Instructional Facility Supervisor Woodshop

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.

The Department of Instructional Resources and Facilities Management consists of five divisions:
Campus Security, Media and Instructional Resources, Facilities Engineering and Construction, Facilities Services, and Instructional Fabrication. Our primary responsibilities include ensuring campus safety and security, managing facility operations, and overseeing key academic resources, including Media Centers, Instructional Shops, and specialized academic facilities. We are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the built environment of the campus. Collectively, these functions create a cohesive team focused on the effective planning, operation, and delivery of essential support services within our specialized educational institution.

The Department employs approximately 100 full‑time staff, 110 contracted staff, and 300 student employees. We serve a 1.3‑million‑square‑foot campus across nine buildings.

Contribute to the overall management of SAIC Instructional Fabrication facilities including oversight of student employees, equipment maintenance, inventory, and the upholding of general safety practices. Provide instructional and technical assistance to Shop patrons, advice to faculty, and support for department projects. Oversee patrons in the 280 Woodshop and contribute to Shop safety culture. In coordination with 280 Woodshop Assistant Director, manage student employees in the delivery of services and support.

Perform various administrative duties to support the everyday operation of the facility. Deliver various general and tool‑specific certifications and demonstrations in keeping with facility process norms.

• Provide advanced level assistance instruction and technical teaching to faculty and students using the 280 Woodshop on topics including woodworking, general construction, mold‑making, technical drawing, and digital fabrication.
• Supervise general operations of Instructional Fabrication area(s). Ensure preparation of the facility for daily use. Implement preventative measures to ensure the functional integrity of tools, equipment, and associated resources.
• Supervise, train, and mentor student employees in the delivery of critical services, support and resources. Collaborate with area team efforts to provide mentorship and foster a meaningful work experience.
• Present certification workshops and tool demonstrations to graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff.
• Act as agent for project consultation and development in satellite classrooms across campus. Work in coordination with the Assistant Director and other area managers to schedule and coordinate classroom consultations.
• Manage inventory of circulating tools, shop supplies, and consumables. Advise Assistant Directors and Managers of purchasing needs to maintain adequate levels of materials for instructional use.
• Facilitate access of circulating hand tools and associated resources to Shop patrons. In coordination with the Assistant Director and Manager, manage usage records, fines, and inventory database of circulating tools through Web Checkout.
• Commit to, demonstrate, and enforce safety procedures.
• In coordination with the Material Source Manager, contribute to the day‑to‑day operations of Material Source.
• Collaborate with…