Assistant Director CP Fabrication Facilities

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

Benefits-eligible Non-standard Hiring Range Role

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• Job Classification: Full Time Salaried
• Grade Level: 7
  
  

About The Position

Instruct students in all manners of fabricating art objects. Function as a technical advisor to faculty and undergraduate students within the department of Contemporary Practices. Administer, supervise, and direct the operations of the CP Fabrication Facilities. Supervise and provide leadership to the CP Fabrication Facilities Manager and Supervisors. Hire, train, and supervise Contemporary Practices. Anticipate and recommend changes in instructional services to support curricular developments within the departments of Contemporary Practices.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

Staff Administration

• Provide leadership, evaluate performances, and oversee daily activities of the CP Fabrication Facilities Manager and Supervisors.
• Oversee and provide leadership in the hiring, training, and supervision of student employees.
• Advise Material Source Managers on matters that pertain to both Material Source operations and the CP Fabrication Facilities.
  

Teaching & Instruction

• Provide expert instruction and technical assistance to undergraduate students and faculty using the CP Fabrication Facilities.
• Monitor and contribute to patron progress on all projects in the CP Fabrication Facilities.
• Keep current of curricular needs and changes within the departments of Contemporary Practices.
• Work collaboratively with the Contemporary Practices Department, faculty, and graduate teaching assistants to promote curricular/process consistency and influence classroom skill sets.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and administrators to develop and plan curricular support.
• Assess student and faculty needs and recommend services and training activities provided by Instructional Fabrication staff to the departments of Contemporary Practices, Fiber and Materials Studies, and Fashion Design.
• Work collaboratively with the CP Fabrication Facilities Manager and Supervisors to develop workshops, training materials, and lectures for all CP Fabrication Facilities equipment.
  

Equipment & Facility Management

• Lead and direct the operations of the CP Fabrication Facilities fabrication areas including Woodshop, Digital Fabrication Lab, and Mold-making areas.
• Work closely with the CP Fabrication Facilities management team to oversee the physical maintenance of tools, equipment, and associated resources, and provide a safe working environment for all patrons.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures governing access, use, and instructional services provided by the CP Fabrication Facilities.
• Work closely with the Contemporary Practices Department faculty and administration to efficiently schedule class access to CP Fabrication Facilities’ woodworking, digital fabrication, sewing, and plaster resources.
• Determine and prioritize operating budget and purchases.
• Work in close consultation with the Executive Director and Contemporary Practices Chair to develop annual budget proposals, project future needs, and propose capital investments.
  

Research & Development

• Keep current of developing trends and technologies within the School. Make recommendations to the Executive Director for future equipment acquisitions and process updates.
• Perform research and assist in the development of proposals for future CP Fabrication Facilities facility needs and capital investments.
• Research and develop written materials for instructional guides used in the CP Fabrication Facilities and throughout the School.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or related field required, Master’s preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted. Extensive knowledge and experience using a wide variety of floor-mounted and handheld power tools. Advanced knowledge in two of the following areas is required: wood construction, digital fabrication, sewing/soft-goods Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience in an industrial or educational facility. Teaching/instructional experience preferred. Experience repairing shop tools and equipment.
• Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience in an industrial or educational facility. Teaching/instructional experience preferred. Experience repairing shop tools and equipment.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling software such as Rhino, Maya, Solid Works, Blender. Candidates with digital fabrication experience (CNC, 3D-Printing, etc.) will be preferred.
  

Skills

• 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.
• Requires the ability to lift 50 lbs or more in the performance of facility related duties