Experimental Media Arts Lab Manager

Experimental Media Arts Lab Manager
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university's largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department/Program Description: The Department of Art & Art History is an interdisciplinary department offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in art history, art practice, documentary filmmaking, and film and media studies. The core values of our department include integrity, respect, inclusion, creativity, service, and stewardship. The Department of Art & Art History is committed to building an equitable, antiracist, and non-discriminatory environment that empowers all students, staff, faculty, and community members. Department courses offer opportunities for students to gain enhanced understanding of the meaning and purpose of the arts, their historical development, and their role in society through practical engagement with a variety of physical and digital media and theoretical and critical study.
Position Summary: The Department of Art and Art History is seeking an Experimental Media Arts (EMA) Lab Manager. The EMA Lab Manager will work under general supervision of the Facilities Manager and must possess and demonstrate a positive outlook on continuous process improvement efforts while maintaining a team-based and customer-focused mindset. It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, effective written & oral communication, strong attention to detail and respectful relationship management. This position must also exhibit a strong desire to continuously learn new and unfamiliar business topics, policies and procedures as they relate to overseeing daily operations of three media-based fine arts classrooms, the electronics lab, and the large format Digital Print Studio- the ability to translate this information into operational successes will be critical.
The EMA Lab Manager is responsible for all equipment, supplies, furniture and fixtures, oversight of student lab assistants, develops and implements policies and guidelines, and manages lab finances in accordance with department and university policies.
Responsibilities include: installation and maintenance of computer hardware, software, networks and peripherals, including calibration of displays and software and hardware upgrades; maintenance of 2D and 3D printers and laser cutters, including mechanical and software troubleshooting; management of digital prototyping and VR capabilities; providing technical support for faculty and students; keeping abreast of relevant technologies; managing equipment check-out and returns, including prep, cleaning, and repair; inventory tracking including coordinating student fines and holds as necessary; assisting with researching, testing, and ordering equipment; maintaining clean and orderly facilities; proactively maintaining consumables inventories and ordering supplies. Financial responsibilities include preparation of annual budgets in consultation with faculty and the Director of Finance and Operations, spending in accordance with the approved budget and relevant policies, and forecasting and tracking expenditures to ensure fiscal oversight.
In addition to supporting the teaching of three regular faculty, the Lab Manager supports approximately 10 lecturers teaching a variety of EMA courses each year and provides orientation and training and departmental expertise to support their success. The Lab Manager is occasionally called upon to conduct class workshops on general lab use or on specific pieces of equipment. Solid workshop skills related to teaching basic media art practices are essential. The EMA Lab Manager will have a strong background in electronic/Media Arts, a proven ability to quickly adapt to new technology and rapidly learn new hardware and software skills, advanced knowledge of both Macintosh and PC operating systems, and the ability to install and use current multimedia hardware and software. The Lab Manager must also be able to install and maintain printer drivers and networks, run video capture and editing suite equipment, assess hardware and software compatibility, upgrade all lab equipment, and trouble-shoot hardware and software problems. The Lab Manager should be prepared to assist faculty with integrating new technologies as they become available.
This is a 100% FTE, continuing position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.
If you believe that this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills and abilities, we encourage you to apply by submitting a resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed beginning in January of 2024. Thank you for considering employment opportunities with the School of Humanities and Sciences.
CORE DUTIES:

• Oversee the operation and management of a research or teaching facility; schedule and coordinate use of equipment and/or facility.
• Negotiate and monitor equipment service contracts and warranties with vendors.
• Determine equipment needs, authorize purchase of equipment, and oversee installation of equipment and instruments in collaboration with facilities services staff.
• Perform and/or coordinate preventative maintenance and repair of all equipment; determine proper method of repair.
• Oversee layout, allocation, and tracking of space among multiple labs; manage logistics of laboratory moves; implement plans for renovations of equipment and or/facilities in collaboration with facilities services staff.
• Administer and prepare budgets that include several funding sources.
• Administer health and safety programs and ensure safety compliance; act as resource on safety procedures; provide instruction on routine basis; liaise with school and/or university health and safety office as appropriate.
• Direct work of other staff, including supervision, hiring, promotions, and terminations; determine staffing needs, and ensure efficient utilization of staff.

* Other duties may also be assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of academic research facility needs.
• General background in a discipline related to the work of specific lab(s).
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple budgets.
• Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting.
• Excellent communication and customer services skills.
• Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.
• Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• MFA strongly preferred.
• Experience with large format digital printers.
• Experience teaching or conducting training sessions.
• Project management and budgeting experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytic, communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to work well autonomously, take initiative, and employ good judgment.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May at times be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include, but are not limited to, chemicals, pesticides, and solvents, allergens.
• May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
• May be exposed to electromagnetic fields.
• Must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, etc.
• May work extended or unusual work hours due to research or project requirements and peak work cycles. After hours on-call availability required.
• Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
The expected pay range for this position is $82,000 to $94,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
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The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants
requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources at stanfordelr@stanford.edu. For all other inquiries, please submit a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.