If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Provide technical, strategic, and creative support to the Design Thinking Initiative (DTI), including;

• overseeing daily operations in the makerspace,

• monitoring safety and maintaining studio equipment, tools, and supplies,

• training and managing a large team of student interns,

• and developing learning materials in service of curricular and co-curricular offerings.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Studio Operations 50%
Manage and coordinate daily operations of the DTI makerspace. Cultivate a studio culture and environment that feels safe, accessible, and welcoming to the Smith community. Determine policies and oversee access to the building. Create safety protocols and adherence strategies for studio use. Maintain organization of space and materials. Test and implement new processes, techniques, and equipment. Oversee equipment purchases, use, and maintenance. Source and stock materials and supplies. Hire and supervise a team of student work-study interns. Lead orientation training, regular team meetings, 1:1 check-ins, and mentorship of that cohort of students. Develop video and graphic communication material for equipment use, workshops, and studio safety.

Curricular and Co-curricular Support 30%

Develop and curate learning materials to introduce students, faculty, and staff to the equipment in the prototyping studio. Propose, develop, and facilitate workshops on making for community members in partnership with student staff. Manage all co-curricular requests and opportunities for engaging with DTI. Initiate creative projects that advance the mission of the DTI and increase student engagement. Assist DTI leadership in supporting faculty with hands-on making components in their courses. Lead technical training and hands-on technique workshops for these classes and work 1:1 with students on course projects. Provide 1:1 mentorship to students working on projects.

Building Community Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts 20%

Liaise between the DTI and other complementary centers and labs at Smith, across the Five College Consortium, and within the broader Pioneer Valley. Serve as an active member of the college’s maker group meetings and coordinate Smith’s involvement in the annual traveling Pioneer Valley Maker Faire. Improve students’ access to making resources at Smith and in the community. Support the collaborative efforts of making spaces across campus, including material supplies, workshops, shop technician support, and coordinated logistics.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Bachelor’s degree in Design, Arts & Sciences, Engineering or related field.

Minimum of 3-5 years experience in Makerspace, FabLab, shop, and/or teaching and working with students or an equivalent combination of education/experience.

Demonstrated experience with fabrication studios and/or makerspaces is required. Familiarity with a culture of making at an undergraduate, liberal arts college, or community-based makerspaces. Demonstrated commitment to improving access, equity, and inclusion.

Skills

Expertise with 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, basic woodworking, metalwork, soldering, familiarity with CNC routers, sewing & embroidery (hand & industrial techniques), microcontrollers, and electronics. Proficiency with associated software like TinkerCAD, Shapr3D, Fusion360, Adobe Suite, CorelDRAW, and other open-source design software. Experience with fiber arts, craft practices, and art-making. Experience turning an idea into a drawing, a drawing into a working model, and a working model into a final product. Aptitude for troubleshooting and devising clever workarounds for technical problems. Ability to repair and maintain machines. Experience working collaboratively with diverse constituencies, especially college students. Ability to multitask, pay consistent attention to detail, respond effectively to various work styles, communicate with faculty, students, staff, and community members, and exercise independent judgment. The ability to organize and prioritize work effectively, self-initiate, and take responsibility, as well as experience with design, design thinking, and creative projects, is strongly preferred.

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Review of applications will begin

Position Type:

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.