Makerspace and Building Manager [Senior Education Program Administrator (P5)]

JOB SUMMARY

The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing at the University of Connecticut is seeking applications for a full-time Makerspace and Building Manager (Senior Education Program Administrator, P5) at the Storrs campus.

The Makerspace and Building Manager is responsible for maximizing the effectiveness and performance of the School of Nursing's Makerspace through the management of daily operations and the implementation of organizational strategies that enhance efficiency, quality, educational content delivery, project-based learning, and team collaboration. The position develops and executes short- and long-term goals and objectives to ensure that all Makerspace activities align with the school’s mission of supporting innovation, creativity, and experiential learning.

In addition, the Makerspace and Building Manager oversees building-related operational issues, coordinates with Facilities to ensure a safe and efficient work environment and recommends improvements that support the ongoing needs of faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

This position reports to the Director of the Nursing and Engineering Innovations Center and works closely with the Dean's Office. Responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the Makerspace, supervising Makerspace personnel at all levels, and collaborating with the Dean's Office and Facilities teams to address building maintenance needs and operational improvements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES PERTAINING TO MAKERSPACE MANAGEMENT

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage daily operations of the Makerspace, an area that assists students in open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, and deep engagement inspire creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

• Assists in administrative planning and the development and evaluation of policies and procedures for makerspace access and usage, programs, safety procedures, and the proper operation and safe use of technical equipment and tools.

• Evaluates effectiveness of projects/activities/experiments in consultation with faculty, staff, collaborators, and Technology Commercialization Services as needed; provides guidance and makes recommendations or modifications regarding feasibility, project design and modification of equipment, methodology, etc., as appropriate.

• Monitors makerspace and supervises students and faculty in carrying out exercises; provides assistance in determining equipment, supplies, and physical set-up of projects/experiments, as needed; resolves problems as they arise, making changes to achieve intended results.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES PERTAINING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT

• Serves as point person for all communications related to building operations and maintains makerspace technology, including solving technology or resource problems to optimize effectiveness and efficiency of operations, managing card access to the building, and providing security and card reader maintenance.

• Works with Facilities to ensure routine and emergency maintenance and repair requests are proactively managed. Monitors status of heating, ventilation, plumbing, and structural maintenance and informs/works with Facilities as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field such as technology education, industrial design, engineering technology, manufacturing, fabrication, art, or other related STEM field.

• Six to seven years of related experience. Two years of experience must be serving as an advanced/senior team member or working as a project lead.

• Demonstrated ability and experience using a variety of tools and equipment typically used in a makerspace or similar laboratory setting.

• Experience with applying the principles and practices in the operation and maintenance of manual and computer numeric control (CNC) machine tools, and other fabrication equipment.

• Demonstrated knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices, hazards, safety precautions, risk management, and emergency protocols for training, operation, and maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability to train, teach, and mentor individuals with varying skills and ages in tool and equipment usage for student or team projects (formal or ad hoc training and support).

• Demonstrated exceptional written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills and the ability to provide customer service to a variety of customers who may have an interest in learning about the Makerspace.

• Demonstrated ability to work with a broad spectrum of people with a range of backgrounds, perspectives, skill sets, and communication styles.

• Must demonstrate understanding of the maker culture and be passionate about creating and maintaining an ecosystem of ‘makers’ at UConn.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in an appropriate field.

• Experience working as a “maker” in higher education.

• Experience working with instructors and/or students in developing workshops, events, and/or curriculum, preferably makerspace related.

• Demonstrated ability to apply a variety of concepts, techniques, and practices of a scientific and technical nature.

• Demonstrated experience and skill in trouble shooting difficult problems with equipment, project/experiment designs, computers, and machine tools, including electrical and mechanical.

• Prior technology support experience in a higher education environment.

• Experience planning, organizing and coordinating training programs related to program specialty.

• Previous exposure to healthcare industry such as a hospital or alternative medical and simulation environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $75,786 to $98,522. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website (http://www.hr.uconn.edu/) and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources.  As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month, permanent position. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The chosen candidate must have a willingness and ability to work nights and weekends.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions (https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs) , Search #499866 with a cover letter, resume, a one-page letter outlining your Makerspace support philosophy, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics (https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations) .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.