Lead Printer

$55–60,000 annually
40 per week hours; FTE

Highpoint Center for Printmaking is seeking a Lead Printer to co-lead Highpoint Editions’ visiting artist and publication programs in alignment with our Strategic Plan and organizational values. 

About Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Highpoint Center for Printmaking (HP) is dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking. We create pathways for artists, learners, and the public to increase their understanding and appreciation of printmaking through artistic and educational programs, a cooperative studio, a public gallery, and collaborative publishing opportunities. 

About Highpoint Editions
Highpoint Editions is an internationally recognized fine art publishing studio that has collaborated with some of the most significant artists of our time, including Julie Mehretu, Njideka Akuniyli Crosby, Dyani White Hawk, Do Ho Suh, Rico Gatson, and Carlos Amorales. Our studio values collaboration and education, supporting artists in realizing their vision in print through experimental and traditional processes.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Printer is one of two ‘Master Printer’ positions within our collaborative print studio. We believe in the historical significance and reverence of a Master Printer title but have determined to embrace a title structure that reflects experience and capabilities to lead projects and collaborate with artists. 

The Lead Printer is a co-leadership role that facilitates the creation and production of fine art prints while supporting our mission of advancing printmaking through artistic and technical education. Both Lead Printers will alternate originating and leading collaborative publishing projects and, in turn, support each other as collaborative printers, working with 6–8 regional, national, and international artists (leading 3–4 projects) annually to ensure the highest artistic quality and craftsmanship standards are maintained. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and collaborative spirit to foster relationships with artists, staff, and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has advanced proficiency in multiple printmaking processes, including—but not limited to—screenprinting, lithography, intaglio, relief, and experimental methods. They are a charismatic collaborator, educator, mentor, and project manager. They are experienced in cultivating authentic relationships with artists and communicating and managing expectations for multiple stakeholders. Humility, the ability to maintain grace under pressure, and treat others with respect and care are integral to this position. 

Reports to the Executive Director; co-leads the Highpoint Editions studio with our Lead Printer; works collaboratively with the Gallery Director; supervises 1–2 Assistant/Apprentice Printers and/or Interns.

Work is performed on-site Monday through Friday from 9 am–5 pm, with occasional off-site events and meetings, weekends and evenings, and national travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Printmaking Operations Management

• Together with our other Lead Printer, manage the HPE printmaking studio and its resources, including staff time, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Coordinate and manage studio activities and workflow, effectively scheduling studio time for visiting artists and production schedules to maximize artists’ experiences and studio productivity.
• Manage a team of 1–2 part-time and/or temporary/contract staff, providing training, setting project goals, and supporting individual growth and education. 
• Manage HPE project tracking documents, budgets, and related files. 
• Communicate project progress with the Gallery Director, Executive Director, and other parties as needed.  
• Contribute to HPE studio culture, strategies, and procedures.
• Oversee the setup, maintenance, and operation of printmaking presses and related equipment.

Collaborative Print Projects

• Stay abreast of contemporary art currents, artists, and institutions.
• Cultivate relationships with regional, national, and international artists.
• Collaborate with artists to translate their artistic vision into print form, providing technical expertise and guidance throughout the process.
• Assist artists in selecting appropriate printmaking techniques, materials, and papers to achieve desired results.
• Facilitate multiple collaborative print projects, coordinating production timelines and workflow.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in all printed works produced within the studio.
• Implement quality control measures and processes to address any issues or inconsistencies in the printing process.
• Curate prints for color accuracy, clarity, and overall print quality.
• Oversight of post-production activities including, but not limited to, trimming, finishing, signing, and numbering. 
• Together with the Gallery Director, document and uphold safe and archival storage and transport practices for prints and project materials.

Technical Expertise

• Committed to continuous learning and technique advancement in various printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, relief printing, screen printing, monotype, and collagraph processes.
• Stay abreast of digital, emerging, and experimental printmaking technologies, materials, and techniques, integrating new methods into studio practices where appropriate.
• Provide technical assistance and training to artists, staff, and visitors, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• When needed, engage in continuing education opportunities.

Community Engagement and Education

• Engage audiences and stakeholders in educational tours of the print studio and study, sharing processes and artist information.
• Engage with the local and national arts community through outreach events, exhibitions, and social events, serving as an ambassador for Highpoint.
• Serve as a representative for HPE at art fairs or other promotional platforms.
• Create clear education and mentorship pathways for apprentices/assistants and interns, providing guidance on printmaking techniques, artistic development, and career advancement.

