Assistant Director of Painting and Drawing 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.

Compensation & Benefits

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

• Hiring Range:  $55,000 - $65,000. 

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: Fulltime
• Grade Level: 8

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:

Administer, supervise, and direct the operations of the Painting & Drawing Department (PTDW) facilities and specialized resources on a day-to-day basis. Function as a technical advisor to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff. Supervise and provide leadership to the PTDW Figure Models and Materials Lab Technician. Ensure safe working practices for all fabrication equipment, materials, and processes. Anticipate and recommend changes in instructional services to support curricular developments. Facilitate ongoing communication between Department Chair, Administrative Director, staff, and faculty regarding departmental facility needs. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Administration

• Provide leadership, evaluate performance, and oversee the activities of the PTDW Materials and Techniques Studio Lab Technician.
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate performance and provide leadership for 20 Figure Model special service employees. Communicate safe classroom policy for figure model employees.
• Hire, train, supervise and provide leadership for 3 - 5 student employees.

Equipment and Facilities Management

• Lead, direct and supervise the operations of the PTDW Department facilities including classrooms, materials lab, critique spaces, painting racks, storage areas, faculty lockers, prop room, spray booth and display cases.
• Oversee the maintenance and inventory of departmental equipment and resources including furniture (easels, taborets, etc), Figure Model stands, related lighting & heating, and props. Facilitate repair and maintenance of assets.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures governing access, use, and instructional services provided by the PTDW Department in coordination with department chair and Academic Operations team.
• Develop classroom maintenance plans/routines in coordination with the IRFM Facilities Services team. Track work requests for cleaning and maintenance.
• Maintain inventory of consumables and instructional supplies.