Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A
JOB TITLE: Manager of “The Hive”
DEPARTMENT: Cambridge Public Library
JOB CODE/POSITION #: M661-001
CIVIL SERVICE: Not subject to civil service rules and regulations
HOURS OF WORK: 37.5 hours per week. A flexible schedule is required including working some evenings, Saturdays and Sundays in support of programs and events.
UNION AFFILIATION: None
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Manager of The Hive will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations and maintenance of “The Hive,” the Cambridge Public Library’s new STEAM creativity zone/makerspace. They will provide support to and instruction for staff, volunteers, and patrons on equipment and resources in The Hive. Additionally, they will contribute to the collaborative efforts of the Library STEAM team and Cambridge STEAM Initiative. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:
General Operations
- Oversees the daily operations of The Hive, ensuring it is a safe and welcoming space for all, particularly for groups and individuals who are traditionally underserved or underrepresented in STEM fields
- Engages library users in making, creating, and designing with technology and equipment
- Ensures proper calibration, functioning, maintenance, and requisition of equipment and tools, and ventilation
- Creates and manages the daily schedule, workflows, and duties, ensuring sufficient coverage from staff and volunteers
- Maintains working knowledge of industry-standard graphic software applications, digital output software, 3D modeling, scanning, AR/VR production, and multimedia production, and other related technologies
- Responsible for inventory for the space including tracking equipment and identifying and following up on any equipment needing repair or replacement
- Improves processes and workflows to make an outstanding patron experience from project idea to execution
- Maintains appropriate standards of behavior per the CPL Behavior Policy, ensuring mutual respect and safety in programs; enforces policies of the space and the library
- Advises on operating budget for supplies, equipment, and services related to The Hive
- Ensures spaces, equipment, and community use are compliant with safety measures
Extended Reality Lab and Recording Studio Space Management
- Assists patrons in booking equipment and/or studio spaces
- Manages patron check-in for studio bookings and set up/tear down AV recording studios between bookings
- Ensures smooth transition and sanitization between users of the space
Instructional Services
- Leads in-person and virtual instructions and provides assistance with use of the various technologies including 3D scanning and printing equipment, Augmented and Virtual Reality equipment, recording equipment and corresponding software programs
- Trains staff, volunteers, and patrons on safety and operation of equipment
- Oversees the badging process for users
- Contributes to the development of STEAM curriculum across the libraries
- Produces and updates educational manuals and resources for distribution to staff, volunteers, and patrons
- Prepares and delivers technical workshops and trainings on equipment and processes
- Advises patrons on utilizing equipment and processes for individual projects
- Determines workshop and training needs each quarter
- Assists in developing program and training schedule for technologies tied to The Hive across the library system
- Creates, maintains, and disseminates The Hive instructional and appointment calendars
- Provides technical assistance for special events and visiting maker instructors who utilize The Hive space and equipment
- Creates an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate for a range of learning activities
- Supports “maker” programs in all library locations and travels to branches to assist with staff training and programs
- Contributes to development of measurement tools and creation of reports to communicate outcomes and impacts of programs
Leadership & Supervision
- Supervises staff and volunteers who work in The Hive
- Supports recruitment and hiring for staff and volunteers
- Oversees the volunteer program for the space
- Evaluates staff performance annually and sets goals with staff for coming year
- Acts as a member of the Library Leadership team, attending meetings and disseminating essential information
Communications & Training
- Communicates effectively with the public, staff and administration and promotes both The Hive and overarching STEAM program philosophies, goals and results
- Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships within the community to foster collaborative programs and services around creative making in the community
- Assists with promotion of The Hive resources and services internally and externally through print and online tools
- Hosts demonstrations for orientation and community engagement events
- Creates content for professional development and represents the CPL on professional taskforces, at conferences, etc.
- Attends continuing education and professional development opportunities
Strategy and Planning
- Reaches out to the community to invite and engage a diverse group of people to participate in The Hive programs, especially residents who are under-resourced and/or underrepresented in STEM fields
- Advances The Hive and the greater Library as destinations in the City to discover, learn, and experience new technologies and STEAM opportunities
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned for the good of the department and library. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in science, technology, education or related field. 2-4 years of experience working in a makerspace setting or equivalent. Proven successful experience in science/STEAM education with a solid foundation in science, engineering, and/or math; Proficiency with digital design and fabrication tools and processes including 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, sewing, virtual and augmented reality equipment, and other makerspace technologies. Technical sophistication including comfort with graphics and CAD applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Inkscape, Tinkercad, and Fusion 360; Experience with audio and video recording equipment and software including Adobe Audition and Premier; Ability to independently pick up new technical skills as needed; Proven successful experience in makerspace or digital fabrication education; Appreciation of and sincere desire to work in a diverse, urban setting prioritizing groups and individuals who are traditionally underserved and/or underrepresented in STEM fields; Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups; Ability to thrive in a working environment with constant public contact with people from all backgrounds and age groups; Ability to identify and analyze a strategic direction and to develop and implement programs and activities to address areas of community interest/need; Outstanding project management skills; Willingness to be flexible and adaptable in an environment with a lot of change; Ability to train and lead others; Ability to creatively solve problems and negotiate and handle stressful situations in a positive manner; Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate and establish effective working relationships; Ability to frequently adopt and teach new tools, software, and technology; Willingness to seek and develop an understanding of the role, mission and functioning of a large urban public library system; Able to anticipate needs, organize work, set priorities, use time effectively, work independently, and meet deadlines; Ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple competing demands; Exceptionally self-motivated and self-directed; Exceptional customer service orientation. Ability to work with non-technically orientated end users; Experienced in external outreach with potential vendors and collaborative partners; Excellent judgment Tact Empathy Patience Maturity Sense of humor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physically able to operate a variety of technical equipment such as computers, scanners, printers, and mobile devices; Ability to sit and use computer workstation, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time; Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work; Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to communicate effectively; Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to read printed and online materials.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in “The Hive” and other assigned areas, including branches as needed. Work is performed primarily in an indoor setting at the library, including public and shared-office spaces. Normal workshop exposure to noise, stress and interruptions.
RATE: $76,028 – $89,964 + excellent benefits
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and letter of interest; external applicants submit both your resume and letter of interest via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax (617) 349-4312. Resume and letter of interest requested by 12/15/20. Position will remain open until filled.
THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.