Join the Board

Seattle, WA

Pottery Northwest is looking for people to join our board of directors!

About Pottery Northwest

Pottery Northwest’s mission is to inspire and educate an inclusive community centered in clay.

Preceded by the Seattle Clay Club (1948), Pottery Northwest was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1966, and is one of the longest-running ceramics organizations in the Pacific Northwest.

Today, Pottery Northwest is a nationally recognized ceramics studio serving more than 1,000 students each year. Artists from around the world come here to exchange ideas, develop their practice, and grow in their careers. Our programs include BIPOC residencies, visiting artists, apprenticeships, clay nights, over 50 classes and workshops each year, a robust scholarship program, free public events, and exhibition opportunities.

As we look to the future, Pottery Northwest is building on our legacy to expand opportunities for learning, artistic dialogue, community connection, and supporting careers in the arts.

Who We’re Looking For

As we expand our board, we’re looking for people who:

  • Share a passion for our mission.

  • Have the time and energy to actively collaborate with staff and fellow board members in advancing Pottery Northwest’s strategic vision.

  • Are committed to equity and inclusivity.

  • Have an appreciation of and personal connection to arts and cultural services.

Backgrounds that are especially valuable (but not required) include:

  • Nonprofit leadership

  • Fundraising

  • Governance

  • Human resources

  • Banking / Finance

  • Career in the Arts

Experience in ceramics and prior board service are not required!

What is it like to be a board member?

Board members are passionate and engaged volunteers who are excited to make a lasting contribution to our vibrant clay community. We guide and support our staff, trusting their expertise in decision-making while lending our perspectives and experiences to expand our impact. Our board is committed to equity and inclusivity.

Board members commit to:

  • Serve a 3-year term.

  • Share responsibility for the well-being and sustainability of Pottery Northwest.

  • Attend at least 80% of monthly board meetings.

  • Serve on at least 1 committee.

  • Attend at least 6 events annually.

  • Make a meaningful annual contribution (financial and/or volunteer hours).

  • Fundraise on behalf of the organization (choosing at least 4 actions from a menu of options).

  • Act as an advocate for the organization.

Benefits

  • Make a real difference for the students and artists in our community.

  • Access leadership development opportunities in governance, budgeting, community organizing, event planning, and more.

  • Deepen your knowledge of ceramics and the Seattle arts community.

  • Build relationships with a broad spectrum of individuals connected to Pottery Northwest.

How to Apply

The Deadline is October 15.

Please submit a brief letter of interest and a short bio or resume to Ritika Kanade, Board President (ritika@potterynorthwest.org)

In your letter, please share:

  • Your motivation: Why you want to join Pottery Northwest’s Board at this point in your life or career.

  • Your alignment: How your background and skills connect to our needs (especially in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, governance, human resources, finance, or the arts).

  • Your equity lens: How your lived and professional experiences shape your understanding of equity, inclusion, and diversity, particularly in relation to community and the arts.

  • Your capacity: How you envision contributing as a board member (time, committees, fundraising, events, advocacy).

Please let us know if you have any questions! We look forward to hearing from you!

Apply

Our Process

Priority deadline & first review is October 15th 2025.
Screenings will begin the month of November.