Wilson Program Maker Lab Coordinator

Grinnell College•Grinnell, IA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This student employment position involves organizing, coordinating, and performing administrative tasks for departmental operations. The role requires excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to direct the work of others. A detail-oriented approach, strong oral and written communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office or relevant technologies are essential. The position requires an average of 15 hours of work per week during the academic year, focusing on managing monitors, working on programming, and collaborating with the Wilson Center and Arts Council. The primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the maintenance and operations of the Stew Makerspace with the assistance of student studio leads and the GAAC representative. Student managers will work independently and with a Grinnell Area Arts Council (GAAC) manager to ensure equipment safety and functionality, and to identify, research, and implement procedural, equipment, and programming changes. The Stew manager acts as an ambassador for the Stew within the college community and supports GAAC in representing the Stew to the broader Grinnell community, fostering connections and addressing inquiries about the space. This role involves taking a primary or supporting role in organizing Stew-related events, including planning, advertising, and execution, which may involve checking in students, providing mentoring, and troubleshooting issues.

Requirements

Previous work experience at the Stew Makerspace is required
Strong communications skills
Leadership capability
A high degree of independent decision making
Good oral communication skills
Ability to insist on adherence to safety protocol with a diverse group of users is essential
Ability to maintain professionalism and follow safety procedures while working independently is essential
This position will require research, writing, and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

Ideally, applicants will have basic proficiency on common machine shop tools
Some experience with CAD and/or 3D printing is also preferred

Responsibilities

Create training plans and coordinate training with studio leads and monitors
Schedule monitor work shifts
Ensure shift coverage
Lead staff meetings and studio lead meetings on alternate weeks
Report regularly to the Wilson Center
Facilitate projects (within reason) that are proposed by patrons and college faculty
Consult GAAC and the Wilson Center about budget constraints and hiring needs
Delegate or coordinate projects for the betterment of the Stew Makerspace with interested staff
Keep a Stew Makerspace email list
Advertise events, coordinate with the Wilson Center and GAAC to promote on social media and email lists
Take a role in creating the vision for the Stew Makerspace
Coordinate programming with the guidance of the GAAC and Wilson Center
Work to improve safety for patrons and staff
Support in planning, advertising, and executing events
Communicate with possible speakers and event participants
Develop posters and other advertising and distribute these
Work on the day (or weekend) of the event to carry out the event as planned
Provide mentoring to students
Troubleshoot problems