Assistant Manager Wood, Metal, & Light Lab

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

Parsons, Mannes, Jazz, and Drama, a division of The New School, seeks an Assistant Manager of the 25 E 13th Street (E3/E4) Facilities for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and support experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Assistant Manager should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment that runs year-round. The Assistant Manager will interface with students, faculty, and staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces.

This is an exempt administrative position that reports to the Facilities Manager for Wood and Metal Shops.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee daily workings of the Making Center’s 25 East 13th Street Shop Facilities, including but not limited to the Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Light Lab, and associated Open Work Areas, Tool/Equipment Checkout, Material Store, and storage areas.

• Management of full-time and part-time technicians and student workers, including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, tracking accountability, task assignment, scheduling/attending team and one-on-one meetings, and coordination and/or providing emergency coverage for unexpected absences.
• Management of a fixed budget including tracking, planning, and prioritization of expenses related to inventories, schedules, projects, and repairs.
• Work with the Facilities Manager and/or Director with the following:
  • Assist with special initiatives and facility improvement projects, as well as, hardware/software purchase recommendations as they pertain to the curriculum.
  • Maintain policies and systems for checkout, satellite store, scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventories, in addition to generating macro and micro levels of usage data and statistics - evaluating and updating these as needed.
  • Organize calendars and communications for facilities: including creation of website updates, shop signage, safety orientations, technical/instructional documentation for labs/equipment, workshops, class demos, deliveries, special events, and modified holiday hours.
  • Facilitate health and safety trainings for E4/L&E staff, safety walk-throughs, COF requirements.

• Work across systems in the Making Center, connecting separate areas in order to streamline efficiency and communication.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; adjust approach and prioritize competing demands as necessary.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships.
• Stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.

• Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.

• Completion of university-required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.

• Gain knowledge of CNC plasma cutting equipment operation within the first 6 months within position.
• Advanced knowledge of a variety of production and fabrication techniques in wood, metal, and other materials; Be familiar with practices related to current design and art practice - including: general fabrication, furniture making, sculpture, product prototyping, hot + cold metal working, jewelry and non-ferrous metalworking, architectural or art installation.
• Ability to work safely with, and demonstrate proper use of, a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting equipment/tools.
• Understanding of working in a cross-platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, CAD-based programs, and Google Drive.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proven track record of working well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, with a strong ability to support students working in an interdisciplinary manner from concept to fabrication.

• A desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
• Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and, on occasion, may be expected to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs
• Familiarity with any of the following is a plus: CNC/digital fabrication equipment (including CNC plasma cutters, laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC routers), vacuum forming, physical computing, ceramics, casting, finishes, plastics, foams, lighting design and technology or fabrics.
• Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

• On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$66,300 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS *

For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter in your application.

We look forward to receiving your application!