Job Description

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at the University of Delaware is nationally recognized for its exceptional educational experiences and for integrating instruction, research, and public engagement. With 24 academic departments in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, more than 25 centers, programs, and institutes, and featuring outstanding research and teaching facilities, CAS serves over 7,500 students, is supported by approximately 400 staff, and maintains annual operating expenditures of over $121M. The College’s 600 faculty members emphasize the enduring value of an arts and sciences education and a deep commitment to excellence in scholarship and all forms of creative and intellectual expression, with sponsored research expenditures totaling more than $38.6M per fiscal year.

The Department of Art & Design is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences and offers nationally recognized graduate and undergraduate programs. The department currently consists of 11 faculty members, approximately 206 undergraduate students, and 18 graduate students. The department runs approximately 120 class sections per year and teaches approximately 1800 students each year. The department’s total fiscal responsibility is $1.5M per year.

Under the general direction of the Chairperson, the 3-D Studio Coordinator oversees all aspects of the sculpture and ceramics facilities and provides technical and maintenance support to the department. The Studio Coordinator works closely with faculty in each area to meet the curricular needs of these spaces.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support and implement efficient sculpture and ceramics studio operations, which involve working with faculty, graduate teaching assistants, students, work studies, visiting artists, other studio technicians, environmental health and safety, facilities, and grounds staff.
Develop, or leverage, relationships with campus partners, local makers, artists, makerspaces, and Colleges/Universities, fostering and supporting the culture of making in the department.
Plan, set up, and maintain the Ceramics and Wood/Metal Shops and classrooms and 3-D Digital Fabrication equipment within the department, including cleanliness, maintenance, organization, operation, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule), and procurement. Work with IT to generate and load specialty software, as applicable.
Implement and enforce strict safety protocols to minimize risks, educate students on proper handling techniques, the use of safety equipment, and emergency procedures, creating a secure
learning environment. Ensure institutional compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards set forth by governing bodies, educational institutions, and safety organizations, with their knowledge of regulations, safety policy implementation, regular inspections and audits, documentation and record-keeping, training, and education.
Manage the supplies, inventory and expenditures of each studio area, in consultation with the area heads. Establish and manage vendor contracts and procurement.
Provide support, guidance, and supervision to students, helping them resolve technical issues, utilize equipment, and understand available resources, machinery, and materials.
Teach courses as appropriate in the area of greatest technical expertise during Special Sessions and may serve as a back-up for faculty.
Report changes and updates to the Chair, faculty, and business administrator.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in studio arts with an emphasis in ceramics or sculpture and four years of experience, or equivalent combination of related education and experience. Master of Fine Arts preferred.
Experience teaching in ceramics or sculpture at the undergraduate and/or graduate level preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Knowledge and training experience of safe practices and safety standards in studio arts.
Experience in sculpture, including woodworking and maintaining a wood shop with knowledge of woodworking tools, machines, techniques, and processes. Foundry experience in molding, melting, and casting aluminum and bronze. Experience in welding, forging, and metal fabrication, including arc welding, especially MIG and TIG.
Knowledge of materials and processes used in the field of ceramic art, including glaze calculation. Experience with gas and electric ceramic and burnout kilns and their safety systems. Ability to build and rebuild kilns.
Experience and skill in one or more of the following areas together with a willingness to develop skills in the other areas: 3D design and fabrication, electronics prototyping, open-source hardware, and software, sewing and textiles, or other types of making.
Computer proficiency.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Creative problem-solving instincts, the ability to learn quickly, and an interest in utilizing both traditional and non-traditional tools.
Build successful relationships with faculty members, staff, and students and act as a thought partner for students in solving projects.
The vision to understand and appreciate the intellectual, cultural, and sociopolitical development of undergraduate students in the context of a major research institution.
Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
ENVIRONMENTAL/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

Work at heights up to 20 feet.
Operate large equipment and vehicles.
Work outside in a variety of weather and temperature extremes.
Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, open flames.