Job Description

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.

About the Department

The Department of Instructional Resources and Facilities Management consists of five divisions: Campus Security, Media and Instructional Resources, Facilities Engineering and Construction, Facilities Services, and Instructional Fabrication. Our primary responsibilities include ensuring campus safety and security, managing facility operations, and overseeing key academic resources, including Media Centers, Instructional Shops, and specialized academic facilities. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the built environment of the campus. Collectively, these functions create a cohesive team focused on the effective planning, operation, and delivery of essential support services within our specialized educational institution. The Department employs approximately 100 full-time staff, 110 contracted staff, and 300 student employees. We serve a 1.3 million-square-foot campus across nine buildings.

Position Summary

Contribute to the overall management of SAIC Instructional Fabrication facilities including oversight of student employees, equipment maintenance, inventory, and the upholding of general safety practices. Provide instructional and technical assistance to Shop patrons, guidance to faculty, and support for department projects.

Responsibilities

Staff Supervision and Administration

• Support general operations of Instructional Fabrication area(s). Ensure preparation of facilities for daily use. Implement preventative measures to ensure the functional integrity of tools, equipment, and associated resources.
• Supervise, train, and mentor student employees in the delivery of critical services, support and resources. Collaborates with area team efforts to provide mentorship and foster a meaningful work experience.
• Act as agent for project consultation and development in satellite classrooms across campus. Work in coordination with the Assistant Director and other area managers to schedule and coordinate classroom consultations.
• In coordination with the Material Source staff, contribute to the day-to-day operations of Material Source.

Equipment and Facility Management

• Support in managing the inventory of circulating tools, shop supplies, and consumables. Advise Assistant Director of purchasing needs to maintain adequate levels of materials for instructional use.
• Facilitate access of circulating hand tools and associated resources to Shop patrons. In coordination with the Assistant Director, manage usage records, fines, and inventory database of circulating tools through WebCheckout.
• Commit to, demonstrate, and enforce safety procedures.
• Collaborate with all Instructional Fabrication staff to deliver continuity of service and project development across campus.

Teaching and Instruction

• Provide advanced-level instruction and technical assistance to faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students using the 280 Metalshop on topics including, but not limited to, metalworking, woodworking, general construction, technical drawing, and digital fabrication.
• Present authorization workshops and tool demonstrations to graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff in 1-on-1 and small group settings.
• Proactively oversee patron progress to encourage safe and successful outcomes.

Research and Development

• Actively hone skills in metalworking and adjacent areas (digital fabrication, woodworking, mold-making, general construction, etc).
• Work with the Assistant Director to design and implement process improvements, new workflows, and workflow modifications.
• Stay informed on current themes in contemporary art and design fabrication.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or related field preferred. Commensurate experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• Supervisory, teaching or instructional experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge and experience using a wide variety of floor-mounted and handheld power tools. Enthusiasm for digital fabrication processes including CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting; working knowledge preferred. Basic familiarity with 3D modeling software and concepts; working knowledge preferred.

SKILLS

• Some managerial skills required including the ability to supervise student staff and successfully implement policies and procedures.
• Ability to assist and instruct students in the conceptualization and safe construction of projects.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills. Familiarity with common office software including Google Workspace and other similar software
• Requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. or more in the performance of facility related duties

Compensation & Benefits

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Exempt
• Employment Category : Full Time Staff
• Grade Level : 6

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Union

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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