Foundry Advisory Committee Vacancy

Foundry Advisory Committee Vacancy
Application Deadline 9-15-25

The City of Cambridge is seeking to fill two vacancies on the Foundry Advisory Committee. The Foundry is a self-sustaining center of creativity and collaboration in the Kendall Square neighborhood, offering the Cambridge community opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

The Foundry Consortium, the Foundry’s non-profit operator, helps facilitate access for residents, especially underrepresented communities to the dynamic working and learning environment of Kendall Square.

What is the role of the Foundry Committee (FAC)?

The FAC serves in an advisory capacity to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), to help ensure that the Foundry building’s redevelopment and ongoing operation remains consistent with the Vision and Objectives established in the Demonstration Plan that grew out of an extensive community planning process. The Foundry’s nonprofit operator, the Foundry Consortium, manages the building and stewards community activities in the various community spaces including the performance space, maker workshops, dance studio, art classrooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Learn more about upcoming events and available spaces at www.cambridgefoundry.org.

As a member of the FAC, duties may include:

• Providing regular updates to the City Manager and to the CRA Executive Director on anticipated building operations;
• Utilizing performance metrics to measure how the building is meeting its mission;
• Reviewing any proposals for significant capital changes, to assess how they affect the community objectives;
• Providing annual updates to the CRA Board at regular Board meetings, which provides an additional forum for public input.

What is the Term of Appointment/Time Commitment for Board Members? When do they meet?

The Committee is made up of seven community members who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held quarterly and are open to the public. Meetings are currently held in person at the Foundry, 101 Rogers Street, Cambridge. Special accommodations can be made for online participation.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on Name board or committee?

Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in visual and performing arts, technology, maker-spaces, entrepreneurship, and workforce development as well as provide representation from various neighborhoods within the City of Cambridge, and local non-profit and community organizations.

Additionally, the City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies, and be able to work effectively on a team with diverse perspectives to craft consensus recommendations. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How can I apply to serve on the committee?

Applications can be submitted using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 15, 2025.

If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

For more information about the FAC, contact Claudia Zarazua, City of Cambridge Director of Arts & Cultural Planning, at czarazua@cambridgema.gov.