Career Opportunities

Book Arts Studio Manager - 502381

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Book Arts Program Director within the department of Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, the Book Arts Studio Manager oversees the daily use and maintenance of the Book Arts Studio, including letterpress equipment, bindery tools, and studio materials. The Book Arts Studio Manager has experience using and maintaining letterpress equipment, including platen and flatbed presses, and working knowledge of bookbinding and other book arts practices that may include hand papermaking, alternative print methods, and artists' books. The Book Arts Studio Manager also supervises 2+ student assistants, trains new studio assistants, monitors studio open hours, and conducts studio orientations, in addition to assisting the Book Arts Program Director with creative projects and instruction in our growing program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Studio Management & Operations:

• Manages the daily operation of the Book Arts Studio
• Monitors the studio during Open Hours
• Maintains a variety of studio equipment that includes flatbed and platen presses, bindery equipment, and digital production methods
• Maintains the organization an accurate inventory of studio tools
• Orders studio materials as needed
• Delivers studio orientation sessions on proper equipment and tool use
• Ensures a safe working environment in the studio.

Instructional Support:

• Preps materials for use in classroom instruction sessions
• Creates instructional samples for letterpress, bookbinding, or other book arts programming as needed
• Provides technical knowledge and assistance to support student projects
• Leads workshops on various print and book arts techniques
• Provides pedagogical support to the Book Arts Program Director for classroom, campus, and community programming
• Collaborates with the Book Arts Program Director to develop campus-wide and community programming, print, and book arts projects.

Administration:

• Oversees marketing for studio programs and events
• Maintains Book Arts Student Assistant work schedules
• Maintains studio calendar of classes and events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in letterpress printing required; additional experience with hand bookbinding preferred
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite Applications; working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Additional knowledge or interest in any of the following areas: papermaking, marbling, relief printing, or technologies including laser cutting, 3D printing, RISO, and/or CNC milling.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment where consultation, flexibility, collaboration, and cooperation are essential
• Ability to work and learn independently and to initiate necessary work procedures according to guidelines
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under time constraints and to meet regularly recurring deadlines on multiple, concurrent projects
• Evidence of strong analytical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and results-oriented approaches to complex problems
• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to work collegially with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• BFA in printmaking, book arts, or related field; MFA preferred
• At least one year of professional experience managing a letterpress studio, print shop, bindery, or similar studio
• Experience with and enthusiasm for working with undergraduate students preferred

We want to emphasize that the duties, qualifications, and preferences listed in this posting are intended to give applicants an understanding of the core responsibilities of this role, as well as the types of experience and skills that may be beneficial as we grow our program offerings in the Book Arts Studio. We are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills and strongly encourage those who are passionate about supporting our mission to apply, including those from historically underrepresented groups or who have followed less traditional paths to book arts training. In your resume and cover letter, please highlight the most relevant qualifications you would bring to this position based on the posting, and tell us how your background, perspective, and experience will help us deliver creative Book Arts programming to our campus community.

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, non-exempt position
• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week
• Flexible scheduling as needed, including some evenings and weekends to accommodate open studio hours, campus and community events, and student project support

SALARY STRUCTURE:
Pay Grade 5 (Hiring Range $18.24 to $24.17 per hour)

COVID-19:

The University of Richmond requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty, and staff. The University allows exemptions to this requirement for religious, medical and strong personal conviction reasons. All newly hired employees must report their status within the first two weeks of employment.

ABOUT UR:

At the University of Richmond, we're creative, inclusive, and determined. We're Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There's only one place like Richmond.

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE

About University of Richmond

About UR: At the University of Richmond, we’re creative, inclusive, and determined. We’re Spiders, and our mission is to create positive change in the UR community and beyond. Located minutes from downtown Richmond, Virginia, the University of Richmond (www.richmond.edu) blends the intimacy of a small college with exceptional academic, research, and cultural opportunities usually found only at large institutions. There’s only one place like Richmond. UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE 

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