Maker Space Manager

Job Purpose

The Maker Space Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the makerspace, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere for all users. In partnership with the ʻOlino Pathways team, the Manager will design, implement, and assess educational programs and workshops that make full use of the makerspace’s resources, promoting creativity, innovation, and collaboration. As the primary in-house fabricator, the Manager will operate and maintain fabrication equipment, offer hands-on support to users, and assist in the development and execution of projects. Additionally, the Manager will collaborate closely with the Director of Technical Services, as well as other team members from the Liliʻuokalani Center (LC) and Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT), including IT, operations, artistic curation, and ʻOlino Pathways teams, to provide expert guidance in technical aspects of fabrication, helping users overcome challenges and enhance their skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily operations of the makerspace, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all users.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for makerspace usage, safety protocols, and equipment maintenance.
• Oversee the inventory, upkeep, and functionality of all equipment and tools within the makerspace
• Co-design workshops, events, and facilitate open hours that encourage youth participation and creativity.
• Provide training and support for staff and volunteers involved in program delivery.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs through participant feedback and data analysis, adjusting offerings as needed.
• Foster community partnerships with local schools, organizations, and businesses to enhance program offerings and increase engagement.
• Operate and maintain a variety of fabrication tools and equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and woodworking tools.
• Assist users in the design and execution of their projects, providing guidance on material selection, fabrication techniques, and best practices.
• Create prototypes and make items and resources for the center as needed, ensuring they align with the center’s goals and programming.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for youth and staff, offering guidance and support on projects and equipment usage.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to continually enhance the makerspace's offerings.
• Assist users in advancing to manufacturing by providing insights into product development, prototyping, and scaling production processes.
• Facilitate partnerships with local experts and organizations to enhance the technical offerings and capabilities of the makerspace.
  
  

Other Duties

• Participate in program planning, budget development, revision, and evaluation 
• Provides transportation for organization related business, such as driving staff, beneficiaries and/or families to assigned destinations 
• Participates in continuing education and training opportunities for professional development 
• Contributes to the Trust’s success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improves team and organization results 
• Leads other projects as assigned.
• Delivers programs or services as needed.
• Able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends, to meet key deadlines. Able to travel to meet strategic needs.
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience managing makerspaces, fab labs, or similar creative environments, with a strong understanding of maker culture and hands-on learning.
• Experience in mentoring or training individuals in technical skills.
• Experience working with youth populations in educational or community settings, emphasizing engagement and empowerment.
• Experience in interdisciplinary curriculum development and project-based learning in a makerspace or educational setting.
• Experience with fabrication tools and technologies (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines), including proficiency in CAD software.
• Experience in prototype development or product design, with a focus on sustainable materials and practices.
• Experience providing technical support or consulting in educational or fabrication environments.
• Creative mindset and strong problem-solving abilities for innovative fabrication solutions.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s degree preferred) in engineering, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian culture and values, with the ability to integrate these into programming and outreach efforts.
• Familiarity with project management software and inventory management systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management, with experience in grant writing and fundraising .
• Strong network within the makerspace and tech communities.
  
  

Job Competencies

• Aloha: awareness and approach to the work with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• ‘Imi Na’auao: a constant desire for seeking knowledge; lifelong learner.
• Po’okele: desire to perform in excellence.
• Wiwo’ole: maintain a courageous, brave, and fearless mindset.
• Pono: understand the appropriateness of time, place, reason, people, and tools
• Kuleana: bring a deep sense of responsibility and accountability
• Collaboration: Ability to interact effectively with youth, community partners, and multi-disciplinary teams. Knowledge of community resources and services
• Ethical Practice: Model the highest level of ethical behavior, integrity, and social responsibility Uphold and embody all LT values.
• Communication: Clearly convey and receive information and ideas. Engage the listener and invite response and feedback. Demonstrate strong written, oral, and listening skills.
• Cultural Competence: Respect and relate well to people from varied backgrounds and sensitive to group differences. Experience working with at-risk youth and ability to apply positive youth development principles to that work.
• Relationship Management: Experience working with staff at all levels in a collaborative environment; ability to promote and sustain positive workplace values and relationships.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well under pressure and to remain calm and controlled when faced with challenging situations.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• In alignment with our organizational competencies of Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork) and Ho`omau i ka `imi Na`auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement), this position will require occasional travel across the island, inter-island, and out-of-state depending on the needs of the team and the organization. While travel may not always be a need, the ability to travel when required remains a crucial aspect of this position. 
  
  

Organization Competencies

• Alignment with Queen’s legacy: Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliuokalani’s story, her legacy and the Hawaiian Culture is foundational to staff’s commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families and communities. Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values history, and culture, understanding its implication in one’s work, in fostering meaningful relationships, and in embracing the community served.
• Ho`omau i ka `imi Na`auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement .
• Ho`ike i na Mana`o Pono (Effective Communication): Communicates with those we serve and each other in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• No'ono'o loi (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates information and develops and supports fact-based analyses and recommendations
• Ho'o kumu a'e or `Imi hakuhia (Innovation): Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving.
• Pilina Ho`ohana a me ka Hana Hilina`i (Building Relationships and Creating Trust): Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and move the organization forward.
• Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork): Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization's objectives.
• Ho`onui I ka `Ike (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and a belief in the capacity of others.
  
  

Mental And Physical Demands

• Perform light physical work, including climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and lifting weight of up to 25 pounds. Exposed to outdoor climate and diverse terrain.
  
  

Terms and Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to LT’s policies and procedures.

SALARY RANGE ADVERTISED IS THE HIRING OR STARTING RANGE FOR THE ROLE.

Job Title: Manager, Maker Space

Reports to: Director, Technical Services – Liliuokalani Center

FLSA Status: FT-Exempt

Aligned Executive: VP and CPO

Kipuka: Liliʻuokalani Center

Department: Technical Services

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