Columbia College Chicago is an acclaimed undergraduate and graduate institution that provides a comprehensive education in the arts, communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.

Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative and media arts and business is currently searching for a Instructional Specialist.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Digital Facilities, the Instructional Specialist will support the day-to-day operations of assigned studios, labs, classrooms, darkrooms, media cages, and other related spaces within the School of Fine and Performing Arts SFPA and college at large. Responsible for participating in the maintenance of a safe and effective teaching and learning environment. Serves as a technical consultant to faculty and students, conduct demonstrations, provide hands-on learning experience in a broad range of digital media, and assist students with project completion. The Instructional Specialist functions as a team member and peer to other visual arts technology and digital staff as well as a mentor to student workers. The position collaborates closely with faculty to support evolving curricula through training and the adoption of new software, tools and equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Stay current on digital technologies and equipment and provides recommendations on integration into current practices.
Conduct orientations, demonstrations, and authorizations for faculty, staff and students about equipment and technology.
Provide technical expertise to faculty and students on the use of tools, equipment, and software. Additionally, (may/will) assist with training student workers as well as assign tasks that build and craft their technical skills.
Aid students in completion of projects associated with courses, independent projects and student group activities.
Perform daily safety supervision and enforcement of written policies for use of the College’s digital and makerspace facilities by students and faculty
Assist with the set-up hardware and install, configure, and update networks, drivers and a broad range of common and discipline-specific software to end-user workstations.
Troubleshoot and perform basic repair of computer equipment. Document repairs and fixes, equipment location, user assignment, etc.
Contribute technical expertise and support equipment in other SFPA facilities as appropriate.
Perform inventory operations
Participate in the maintenance of a safe and effective teaching and learning environment.
May initiate the Accident/Incident report. Ensure information is complete and accurate and forward report to appropriate parties
Contribute technical expertise and support equipment in other SFPA facilities as appropriate.
Perform special projects and/or other duties , as assigned or required.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
A minimum of one-year experience within IT, working in a student-centric environment preferred.
Experience in one or more visual art disciplines (photo, design, art, fashion, architecture etc.) a decided plus.
Strong technical knowledge of professional media production equipment and a wide range of media software. Knowledge of appropriate diagnostic tools to solve software and equipment issues.
Digital Inkjet Printing and Scanning expert with darkroom experience required.
Advanced skill in installation and use of digital design software including Adobe Creative Suite and other creative software titles.
Knowledge of Windows and Macintosh computer workstations and a variety of peripherals (scanners, digital drawing tablets, etc.).
Knowledge of common office applications (Microsoft Office Suite; Office 365; Google Apps Suite; Windows and Mac operating systems; and other tools needed to support coursework.)
Ability to troubleshoot computer issues (Internet connectivity, computer set-up, customization and preferences, software installation, various web browsers, etc.).
Familiarity with one or more production workflows related to curricular tracks (i.e. lighting, photo processes, darkrooms, audio, print, web, video) preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate clearly processes, explain terms, concepts and technology, and assign responsibility and provide feedback.
Excellent customer service skills.
Excellent presentation and demonstration skills.
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
Ability to effectively and timely communicate status of activities.
Ability to quickly learn new technologies.
Ability to prioritize, execute tasks, and meet deadlines in a busy environment.
Ability to collaborate and work well in a team environment.
Ability to investigate current technologies used in the industry
Ability to work a varied work schedule.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or college.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.

Additional Information

Position subject to a background screening.

This is a union position.

This position is overtime eligible.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

Primary Location: United States-Illinois-Chicago
Job: Teaching Artist
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Job Type: Standard
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Travel: No