Faculty Director of Sears think[box]
Position Description
Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate has been identified. Those received prior to January 13, 2025, will receive first consideration.
Date: December 2024
Business Title: Faculty Director of Sears think[box]
Department Name: Sears think[box]
Management Center: University General
Supervisor Name and Title: Jeffrey Capadona, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Innovation in Education
Position Objective
The Faculty Director of the Sears think[box] will work closely with the Executive Director and Vice Provost for Innovation to focus on the integration of makerspace resources into academic curricula and the advancement of strategic initiatives for experiential learning. This role is an administrative supplemental position. Compensation will be in the form of a stipend, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
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Academic integration support (40%): Collaboratively lead the development of curriculum utilizing think[box] resources for introduction into new and existing academic programs/courses. Work with the Executive Director and think[box] Senior Staff to creatively support faculty course needs. Identify and cultivate relationships with key departments to showcase think[box] resources and share successful examples of think[box]-based coursework, projects, and other experiential learning opportunities from peer departments. Provide faculty perspective on other academic partnerships.
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Faculty Fellowship program support (40%): Lead the visioning, deployment, and refinement of the think[box] Faculty Fellowship, providing input on program structure, requirements, and desired outcomes. Work with the Executive Director and think[box] Senior Staff to craft a thoughtful program arc, including website language, application process, project requirements, timeline, and assessment criteria. Review seasonal applications, participate in the selection committee, and promote the Fellowship to faculty and department heads. Lead program delivery in collaboration with think[box] staff.
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Faculty advocacy and outreach (15%): Serve as a faculty liaison and advocate for think[box] within the academic community. Champion experiential learning opportunities to faculty peers. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and other potential partners. Attend high-level strategic outreach events and activities as needed (1-2 per semester). Champion think[box]’s mission and vision, prioritizing both student and public users.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support mission-critical activities (2.5%).
- Perform other duties assigned (2.5%).
Contacts
Department: Continuous contact with Sears think[box] staff and Executive Director to collaborate on initiatives as defined above. Regular contact with student technicians to gather information and share perspectives.
University: Regular contact with the Office of the Provost and faculty peers from all departments to represent think[box]’s academic goals; occasional contact with the deans of schools and colleges.
External: Occasional contact with public users to gather information and share perspectives. Occasional contact with donors and local corporate partners for outreach and programming efforts.
Students: Occasional contact with undergraduate and graduate student users to gather information and share perspectives.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.
Qualifications
Experience: Tenured or nontenure track faculty appointment at Case Western Reserve University.
Required Skills
- Commitment to think[box]s diverse stakeholders, including public and student users.
- Demonstrated interest in—and a strong understanding of—maker culture, experiential learning, and innovation in education. Prior experience with think[box] or similar makerspaces preferred.
- Experience incorporating project-based or hands-on learning in his/her/their courses.
- Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the university's values, mission, and messaging, while adhering to the policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
- Track record of successful cross-disciplinary collaboration, including an ability to build strong faculty relationships and champion creative initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and management skills and a collaborative management style.
- Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment.
- Persuasive and passionate speaker for events (e.g., emcee, panel member, keynote speaker, conference speaker, television interviewee/interviewer).
- Ability to engage and motivate students from multiple backgrounds (e.g., art, music, engineering, science) engaged in outreach programs.
- Demonstrated commitment to high professional, ethical standards within a diverse workplace.
Working Conditions
The employee may be asked to work flexible hours and will occasionally be required to work on evenings and weekends. Ability to travel and work flexible hours, may include some evenings and weekends as required. Workshop safety rules must be strictly enforced at all times when interacting with staff and students who are using various workshop/laboratory machines and equipment.
Submission Requirements
Candidates should submit 1) a cover letter that states interest in the position, experience in areas related to the role, and vision for the role, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of four reference contacts. Please submit application materials as one, combined PDF to Liz Jaszczak at eaj54@case.edu. Please name your file "Last Name, First Name_Faculty Director for think[box]." Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate has been identified; those received prior to January 13, 2025, will receive first consideration.
Prototyping Manager of Sears think[box]
Position Objective
Sears think[box], a seven-story, 50,000-square-foot innovation center at Case Western Reserve University, stands as the nation's largest open-access makerspace, offering free trainings and access to advanced fabrication tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines to university members, local entrepreneurs, and the broader Cleveland community.
The Prototyping Manager will lead the think[box]'s Prototyping (3rd) Floor operations while fostering an innovative and inclusive environment. This position combines expertise in design, fabrication, creative problem-solving, and customer service to provide guidance to users working on diverse academic, entrepreneurial, and personal projects.
