Title: Studio Manager – Elise Sanford Studios
Organization: Athens Photographic Project. Non-profit 501(c)3
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: 434 W. Union St. Athens, Ohio 45701
Deadline to apply: August 31, 2026
Preferred Start Date: October 19, 2026 or earlier
BACKGROUND
The Athens Photographic Project (APP) is a peer-run organization (PRO) that supports mental health and wellbeing by empowering people to discover creativity, identity, and connection through photography.
For 25 years, APP has integrated photography classes, exhibitions, and workforce development opportunities as essential components of mental health support in Athens, Ohio. Today, we are expanding our peer-run mission to support the growth and accessibility of recovery-oriented arts, wellness, and peer support services throughout Southeast Ohio.
During Fall 2026, APP will introduce Elise Sanford Studios in Athens, Ohio as a home for our signature photography program and a creative space to nurture new peer-run programs and community partnerships that empower people in their recovery journey.
POSITION OVERVIEW
APP is seeking a full-time Studio Manager to support Elise Sanford Studios.
As the Studio Manager, you will work in a collaborative, peer-driven environment where the tools of photography, arts, wellness and peer support are made available daily for community members who have lived experience with a mental health or substance use disorder. The Studio Manager will oversee daily operations of Elise Sanford Studios, which includes two neighboring facilities owned by APP at 434 W. Union St. and 17 Blue Line Dr., and contracted services at regional behavioral health partner locations.
At the Elise Sanford Studios, you will provide the ongoing support and outreach necessary to ensure our programming is accessible to adults and teens in Southeast Ohio. You will work directly with Studio members to understand their recovery goals and to connect them with programming and staff that will support them on their journey.
The Studio Manger supervises staff (Peer Recovery Specialists and Arts and Wellness Specialists), contractors, and volunteers. You will manage site placements; oversee reporting, billing, and payroll; and help staff reach their service and engagement goals.
You will work with a group of staff and long-term members to collaboratively promote Elise Sanford Studios in the community in order to grow public awareness, support, and partner collaboration. The Studio Manager will coordinate with staff and members to care for the Elise Sanford Studios; create programming plans and schedules; and offer exceptional hospitality to everyone who enters our Studios.
The Studio Manager will co-facilitate a minimum of one photography, arts, wellness, or Peer Support program on an ongoing basis in order to establish and maintain a strong understanding of APP’s transformative program model and our evolving services.
A Studio Manager at Elise Sanford Studios will have benefited from formal training in photography and/or other arts and wellness modalities. Lived personal experience with a mental health or substance use challenge, or professional experience in the behavioral health sector will additionally provide applicable skills and knowledge that is helpful for this position within our certified Peer Run Organization (PRO).
We’re looking for someone who cares deeply about mental health and wellbeing and who will create a welcoming and inclusive environment for our staff, volunteers, and members to thrive! Our first Studio Manager of Elise Sanford Studios will demonstrate the values of creativity and connection that have been at our roots since our founder, Elise M. Sanford held APP’s first photography class in 2000.
What You’ll Do
- Actively develop and maintain supportive relationships with members, staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.
- Support staff and volunteer engagement within a Peer Run Organization (PRO)
- Lead outreach, referral, and placements for new and established PRO members
- Support the Elise Sanford Studios’ development and implementation of photography, arts, wellness, and peer support programs
- Collaborate to create and implement communication plans
- Collaborate to provide studio care and hospitality
- Manage staff reporting, billing, and payroll
- Support staff in meeting their engagement and impact goals
- Co-facilitate an ongoing photography, arts, wellness, or peer support group
- Maintain Studio policy, procedure, and compliance
QUALIFICATION
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Experience with photography, arts, and wellness practices
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to actively develop and maintain supportive relationships
- Experience with working in a collaborative environment
- Experience supporting organizational communications
- Personal experience in recovery or experience supporting a loved one in recovery
Compensation and Benefits
- $23/hour
- Paid time off
- Ongoing professional development
- Wellness opportunities
How to Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to APP Executive Director, Nate Thomson, at [email protected] by August 31, 2026.
Learn more: www.athensphotoproject.org
Pay: $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
