Shops & Digital Fabrication Manager - Military Veterans

JOB SUMMARY:

Manages the Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS) shops, including the 187 Benefit Studio wood shop and digital fabrication center, classroom studios and wood shops, and the Spatial Audio Studio. Manages facilities for over 520 students, 28 full-time faculty, and 50 part-time faculty. Facilitates faculty teaching as it relates to digital and physical fabrication. Collaborates with division leadership to allocate resources, schedule spaces and staff, and authorize purchases purchase of software, materials and equipment. Develops and implements safety policies. Researches and promotes the use of digital and analog tools, materials, and processes in EFS spaces and curriculum. Assesses existing practices, procedures and policies in EFS and implements new solutions to support diverse pedagogy across the division. Identifies and employs sustainable practices. Manages and mentors technicians, improving shop efficiency and safety. Works across the division to make shops and facilities accessible, welcoming and pleasant to all members of EFS. Ensures fluid communication regarding shops and facilities across the division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

* Allocate classroom resources. Advocate for and acquire new tools and technology. Evaluate existing tools, technology, and shop spaces for safety, sustainability, and best practices.
* Establish and oversee shop safety procedures and trainings
* Schedule technician hours, shop hours, various classroom and workspace hours, student monitor hours. Communicate schedule to faculty (with agreed notice) and publish schedule in a publicly available way - making sure classrooms are ready
* Develop processes, policies, and procedures that the technicians will implement in instructing faculty, staff, and students on using various tools, software, and materials. Lead workshops and create instructional and reference materials. Provide guidance to faculty on material use and material acquisition.
* Review the technicians' recommendations to identify and test new tools, materials, and techniques for EFS use, making decisions on updates and changes and how they will be implemented. Stay updated on new and emerging media, materials, tools, and technology. Test concepts, attend seminars, and read relevant journals.
* Hire, train, develop, manage, and supervise technicians in the day-to-day operation of the fabrication spaces, classroom studios, sound studio and labs.
* Collaborate with the Dean and faculty on digital and analog technology use. Develop models, methods, and strategies to enhance curriculum and studio assignments.
* Facilitate faculty needs in craft, fabrication technology (digital fabrication and software) and material experimentation to support in diverse pedagogical visions
* Proactively engage with the Dean, to coordinate, train, and share best practices with faculty and staff, and enhance opportunities for division wide coverage.
* Remain current and familiar with RISD policies and procedures, as well as pertinent union contracts, to help recognize, analyze and communicate issues and ensure division and department compliance or resolution.
* Ensure clear and fluid communication across the division, especially between faculty and technicians. Proactively troubleshoot issues and identify solutions that center the student experience.
* Maintain and update content, forms, and images on the Divisional website and ensure alignment with RISD Media brand and recommendations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
* Bachelor's degree in Art or Design.
* Seven years of fabrication experience, including digital and analog technology.

* Supervisory experience required, and the ability to lead through strategic thinking and innovation, building trust, developing talent, creating an inclusive environment, and inspiring performance.
* Passion for making and strong desire to advance forms of craft and fabrication in the EFS division.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Ability to manage and allocate resources.
* Organized and systems-oriented.
* Knowledge of fabrication and digital fabrication.
* Ability to stay updated on emerging trends and tools.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and provide advice and consultation to faculty and students.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, problem solving and presentation skills.
* Demonstrated ability to seek out different perspectives and collaborate on solutions.
* Knowledge and understanding of wood shops and woodworking tools as well as laser cutting, 3d printing and digital fabrication, and have a proficiency in one or more of these areas.

PREFERRED:
* Master's degree in Fine Arts, Design, Digital and analog Media, Educational Technology or a related field.
* Experience in art school settings and wood shop environments.

Union

No

Work Schedule

Full-time ; On-Site

Employment Status

Regular, Full-Time

Grade

540EX

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Preferred)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:
Academic Affairs