Call for Board Members to join Second State Press in 2025

Applications due Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 to join the Board in early 2025. Application link at the bottom of this page - please read the full description before applying.

As we enter our 14th year of supporting Philadelphia’s printmaking community, Second State Press (SSP) is seeking passionate individuals interested in contributing to our dedicated team of board members.

SSP Board members play a crucial role in advancing our mission and expanding our impact, working hands-on with fellow leaders to shape the future of our organization and the Philadelphia arts landscape.

SSP live-printing at an outdoor art fair

Our Mission

Founded in 2010 and located in the Crane Arts Building, Second State Press is a nonprofit 501(c)3 community printmaking studio whose mission is to foster the development of ideas and innovation in printmaking by providing our neighborhood with a professional, affordable, and supportive workspace. 

SSP advances the growth of a sustainable arts community by offering professional facilities through membership, affordable communal workspace for emerging and mid-career artists, community arts programming and professional development opportunities. 

We believe in the power of printmaking and the ability to affect change through art.

Participants from a Monotype workshop in our studio

Our organizational goals for the next 3 years

Looking into the future, here are just a few initiatives the SSP Board will have an active hand in supporting:

• Expanding Educational Programming: Actively growing our educational programming (printmaking classes and workshops)  to generate more revenue and greatly expand our audience;

• Enhancing Community Reach: Expanding our reach in the community by providing scholarships to our classes, free programming, and more partnerships with other organizations;

• Improving Facilities: Improving our physical space with studio upgrades and building out the Rockie Toner Education Studio to diversify our programming offerings.

Who we’re looking for in a board member

We seek strategic thinkers who are interested in working collaboratively to provide oversight and governance of a community print studio, contributing to fundraising efforts, and increasing community engagement, all while supporting our core mission.  

We’re dedicated to building a board with diverse perspectives and backgrounds that are reflective of the demographics of the Philadelphia area. We are especially interested in applicants who live in our neighborhood of South Kensington, though we welcome all residents of the Philly metro area.

Board members are ambassadors for Second State Press and uphold our organization’s mission.

You will be a successful board member if you can: 

• Share your professional expertise to advance SSP’s mission;

• Advocate for SSP in your community;

• Actively connect SSP to people, resources and partnerships.

Expertise or interest in the following areas is especially needed:

• Accounting 

• Real Estate

• Fundraising & Grant Writing

• Marketing, Social Media & Communications

An appreciation for printmaking is beneficial to understanding our mission; a commitment to collaboration, community, and a belief in the transformative and healing powers of the arts is a must.

Second State Press welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds spanning age, race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability.

Benefits of joining the Board

The primary benefit of joining the SSP board is the satisfaction of giving back to the arts community. However, there are other personal benefits as well:

• Direct Influence: Help steer a dynamic community arts organization and make a meaningful impact in Philadelphia’s creative landscape.

• Professional Development: Gain significant experience in nonprofit leadership

• Community Connections: Make connections with the arts community and gain visibility as an arts advocate

Details about the Board

Board terms are 3 years, with the option to renew. 

All Board members are expected to attend a 1-hour meeting once a month and serve on one subcommittee.

Board members pay dues of $300 per year, either through their own individual contributions or by gathering this amount from donors.

SSP operates as a Working Board, which means that each member of the board is expected to contribute their time and skills to support SSP’s operations and programs. Board members spend between 4-10 hours per month on projects and committee work.

Application

To express your interest in joining the SSP Board, please submit an application by Wednesday, January 15th, 2025. If you have any questions before applying, please email info@secondstatepress.org.

SSP Board Application (via Airtable)

If we see potential in your application, we will schedule a Zoom interview with current board members to get to know you and further discuss your interest in the board.

New board terms will begin early 2025.

Past and current members of the SSP Board