Assistant Director of Sullivan Fabrication Studio na School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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.

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

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

Staff Administration

• Schedule, hire, evaluate, and communicate job expectations to AIADO Fabrication Facility Manager and Supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with the AIADO Fabrication Facility Manager and Supervisor 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 facility services and resources.
• Coordinate Material Source program with Material Source staff. Handle day-to-day operations of Material Source including the managing of Material Source student employees. Advise Material Source staff of product requests from students and faculty.

Teaching: General

• Provide instruction and technical assistance to faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students using the AIADO Technical Facility and mold-making facility.
• Monitor and contribute to patron progress on all projects in the AIADO Technical Facility.
• Keep current with curricular needs and changes in the Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects.
• Work collaboratively with faculty to develop and plan curriculum.
• Assess student and faculty needs, and recommend services and training activities provided by the AIADO Technical Facility.
• Design and organize training workshops and lectures for all AIADO TechnicalFacility equipment.

Teaching: Specialized Equipment

• Provide instruction to faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students in all manners of CNC fabrication.
• Provide advanced-level CNC file review to faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.
• Develop and maintain a knowledge base of CNC operations.
• Train and mentor graduate teaching assistants who facilitate the training of CNC and shop operations.

Equipment & Facility Management

• Lead, direct, and supervise the operations of the AIADO Technical Facility on a day-to-day basis.
• Oversee the physical maintenance of tools, equipment, and associated resourcesto provide a safe working environment.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures governing access, use, and instructional services provided by the AIADO Technical Facility.
• Implement all policies, procedures, and training programs for the AIADO Technical Facility in coordination with the Department of Architecture, Interior
  Architecture, and Designed Objects.
• 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

• Research and develop methods and procedures for the operation of the CNC router.
• Keep current of developments in 3D modeling and CNC output technologies. Make recommendations for software and equipment acquisitions.
• Perform research and develop proposals for future AIADO Technical 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. Extensive
• knowledge and experience using a wide variety of floor-mounted and handheld power tools. Working knowledge of 3-D digital imaging and file preparation for CNC machining.

EXPERIENCE

Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience in an industrial or educational facility. Teaching experience preferred. Experience working with Rhino and Rhinocam for CNC output. Experience repairing shop tools and equipment. Experience in plaster and mold-making processes.

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