Core responsibilities include implementing safety protocols, performing equipment maintenance and repairs, managing material inventory and ordering, and supervising student technicians. Working with the Makerspace Director, Prototyping Engineer, and other think[box] staff, the Prototyping Manager will also collaborate on the development and delivery of hands-on workshops, trainings, and other educational programs to advance users' fabrication skills and build confidence.
Key Responsibilities
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Design and Manufacturing Leadership: Provide expert guidance in 2D and 3D design, prototyping, and digital fabrication to users across all skill levels working on academic, entrepreneurial, and personal projects. Learn and assist with key software and equipment. Mentor users and staff through challenges related to 3D modeling, material selection, and file preparation for additive and subtractive manufacturing processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, and textile work. Consult with faculty to advise on prototyping-related curriculum and support course-relevant design-and-build projects. Champion best practices that emphasize safety, sustainability, and creative exploration. Create an accessible and welcoming space that encourages experiential learning. Represent the Prototyping Floor at team meetings, in user consultations, and on facility tours. (55%)
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Training: Collaborate with the Makerspace Director, Makerspace Manager, and Fabrication Manager to recruit, train, and manage a team of 15+ prototyping-specific student technicians that support users with project design and prototyping requests, perform routine equipment maintenance, and run professional 3D printing services. Support the development and delivery of training week for student employees. Develop and deliver shorter training sessions and other supports for general users. (20%)
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Operations Management: Manage the installation, operation, and maintenance of digital design software and prototyping equipment (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, basic electronics, 3D scanners, sewing and embroidery machines, electronics soldering stations, etc.). Advise the Sears think[box] leadership team on the selection and purchase of new, upgraded, and/or replacement equipment based on industry trends and user needs. Manage equipment procurement, safety protocols, and maintenance schedules. Maintain inventory and order supplies, replacement parts, materials, and consumables required for 3rd floor operations and community programs. Keep inventory pricing up to date and adjust as needed. Ensure year-round operational excellence through strategic planning and continuous improvement of workspace and resources. (15%)
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with and participate in day-to-day Sears think[box] operations. (5%)
- Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
Contacts
Department: Continuous contact with Sears think[box] management, including the Makerspace Director, Makerspace Manager, and Fabrication Manager. Occasional contact with the Executive Director and Faculty Director to advise or assist on special tasks and projects.
University: Moderate contact with university faculty and staff to advise and assist on design/make-related activities. Occasional contact with the offices of the President and Provost, deans of schools and colleges, and central administration to provide information.
External: Moderate contact with alumni, potential donors, local companies, potential clients, and local K-12 educators and students to represent think[box], advise on prototyping-specific questions, deliver tours, provide hands-on workshops, and general project mentorship.
Students: Continuous contact with graduate and undergraduate students using think[box] resources, especially student project teams and others involved with 3rd-floor design/build/validate projects and competitions. Continuous contact with Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Institute of Art undergraduate student technicians to exchange information.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist in the recruitment, training, and management of 15+ undergraduate student technicians from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Institute of Art.
Qualifications
Experience: 3 to 5 years of proven professional design and fabrication/manufacturing experience required. Experience supervising and/or instructing undergraduate students engaged in design/make project work would be a distinct advantage.
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. engineering, design, at, manufacturing, or similar). Graduate degree preferred.
Required Skills
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching, mentorship, and safety.
- Demonstrated proficiency in CAD/CAM software, with a focus on 3D modeling (e.g. Rhino, ZBrush, Blender, or similar) and 2D graphical design (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, Inkscape, or similar).
- Experience with model optimization, file preparation, and post-processing for additive manufacturing, including with desktop and industrial FDM 3D printers and SLA resin 3D printers. Experience with (or willingness to learn) Materialise Mimics software to create 3D models from CT scans.
- Experience with a variety of manual and computer-controlled fabrication and prototyping machines, equipment, and processes, including but not limited to laser cutters/engravers, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, soldering tools, sewing and embroidery machines, and bench tools.
- Ability to explain/demonstrate/instruct prototyping manufacturing skills to users of all backgrounds and skill levels.
- Ability to engage and motivate students from multiple backgrounds (art, music, engineering, science) engaged in design/build/validate projects.
- Strong interpersonal and management skills.
- Practical design/make experience, with a successful record of creative project design, management, manufacture, testing, and delivery.
- Ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects.
- A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
- Excellent organizational skills, a growth mindset (openness to direction), and a commitment to get the job done.
- Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required to provide coverage, primarily for the Sears think[box] Prototyping Floor.
- Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Working Conditions
Duties will require working with various manual and computer-controlled machines and processes, laser cutting and engraving and manipulating a range of polymeric, and wood-based materials. None of the processes or materials will present any toxic hazards. The duties of the position will involve occasional travel supporting students in external competitions and working flexible hours in the evenings and weekends.