Makerspace Manager

Description:

BLDG 61 and STUDIO 24 are nationally renowned, free community workshops within the Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) that provide maker education and technology to the public in a creative and inclusive environment. The makerspaces regularly host workshops, programs, and special events.

Check out some recent projects and programs: https://www.instagram.com/bldg61/.

The BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater. BPLD strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations.

We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, meet new people or try new experiences, and connect with essential local services.

Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always ongoing. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences, and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas, and information to transform lives and strengthen our community.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week, exempt, at-will position with the opportunity to work in the BLDG 61 Makerspace at the Main Library and in the STUDIO 24 Makerspace at the North Boulder (NoBo) Library.

This role may be required to work occasional evenings and weekends based on community needs.

Job Summary: The Makerspace Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, promoting and evaluating makerspace programs for patrons of all ages. The Manager provides the vision and collaborative direction for STEAM programs system-wide, oversees the short- and long-term operations, safety and programs of library makerspaces; develops and fosters community relationships to increase the appeal, attendance and overall customer satisfaction of library maker and STEAM programs.

Essential Functions:

• Establishes a cohesive vision and program plan for the makerspaces by developing, organizing, scheduling, implementing, and evaluating engaging and innovative maker and STEAM programs for patrons of all ages that are appealing and relevant to community interests and aligned with library goals. (20%)
• Coordinates program logistics with makerspace staff including booking presenters, organizing equipment and supply set-up and take down, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for patrons. Promotes programs through appropriate channels, including program booklet, online newsletter, social media, etc. (20%)
• Oversees all operations of the makerspaces including ordering, maintaining inventory and storage of program tools and supplies; administering a sustainable system for equipment maintenance by vendors and staff; developing and implementing safety, equipment and other training and procedures, and providing individual and group coaching and instruction to patrons and volunteers of all ages, levels and abilities. Maintains current, advanced knowledge of all tools, materials and processes available in the spaces. (20%)
• Fosters community collaborations with individuals and organizations to design relevant, meaningful programs. (15%)
• Serves as a STEAM program and informal learning environments expert; leads makerspace staff to plan for STEAM resources for use system-wide; and provides guidance, strategic support and planned coordination with other workgroups for STEAM programs creating a work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. (15%)
• Supervises and schedules makerspace team to maintain consistent levels of operation. (10%)

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintains accurate records, collects statistics, tracks performance measures and prepares reports related to makerspace programs to include attendance, evaluation, costs, etc.
• Develops program budgets and monitors expenses. Assists with program funding requests development and grant applications, coordinating with colleagues to collect information and prepare written requests and reports.
• Serves as a Manager on Duty (MOD).

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum five years of experience with planning and implementing programs and events for the public in a library, government agency, or non-profit organization, including two years of experience working in a makerspace or similar educational setting. Previous supervisory experience. A combination of equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Technical Skills: Advanced skill using two or more of the following technologies: laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning, digital design software, fiber arts, CNC fabrication, wood working, printmaking or other related makerspace technologies. Proven skill and knowledge of digital and traditional fabrication.Proficiency with computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, web-based calendars, email and database software in performing work assignments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience planning and delivering maker programs with high community involvement and positive impact.
• Project management experience.
• Experience developing and managing a makerspace or artist in residency program.
• Ability to plan and carry out complex schedules for program areas of different sizes.
• An effective collaborator, team builder, and instructor who is skilled at leveraging the talents of others and solving problems.
• Ability to work in fast-paced and changing environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly through various methods including written, oral, web, video, and social media.
• Experience taking a leadership role in teams, demonstrates an open, collaborative leadership style.

Working Conditions:

Works primarily in a clean environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noise. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard. The performance of this work normally requires exposure to typical workshop areas where under certain conditions the use of personal protective equipment will be required. Temperatures of the work area may be affected by the outside temperatures and inside machinery. Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling and circling a maximum of 50 lbs. is required for fabrication activities in the makerspace. Activities that require more force using items the weigh than 50 lbs. require assistance. Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and tools for fabrication. Ability to stand and/or walk continuously. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Will be required to work evenings and weekends based on community needs. Seeing, speaking and hearing required.

Health and Wellness Benefits:

• Group medical, dental, and vision benefits to employees who work 20 hours or more per week
• Lifestyle Spending Account for all benefit-eligible employees
• Employer-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid employee assistance program for employees and their household members
• Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts for all benefit-eligible employees
• Voluntary, employee-paid, group accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans for all benefit-eligible employees
• Employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care
• Infant at Work Program

Time-off Benefits:

• New employees accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
• 80 hours of paid sick leave per year for employees who work 20 hours or more per week
• 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
• Time off for jury duty, bereavement, and voting

Helping Your Future:

• Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado (PERA) Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
• PERA 401(k) Plan
• Paid training and professional development

Library Perks: Easy access to unlimited resources—including books, movies, programs, digital technology, and more.

Please apply by March 19th, at 4 p.m.

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Application Accommodations: BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community, and jobs are one of the best ways for us to do so. Please let us know if you require accommodations due to a disability to apply for this position.

Examples of this could include: providing a paper copy of the application, emailing the interview questions to you in advance, or reading the application to an applicant with a visual impairment. This is not an exhaustive list.

Please note a few things:

• If you need more time to complete any sections of the application, we recommend using a word processing document or a text file to enter your answers. The system times out after 30 minutes and does not retain your information. Having it in a word processing document will help in case you need to copy and paste the information back into the application. There is a 1000-character limit for responses to those questions.
• Uploading documents and qualifications can impact the formatting of your resume. We will not discount your application if Paylocity transcription alters the formatting.

Reach out to hr@boulderlibrary.org, and we will work with you to determine whether we can accommodate your request.