Position is Job Grade 7

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.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off

• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits

• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)

• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program

• Great employee discounts

• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

BASIC FUNCTION

Instruct students in all manners of fabricating art objects, scale models, and furniture. Function as a technical advisor to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff (70% of time spent providing instruction). Administer, supervise, and direct the operations of the 280 Woodshop (30% of the time used for administration). Anticipate and recommend changes in instructional services to support curricular developments. Hire, train, and supervise staff and student workers. Review applicant materials and conduct interviews, communicate job expectations and policies, ensure ability to perform effectively, and as needed, provide professional development and/or disciplinary action. Serve as liaison to senior management for employee complaints and initiatives.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Staff Administration

• Supervise, evaluate performance, and oversee the activity of the 280 Woodshop Supervisor and Manager.

• Work collaboratively with 280 Woodshop Supervisor and Manager to hire, train, and supervise all student employees. Review applications, interview applicants, process paperwork, and provide scheduling.

• Train, supervise, and develop student employees in the delivery of Shop services and resources.

• Coordinate Material Source program with Material Source staff. Advise Material Source staff of product requests from students and faculty.

• Teaching & Instruction

• Provide advanced-level instruction and technical assistance to faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students using the 280 Woodshop on topics including but not limited to woodworking, general construction, technical drawing, and digital fabrication.

• Monitor and contribute to patron progress on all projects in the 280 Woodshop.

• Keep current with curricular needs and changes in all SAIC departments, with an emphasis on Sculpture, Painting & Drawing, Art & Technology, Ceramics, Sound, Performance, and Fiber & Material Studies.

• Work closely with Sculpture faculty, Painting & Drawing faculty, and Graduate Coordinators to efficiently schedule class shop access and tool authorization workshops.

• Assess student and faculty needs, and recommend services and training activities provided by the 280 Woodshop.

• Design and organize training workshops and lectures for all 280 Woodshop equipment. Provide lectures and instructional services to classes as needed.

• Train and mentor student employees who facilitate the training of shop equipment operations.

• Equipment & Facility Management

• Lead, direct, and supervise the operations of the 280 Woodshop 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 policies and procedures governing access, use, and instructional services provided by the 280 Woodshop.

• Implement all policies, procedures, and training programs for the 280 Woodshop in coordination with the Associate Director.

• Implement and organize a safety program.

• Work in close consultation with the Associate Director to develop an annual budget proposal, and project future needs and capital investments.

• Determine instructional supply, small equipment, and operating supply purchases.

• Research & Development

• Keep current of contemporary fabrication trends and technologies. Make recommendations to the Associate Director for equipment acquisitions.

• Perform research and assist in the development of proposals for future 280 Woodshop facility needs and capital investments.

• Research and develop written materials for instructional guides.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or related field required, Master’s preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted.

EXPERIENCE

Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience in an industrial or educational facility. Teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Extensive knowledge and experience using a wide variety of floor-mounted and handheld power tools. Advanced knowledge in wood fabrication is required. Experience repairing shop tools and equipment. Experience in plaster and mold-making processes.

Preferred: Working knowledge of (or willingness to learn) 3D digital imaging and file preparation for CNC machining.

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

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

Closing Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. 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.