The National Ornamental Metal Museum is currently seeking a full-time Foundry Operations Manager. This position has been funded through a generous three-year grant. The purpose of the grant is to ensure that the foundry program has the funds to pay a full-time salary and provide the necessary equipment upgrades and site renovations during the start up phase. The long-term goal of the program is to generate enough revenue to sustain and grow the program through commissions, demonstrations, workshops and product line.
Job Description – Foundry Operations Manager
Classification: Exempt Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Additional hours may be required during events, tours and classes, as well as for specialized foundry projects.
Purpose
To develop and manage a robust foundry program, including classes, demonstrations, commissions
and museum line product development.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
1. Identify ways to generate revenue through the foundry, including commissions, classes, special
events and product line.
2. Determine viability and cost of specialized foundry projects including commissioned work.
3. Complete commissions for clients.
4. Assist in developing and manage the foundry budget.
5. Oversee part-time foundry employee(s), volunteers and foundry artist residents.
6. Work with Membership/Outreach Manager to create and promote foundry classes and
workshops, including special events with scratch blocks, bowls and other foundry items.
7. Conduct regularly scheduled casting demonstrations that are advertised to the public, as well
as periodic iron pours in conjunction with other events or as special events.
8. Work with the Museum Store Manager to determine the type, quantity and retail value of items
included in the project line and develop molds, patterns and other tools necessary to produce
product line.
9. Track and report material usage, including, but not limited to, gas, resin bond / green sand,
consumable supplies, aluminum, bronze and iron.
10. Oversee iron pours, casting demonstrations and casting classes, including coordinating
volunteers, ordering materials and tracking material use.
11. Maintain the foundry by keeping it clean and organized and report damaged or broken
equipment immediately.
Qualifications
Education: MFA or equivalent experience with a focus on metal casting.
Experience: A minimum of three years of foundry experience.
Skills/Abilities
The ideal candidate must have a proven working knowledge of:
- Pattern making and production
- A range of mould making techniques for bronze, aluminum and iron
- Precision operation of gas furnaces and coke fired cupolas
- Chasing, finishing and patination processes
- Ability to build, maintain and repair equipment
- Ability to adapt to changing technologies, materials and processes
- Friendly and willing to interact and educate Museum visitors
- Able to communicate clearly and concisely
Benefits include health insurance, employee matched dental insurance and a 401K employer match
after 2 years of employment. The Foundry Operations Manager will have access to the Lawler
Foundry for personal projects as outlined in the Metals Shop Usage Policy. Access to the blacksmith
shop and conservation lab for personal projects will be granted by special permission and may incur
shop charges as outlined in the Metals Shop Usage Policy and is subject to availability.
Application Procedures
To be considered for this position, please submit the following by October 15, 2012.
- A resume that should also include a specific ‘technical skills’ section as it relates to this
foundry position. - Up to 20 images of the candidates work.
- A contact list of three references.
Please submit materials to:
Carissa Hussong
Executive Director
Metal Museum
374 Metal Museum Drive
Memphis, TN 38106
info@metalmuseum.org
