visual arts
• Knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese a plus

Additional Information:

This is a part-time non-exempt position working 18 hours per week. The schedule will vary. The hourly rate of compensation is $18 per hour.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by priority application date: September 5, 2025. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.