Assistant Director, 280 Metalshop

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:

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

• Hiring Range
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full Time Salaried
• Grade Level: 8

ABOUT THE POSITION

Instruct and support students from across the SAIC in fabricating art objects in the Metalshop. Administer, supervise, maintain and direct the operations of the 280 Metal Shop facilities and specialized resources on a day-to-day basis. Function as a technical advisor to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff. Hire, supervise, train and provide leadership to Metalshop staff. Hire, train, and supervise student employees. 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 Chairs, Administration, Staff, and Faculty regarding facility needs.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Staff Administration
  • Provide leadership, evaluate performance, and oversee the activities of reporting
    staff.
  • In coordination with Metal Shop Manager, hire, train, and supervise student
    employees. Review applications, interview applicants, process paperwork, and
    provide scheduling.Train, supervise, and develop student employees in the
    execution of facility services, process, and resources.
  • Communicate and coordinate needs with Facilities Services and Engineering.
  • Advise Material Source staff of product requests from students and faculty,
    oversee sales and distribution of materials in coordination with Material Source
    operations staff.
    
    
• Equipment and Facilities Management
  • Lead, direct, and supervise the operations of the 280 Metal Shop facilities and
    specialized resources on a day-to-day basis.
  • Oversee the physical maintenance of tools, equipment, and associated resources
    to provide a safe working environment.
  • Develop and implement tool check-out policies and procedures for departmental
    equipment and tools. Oversee and maintain inventory.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures governing access, use, and
    instructional services.
  • Implement all policies, procedures, and training programs for the 280 Metal Shop
    facilities and specialized resources in coordination with the Associate Director.
  • Oversee and implement facility appropriate safety protocol in partnership with
    EHS. This includes,
  • but is not limited to, maintaining departmental SDS database
    and hazard communication protocol and training, coordinating respirator fit tests,
    and lock-out-tag out of equipment and spaces.
  • Work closely with the Associate Director to develop annual budget proposals,
    future project needs, and capital investments.
  • Execute instructional supply, small equipment, and operating supply purchases in
    consultation with Associate Director and Administration.
  • Collaborate closely with facility leaders from other making spaces to coordinate
    services.
    
    
• Teaching & Instruction
  • Provide advanced-level instruction and technical assistance to faculty, graduate
    students, and undergraduate students using the facilities and equipment.
  • Keep current with curricular needs and changes of all SAIC Studio Departments.
  • Train and mentor student employees w