Manager, Woodshops and Special Assignments

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Contribute to the overall management of SAIC Instructional Fabrication facilities including supervision of student employees, management of equipment maintenance, asset protection programs, and the pursuit of general shop safety practices. Provide instructional and technical assistance to Shop patrons, advice to faculty, and support for department projects. Provide facility support and systems design in the 280 Woodshop along with occasional lateral support to adjacent facilities, i.e. Contemporary Practices, Architecture Interior Architecture and Designed Objects (AIADO). Work in support of Assistant Director, 280 Woodshop, under the direction of the Associate Director of AIADO, CP, and 280 Woodshops. Each adjacent facility has its own dedicated staff that the Woodshop and special projects manager will be deployed to assist at different points in the academic semester or during high volume events, projects, or circumstances including, but not limited to, Shop oversight, face-to-face training, and the development of new training documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered commensurate.
2 years of supervisory experience in an industrial or educational facility preferred.
Extensive knowledge and experience using a wide variety of floor-mounted and handheld power tools as well as digital fabrication and output technologies.
Advanced knowledge in two or more of the following areas is required: wood fabrication, sewing or mold-making, digital fabrication, or physical computing (Arduino or similar).
Experience repairing shop tools and equipment.
Strong managerial skills, including the ability to supervise and schedule staff, implement policies and procedures, order materials, and maintain a budget.
Ability to assist and instruct students in the safe and conceptual construction of projects.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Familiarity with office software including Microsoft Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and supervise all student employees.
Review applications, conduct interviews, process paperwork, and produce recurring shift schedules.
Train, supervise, and develop student employees in the delivery of a spectrum of Shop facility services and resources.
Develop and organize orientation training and mentorship programs for student employees.
Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Material Source point-of-sale including the managing of Material Source student employees.
Provide instruction and technical assistance to faculty and undergraduate students using all types of facility housed equipment.
Monitor and contribute to patron progress on individual and class projects.
Keep current with curricular needs and changes within the academic department(s) of service.
Work collaboratively with faculty and department administrators to develop and plan co-curricular facility support.
Assess student and faculty needs, and recommend services and training activities provided in the facility.
Design, organize, and update training workshops and lectures for all supported equipment and technologies.
Supervise and oversee the day-to-day, technical, operations of the fabrication facility.
Oversee the physical maintenance of tools (maintenance program), equipment, and associated resources to provide a safe and productive working environment.
Implement all policies, procedures, and training programs in the facility in coordination with the affected academic department(s).
Manage inventory and asset protection program of circulating tools and equipment.
Facilitate access of circulating tools and associated resources to Shop patrons.
Manage usage records and fines.
Work collaboratively with the Associate Director to develop, implement, and organize facility safety protocols.
In consultation with the Associate Director, determines instructional supply, small equipment, and operating supply purchases. Conduct purchases in coordination with IRFM purchasing administrator and in partnership with all facility staff.
Work in close consultation with the Associate Director to develop an annual budget proposal to project future needs and capital investments.
Keep current with trends and technologies relevant to SAIC pedagogy. Make recommendations to the Associate Director for equipment acquisitions and improvements.
Research and develop written materials for instructional guides and extended facility content.