Studio Administration and Safety

• Manage studio inventory, including printmaking supplies, tools, and consumables, and oversee procurement as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and studio policies, maintaining a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Assist in budget planning and financial management for the printmaking studio, and in partnership with the Gallery Director, track expenses, print sales, and revenue.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive experience in printmaking, methods, materials, and processes, with a strong portfolio of collaborative and/or personal work demonstrating proficiency in various techniques. 

• Previous experience working in a publishing or fine art print studio, nonprofit, or community arts organization is preferred. 
• Previous experience with education, mentorship, or guiding artistic processes is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with artists, staff, collectors, and community members.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to keep calm under pressure, navigate stress with grace, and adapt to challenges with a positive attitude.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts, with a passion for supporting artists historically underrepresented in contemporary art and printmaking.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to accommodate studio activities and events.
• Willingness to travel for artist studio visits and/or art fairs as necessary.
• High level of professionalism balanced with humility and a sense of humor. 

Note: This job description serves as a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Lead Printer role within our arts nonprofit organization. Duties and requirements may be adjusted based on the organization’s specific needs and priorities and the studio’s collaborative nature.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires working onsite.
• Requires dependable transportation.
• Requires frequent lifting, carrying, or otherwise moving and positioning objects weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Requires the ability to stand for several hours at a time.
• Requires bending, stooping, and crouching on a regular basis.
• Requires occasional telephone and computer use to provide information in a clear and understandable manner.

BENEFITS

• Health insurance: HP pays 85% of the full-time employee’s premium portion and 50% of the employee’s dependent coverage if the employee elects it. 
• Dental insurance: HP pays 50% of the cost of the full-time employee’s premium portion and 50% of the cost of the employee’s dependent coverage if the employee elects this option. 
• Retirement plan: HP contributes 2% of the employee’s income to an IRA, and if the employee elects, they may contribute an additional percentage.
• Annual Employee Professional Development Fund (value $500).
• Sick and safe time: 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (approximately 8.6 days/ year).
• Vacation: Two weeks paid vacation upon start, plus 12 major holidays and one floating holiday (vacation time increases with employee tenure).
• Free classes at Highpoint Center for Printmaking are pending availability (up to $400 per class value).
• Membership to Highpoint’s Printmaking Cooperative ($2,100 annual value).
• Complimentary Walker Art Center membership ($95 value).
• BAT for projects led and printer’s proofs for projects printed (value varies by year and selection).

TO APPLY

Please email jobs@highpointprintmaking.org with the following: 

• A cover letter describing your related experience, familiarity with, and interest in Highpoint Center for Printmaking (1 page max).
• Your resume of professional and relevant experiences (2 pages max).
• 5-8 digital examples of collaborative or personal prints demonstrating proficiency in printmaking technique(s) and/or experience working with artists. (pdf, jpg, png)
• Image list including image number, work title, the artist worked with (if applicable), year created, process/materials, studio/publisher (if applicable), and your role in producing the print.

The following will be requested from position finalists:

• Two professional references upon notification of the interview.
• Five physical samples of prints demonstrating technique proficiency (collaborative prints preferred; personal artwork is welcome when collaborative prints are not available).

TIMELINE FOR APPLICANTS

• July 12, Applications due
• Aug 1–5, Semi-finalists notified
• Aug 5–6, Zoom Interviews
• Aug 12–16,  Finalists ship portfolios
• Aug 19–20, In-person interview with finalists
• October 1, Anticipated Start Date (flexible with letter of offer)
  

INCENTIVES AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR NATIONAL APPLICANTS

• For more information on Minneapolis, MN, or relocating, we welcome you to reach out to our team: info@highpointprintmaking.org
• Highpoint will cover the reasonable costs to ship and return work for review for the finalists.
• Highpoint will cover the costs of travel to Minneapolis and lodging for finalist interviews for national candidates.
• A relocation stipend will be provided to the candidate who accepts the position to offset the cost of moving to Minneapolis. The stipend value will vary depending on relocation distance. 

Highpoint is a federally registered, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. It is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability, genetic information, pregnancy, or age.