Technical Director of Foundation

Salary: $75,000.00 - $82,500.00 Annually
Location: NY, NY
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 202400201
Department: Foundation
Closing:



About Pratt

Pratt Institute provides the creative leaders of tomorrow the professional knowledge and experience to make a better world. A world-class and internationally ranked college with programs in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies, Pratt offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The Institute's impact expands beyond its 25-acre residential campus in Brooklyn to cutting-edge facilities throughout the borough, a landmark building and public gallery in Manhattan, as well as an extension campus, Pratt Munson College of Art and Design in Utica, New York. On Governors Island, Pratt is a core partner on the Stony Brook University team selected to develop the New York Climate Exchange, a research and educational hub poised to establish New York City as the global leader for the most pressing issue of our time: climate change. Another extension of Pratt's campus is the Research Yard, a 20,000-square-foot facility that brings together the research activities of Pratt Institute under one roof in the Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNY).

Description

Under the direction of the Chairperson of the Foundation department and with latitude for independent judgment, the Technical Director of Foundation supports the efforts of the department by providing safe, efficient, and well-maintained facilities, including managing a staff of three to four Foundation technicians. The Foundation Technical Director oversees purchasing and sourcing of equipment and materials for the Foundation classrooms, labs and shops to ensure the smooth operation of classes for 600+ students and 80+ adjunct and full-time faculty.

Examples of Duties

• Manages 3-4 Foundation technicians; ensures that technicians train students and faculty on the proper use of equipment. Approves technical staff spending via purchase orders.
• Supervises the management of 40+ undergraduate and graduate students for student and graduate assistantship positions in Foundation's labs and shops. Works with technicians to hire, create department schedules, approve timesheets, and manage timesheet issues on the student employment website.
• Manages, with support of technicians, the Foundations Lab collection, materials, objects, books, teaching tools, and item check-out library.
• Manages, with technicians, work-study students, and GAs, the maintenance of living organisms in the Foundations Lab (plants, fish, etc.).
• Collaborates with Chair, Foundation staff, and faculty on student exhibitions, in-person workshops, and lab tours.
• Manages, with Chair, capital requests; departmental oversight of furniture and equipment upgrades, with special attention to classroom spaces, and the Foundations Lab. Liaises with facilities, faculty, and staff, on departmental capital projects, keeping in mind the needs of the department as a whole to support operations for students and faculty. Maintains annual facilities conditions assessment reporting.
• Manages Foundation Department workshops and classrooms and technical staff oversight of Foundations Lab, woodshop, plaster shop, tool libraries, and gallery spaces, including 19 classrooms, 5 storage spaces, 2 faculty lounges, 5 faculty offices and common areas.
• Manages the Immersion Lab, the Littlest Print Shop, and the BioLab; Foundation initiatives to broaden the scope of technical / material making for students.
• Works collaboratively with IT and Foundations Media Lab staff on systems for TEC classrooms, media equipment lending library, computer upgrades, and technology initiatives.
• Collaboratively develop and implement policies and procedures for shops, studios and galleries and ensure the implementation of departmental policies and procedures in regards to facilities, equipment, and safety.
• Oversees online scheduling of labs and shops through QReserve.
• Serves as a department liaison, representing the Chair as needed in communication with facilities, security, and other supporting agencies and departments within and outside the Institute.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Art, Design or related field; Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Five (5) years of related shop tech experience, preferably in a higher educational institution, with full knowledge of art and design fabrication and technical skills. A strong track record of managerial experience supervising staff in a college-level workshop or similar environment is also required. Familiarity with digital fabrication, facilities management, and processes is a plus.

Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, technicians, staff, and students alike.
• Expertise with the operation of all traditional 2D and 3D making tools, materials and equipment; design fabrication tools and equipment; and digital platforms for fabrication and implementation.
• Willingness to learn new tools, materials and processes when needed to help move projects forward and ability to train technicians and student workers in new processes as needed.
• Knowledge of shop safety and environmental health hazards, including emergency procedures.
• Knowledge of digital fabrication techniques and processes, with special attention to new and emergent technologies.
• Competence with google spreadsheets, forms, booking systems, and drive management
• Capacity to build trust and cooperation across diverse communities.
• Competence with budget management systems and planning.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills required.

Benefits:

Medical
Dental
Vision
HSA
Company Sponsored Basic Life & AD&D
Company Sponsored Long Term Disability
Flex Spending Account (Health, Dependant Care)
Commuter Benefits (Transit & Parking)
Disability (NYS)
Voluntary Short Term Disability
Voluntary Life Insurance
403B Retirement Plan
Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off (Vac & Sick)

Supplemental Information:

This position is on site (Brooklyn campus) five days a week.



Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pratt Institute recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

At Pratt, we prioritize equity and have established a systematic approach to guarantee fair treatment for everyone. If your background and expertise align with the requirements of the position, you will be contacted for further instructions.

To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pratt/jobs/4956932/technical-director-of-foundation

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