Assistant Manager, Digital Tools

Assistant Manager, Digital Tools

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks an Assistant Manager in Digital Tools for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines, and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The Assistant Manager should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Assistant Manager will interface with students, faculty, and staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces, including the 3D Printing Lab, Laser Lab, CNC Shop, and the D12 Prototyping Shop. This is an exempt administrative position that reports to the Facilities Manager, Digital Tools.

The New School is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are committed to our mission and who seek to work collaboratively with all members of our community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee daily workings of Making Center Facilities (as assigned), including but not limited to L3 CNC Shop and E2 CNC Shop as well as E4 Laser Lab, D12 Prototyping shop, L2 3D Lab, Digital Tools Satellite Store Support, and Tool/Equipment Checkout.

• Management of full-time and part-time technicians, and student workers, including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, tracking accountability, task assignment, scheduling/attending team and one-on-one meetings, and coordination and/or providing emergency coverage for unexpected absences. 

• Management of a fixed budget, including tracking, planning, and prioritization of expenses related to inventories, schedules, projects, and repairs.

• Work with the Facilities Manager on the following:

• Facility improvement projects, shows and installations, and special initiatives as needed.

• Hardware/software purchase recommendations as they pertain to the curriculum.

• Maintaining policies and systems for checkout, satellite store, scheduling, record keeping, and inventories, in addition to generating macro and micro levels of usage data and statistics - evaluating and updating these as needed.

• Organize calendars and communications for facilities: including creation of website updates, shop signage, safety orientations, technical/instructional documentation for labs/equipment, workshops, class demos, deliveries, special events, and modified holiday hours.

• Work across systems in the Making Center, connecting separate areas in order to streamline efficiency and communication.

• Adapt to changes in the work environment; adjust approach and prioritize competing demands as necessary.

• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff. 

• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships. 

• Stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.

• Flexible schedule - the ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.

• Completion of university-required staff training and necessary Certificate of Fitness for Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.

• Become well-versed in Digital Tools processes like student-facing shifts, operating systems, internal productivity software and systems, and policies within the first 6 months in the position.

• Advanced knowledge of working across materials and fabrication techniques, with full comprehensive experience in some or all of the following: 3D printing, laser cutting, analog fabrication techniques, and troubleshooting fabrication software and equipment.

• Full technical knowledge of CNC equipment and CAD/CAM software for subtracti