Manager, Studio Operations

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?

 

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking to fill two (2) Manager, Studio Operations roles to be responsible for the operation and direction of all academic technical services, staff, and facilities including studios, shops, classrooms and galleries.

 

The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.

 

These are full-time permanent positions starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.

 

Why AUArts?

 

AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.

 

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.

 

The Opportunity

 

Competition #2425-FE-MP-19

 

Reporting to the Director, Academic Resources, the Manager, Studio Operations provides leadership to meet institutional strategic goals and ensure the effective delivery of curriculum support to faculty, instructors and students. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with health, safety and environment bylaws and legislation for academic areas, in coordination with HSSE leaders.

 

The Manager, Studio Operations is also a leader for relevant projects, initiatives and continuous improvement in academic support, in alignment with organizational operational and strategic plans.

 

As a member of the AUArts leadership team; this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Team Leadership & Studio Operations

• Provide active leadership of studio teams, including Educational Art Technicians, Studio Assistants, Art Models, Software Tutors and Student Employees.
• Manage employee relations, including hiring, orientation, training and active performance management.
• Develop team members through mentoring, coaching, training, objective setting, ongoing feedback, and recognition.
• Manage all scheduling and resource allocation, including studio access, coverage, casual staff shifts, leaves, and delegation of work.
• Actively monitor the academic studios and classrooms, equipment, and facilities, ensuring compliance with current curriculum, future curricular changes, new programs and curriculum-related support.
• Lead the development of standard studio operating practices and ensure these practices are accessible to, and followed by, faculty, students and staff working in the studios.
• Develop and implement short and long-term team goals and strategies.
• Set goals and expectations in consultation with Academic Leadership that support the academic plan and institutional strategic plan, including policy compliance and equity, diversity & inclusion initiatives.
• Effectively lead employees through organizational, systems, process and other changes.
• Manage studio allocation and access, including home studio assignment process.

 

Space, Material & Equipment Lifecycle Management

• Actively monitor and assess studio equipment for prioritization on the evergreen schedule.
• Develop proposals for capital and operating funding to facilitate new equipment or facilities, equipment upgrading or evergreening.
• Manage funded projects from initial research to procurement and commissioning.
• In partnership with organizational leaders (Campus Operations) manage CAPEX/OPEX facility projects in the academic area. 
• Facilitate procurement, implementation, and installation of new equipment with the area Educational Art Technician including required changes to update HSE documentation.
• Ensure studio spaces are compliant with HSE program, including active monitoring of hazard assessments and audit of documentation (Monitor and update Access, Training and Monitoring and Notice of Risk/Informed Consent).
• Lead Educational Art Technicians and faculty through space and HSE updates prompted by changes curriculum or equipment and processes.

 

Budget Management

• Manage the operating supply budgets for each studio area, overseeing all operational costs, budget and asset management.
• Manage budget items such as scheduling casual support (studio assistants, art models software tutors), material purchasing and waste disposal.
• Monitor in year capital and operating budget and works with Academic Leadership budget development.
• Monitor incremental studio operating costs to ensure mandatory non-instructional fees and program fees are sustainable for studio operations and affordable for students.
• Provide feedback and insight to the Academic Leadership Team with respect to studio operations including budget management and student fees for materials and services.

 

Qualifications:

 

The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of

success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.

 

Undergraduate degree in Fine Art, Design or related field with subject area specialization.

• 7 years experience in a similar role; minimum of 3 years management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of studio practice and management protocols required for craft disciplines, and technological applications for design and fabrication.
• Demonstrated experience in project management specifically related to capital equipment acquisitions and evergreening current equipment and facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading and managing processes within a health, safety, and environment framework.
• Demonstrated expertise with academic learning facilities and curricular learning outcomes.
• Demonstrated proficient in Office 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Power Automate, Forms).
• Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Proficient in operational and financial management.
• Certifications in health & safety management.
• Education in change management is an asset.
• Education in leadership and management is an asset.
• Education in project management is an asset.

 

Competencies:

 

AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization.  Responsibilities of leaders include the following: 

 

Healthy Spaces 

• Create and maintain a respectful working environment. 

• Lead by example creating respectful dialogue standards. 
• Champion expectations related to physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. 

 

Active Inclusion 

• Create and maintain an environment of active inclusion. 

• Lead by example implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles. 
• Champion Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity and inclusion programs, policies, and communications. 

 

Creative Innovation 

• Evaluate current practices and propose innovative solutions. 

• Lead implementation of projects with a change management focus.  
• Champion change and actively support new initiatives. 

 

Collaborative Practice 

• Create and maintain active collaboration within and between teams. 

• Lead by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.  
• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders. 

 

Strategic Leadership 

• Create and implement operational plans, reviews, and projects.  

• Ensure policy, budgetary and legislative compliance within department. 
• Champion employee engagement by establishing and expanding best practices, employee development and continuous learning. 

 

What We Offer

 

• Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
• Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, 9 Flex days, Personal days, and other types of leave
• Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31
• Flexible / hybrid work arrangements

 

The starting annual salary will be dependent upon skills, education and experience.

 

How to Apply

 

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF document and include:

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

 

Candidates will be required to create an account to submit an application. Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Please upload your single document to the “Resume” section – do not upload any documents to the “Cover Letter” section.

 

The deadline to apply is March 20, 2025. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.

 

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.

 

We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

 

We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.

 

We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact hr@auarts.ca. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.

 

The collection of personal information is for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, section 33(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact our FOIP Coordinator at foip@auarts.ca.