Join the Board

Seattle, WA

About Pottery Northwest

Founded in 1966 by a group of artists based in Seattle, Pottery Northwest celebrates innovation and access to education in ceramics, with a mission of fostering an inclusive community around clay. We have grown into a nationally recognized ceramics studio through long-standing and vibrant programming. Altogether, we serve over 1,200 students a year, and artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their careers. 

Where we are today

Our 8,000 sq.ft. community studio features 9 electric kilns and 28 wheels, as well as areas for handbuilding and glazing, large staff offices, exhibition space, and semi-private studios for Artists-in-Residents. In 2022 we also approved our largest annual operating budget and, despite the impact of Covid-19, the organization is financially strong and debt-free. We have doubled our staff to six full-time members and are looking to grow in 2024.

The team is excited to work with Ed King, our new executive director, to develop a new strategic vision, expand access, and inspire communities through the power of the ceramic arts.

About Board Service
at Pottery Northwest

Board members are passionate volunteers who are excited about championing Pottery Northwest's mission and strategic priorities. The organization embraces a shared-leadership practice, centering equity, gratitude, health & well-being, balance, and respect in all that we do. The Board works as a guide and support to our staff, trusting their expertise in decision-making while lending our perspectives and experiences in order to expand our impact. Here’s our current Board.

The Role

The Treasurer shall maintain oversight of all monies and securities of the corporation and shall ensure the keeping of regular books of account. The Treasurer shall render to the Board from time to time an account of the financial condition of the corporation. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties incident to such office or that are properly required of the Treasurer of the corporation. The Assistant Treasurer, or Assistant Treasurers in the order designated by the Board, shall perform all of the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, and at other times may perform such other duties as may be directed by the President or the Board. (Pottery Northwest Bylaws, Section 5.9)

You do not need to have experience with ceramics — only an appreciation of the arts and a personal connection to arts and cultural services in general.

Pottery Northwest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to be a place where DEIA builds the foundation for people. Women, non-gender-binary/trans individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and people with disabilities are STRONGLY encouraged to apply!  Please join us as we shift the narrative and grow our organization into a true representation of inclusion.

What if I haven’t served or worked on a nonprofit board before?

We are committed to having a diverse community of voices supporting our organization. Even if you do not have prior nonprofit experience, our board engages in ongoing group learning at our board meetings. We also have lots of other opportunities to get involved as a volunteer if board service isn’t quite the right fit right now!

Board members commit to:

  • Serve a three-year term.

  • Participate fully in 12 board meetings each year (virtual and/or hybrid).

  • Attend an annual fundraising event and other functions as requested.

  • Participate in one of the standing committees or an ad hoc committee/task force. The treasurer also leads the Finance Committee.

  • Be a compelling year-round ambassador for Pottery Northwest.

  • Make a personally meaningful annual financial gift and support fundraising efforts.

  • Keep up to date on organizational programs, news, financials, and events essential to being an effective member.

Benefits

  • Know that you make a real difference for the students and artists in our community by providing critical volunteer leadership support.

  • Participate in leadership development opportunities and training, including building expertise in board governance and budgeting, community organizing, event planning, and so forth.

  • Deepen your knowledge and connection to the Seattle Arts community, and ceramics in general. We will definitely invite you to play in the mud with us!

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

Apply

The Deadline is July 30th. Please submit an application here. We will be asking you to answer 3 questions:

 1) Why do you want to join Pottery Northwest’s board as the Treasurer at this time in your life? Please highlight if your background/experience meets one of our stated needs and your connection to the arts!

2) How do your lived and professional experiences shape your understanding of equity, inclusion, and diversity–especially as it relates to self-expression?

3) What do you consider to be your skills, passions, or experiences that will help you be a fantastic board member & Treasurer?

Our Process

Priority deadline & first review is July 30th.
Screenings will begin the month of August.