Operations and Communications Manager

at  Western University

CLASSIFICATION & REGULAR HOURS

Hours per Week: 35
Salary Grade: 15
Please note, this is a temporary full time contract opportunity with an expected end date of September 19, 2025.

ABOUT US

The Department of Visual Arts provides the best student experience in the field of art among North America’s leading Universities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate degree a related field
• Master’s in Fine Arts is preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ experience managing staff
• Experience developing and implementing digital and print communication and marketing
• Experience managing studio production spaces and new media labs
• Experience overseeing the implementation of facilities-related projects
• Experience with developing strategies for web design and maintenance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of studio art practice with the ability to provide and apply technical knowledge in studio areas
• Familiarity with preventative maintenance techniques and practices and of general laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of various methods of digital image creation, manipulation, and production
• Proven ability to take initiative and champion a project from conception through implementation and evaluation
• Knowledge of audio/visual equipment, smart classroom delivery systems and of digital image production (still image, video, web) on PC and Mac platforms
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite products
• Knowledge of financial management and budgeting principles with the ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
• Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms, communication and engagement strategies for student populations
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to delegate work and provide team members with clear direction and support in meeting their objectives
• Ability to provide guidance on the proper and safe use of materials and equipment and to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Strong presentation skills with demonstrated ability to conduct training sessions and instruct others
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Critical thinking skills to analyze problems, and collect information required to make an accurate conclusion
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with clients, peers and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

The Operations and Communications Manager oversees technical and media services and the effective operation of the Visual Art Centre’s workshops and studios. This includes the general maintenance of art studio areas and all technical needs of studio and art history areas of the Department, as well has handling matters of health and safety in cooperation with the respective area technicians. The role involves promoting and enhancing the reputation of the Department of Visual Arts through effective operations of Visual Arts Studio Facilities, management of the technical staff team, and communications using a variety of social media platforms. The role provides leadership to the technical and media services staff, ensures the safe and effective operation of the Centre’s workshops and studios, and supports student and faculty research by managing teams and studio resources. The Manager acts as a first point of contact regarding issues and inquiries related to the facility. The role also manages the development and implementation of capital plans and donor-based projects, overseeing renovation projects and space changes. The Manager oversees purchasing related to the technical budget, media budget and/or Cohen Lab budget. The role also offers consultation and technical support of the Arts and Humanities Livestream Lab. The Manager also offers some online course support for OWL Brightspace.