Shops & Digital Fabrication Manager

Overview

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Shops & Digital Fabrication Manager to join Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS). The position manages the EFS shops, including the 187 Benefit Studio woodshop and digital fabrication center, classroom studios and woodshops, serving over 560 students, 28 full-time faculty, and 50 part-time faculty. The role 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 of software, materials and equipment. It develops and implements safety policies, researches and promotes the use of digital and analog tools, materials, and processes in EFS spaces and curriculum, and assesses and updates practices, procedures, and policies to support diverse pedagogy. The manager identifies sustainable practices, mentors technicians, and ensures shops and facilities are accessible, welcoming, and safe for all EFS members. Clear communication across the division regarding shops and facilities is essential.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment committed to advancing social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• 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, ensuring classrooms are ready.
• Develop processes, policies, and procedures for technicians to instruct faculty, staff, and students on using tools, software, and materials. Lead workshops and create instructional / reference materials. Provide guidance to faculty on material use and acquisition.
• Review technicians' recommendations to identify and test new tools, materials, and techniques for EFS use; decide on updates and changes and implementation. 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 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 diverse pedagogical visions.
• Proactively engage with the Dean to coordinate, train, and share best practices with faculty and staff, enhancing division-wide coverage.
• Remain current with RISD policies and procedures, as well as pertinent union contracts, to help recognize, analyze, and communicate issues and ensure compliance / resolution.
• Ensure clear and fluid communication across the division, especially between faculty and technicians. 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.

Other Functions

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Union

No

Work Schedule

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status

Full-time; Exempt; Regular

Grade

540EX

Work Modality

Hybrid Eligible

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (Required); Cover Letter (Required)

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

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