The Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC), located in Brooklyn Park, MD, is seeking a dynamic, hands-on MakerSpace Manager to spearhead the operations of the Center’s Michael Stanley MakerSpace. The Makerspace integrates STEM and the ARTS by providing an environment that supports the development of skill sets that use both conventional and digital machinery, hand and power tools, and computer technology to facilitate both workforce development and artistic initiatives. The Makerspace serves a diverse population of users, from children to adults, and beginners to experienced makers.
The Makerspace includes equipment for a variety of mechatronics making, including electronics, laser / vinyl cutters, 3d printing, a woodshop, screen-printing, and sewing lab. CAC also has an additional STEAM Lab for children under the age of 16.
Makerspace patrons include students, teachers, staff, and makers ages 16 and up who can access the MakerSpace during weekly Open Studio times.
The MakerSpace Manager will manage the makerspace and support the users, equipment, and activities within it. They will coordinate STEAM and artistic programs with the Artistic Director and Education Director as needed. They will oversee the creation and implementation of policies and guidelines to establish a culture and practice of safe use of equipment in the Makerspaces. To infix and maintain this culture, the Makerspace Manager will develop and implement training and onboarding programs, building, coordinating, and managing a team of Open Studio Technicians (paid and/or volunteer) to educate users on how to safely and productively use the equipment in the spaces. The Manager will also schedule and perform routine maintenance on the Makerspace equipment and coordinate procurement, delivery, and installation of consumables as well as replacement and/or new equipment. Previous experience and proficiency in one or more areas of making is expected.
The Makerspace Manager’s responsibilities include:
• Caring for Makerspace space and equipment, including developing, documenting, and optimizing standard operating procedures and workflows and maintenance schedules.
• Overseeing the Open Studio Program, including scheduling and teaching safety trainings, managing Open Studio Technicians and the Open Studio Schedule, communicating with members and other important tasks for a successful program
• Working closely with the Education Director in creating educational programs for the public, including field trips, activities for private groups, and other workshops.
• Recruiting / hiring staff and volunteers to help support the Makerspaces and related activities. • Vetting, creating, and leading potential growth opportunities for the MakerSpace in the future. This may include, but not be limited to, a new Social Enterprise program and/or corporate team-building offerings.
• Understanding and adhering to the budget for the space and programs.
• Working with the Marketing Department to promote the space and build a strong MakerSpace community at CAC.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree, or significant experience in place of a degree
• Expertise in the use and maintenance of electronic tools, machine tools, and prototyping equipment including, but not limited to: hand tools, power tools, laser and vinyl cutter, 3d printer, screen-printing and adobe products.
• Experience developing, implementing, and establishing safety and training procedures • Experience working in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication, organization, and management skills. • Previous experience with, and knowledge of, one or more of: Mechanical design, fabrication, testing, and troubleshooting and/or Woodshop
• Experience teaching and working with students in both formal and informal settings; ideally experience training them to safely and effectively use makerspace equipment
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Ability to execute multiple projects, meet scheduled milestones, and meet deliverables on time with high quality outputs.
• Organizational and budgeting skills to run a shop, prioritize work, and handle multiple requests simultaneously from a broad range of customers.
• Applicants with prior office experience, arts administration, or education (especially K-12) with a passion for the arts are preferred. Interest in working in the non-profit sector is also strongly desirable.
Preferred Skills:
● Programming and software development, particularly as suited to programming microcontrollers and other mechatronics systems.
● The use and maintenance of electronics testing and assembly equipment including: soldering, multimeters, oscilloscopes, breadboarding; ideally also circuit board design and surface mount soldering.
● Software to design 3D designs (e.g., Illustrator, Inkscape, Fusion 360, Solidworks, OpenScad, SketchUp)
● Process development, prototyping, and/or other relevant design experience.
Hours: Part-Time, 30 hours per week. Hours will vary based on program needs but will include nights and weekends. The MakerSpace Manager is expected to cover 2 nights per week and 2 weekends per month of Open Studio as part of their 30 hour work week.
