Seattle University

Director of Creative Spaces

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Market Reference Range (MRR): 11

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.

Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.

Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.

Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.

Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.

Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The Director of Creative Spaces provides strategic leadership, daily operational oversight, and forward-looking development of the makerspaces and creative production facilities that support Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University, located at the South Lake Union campus. These spaces include the Fabrication Lab, Costume Shop, Print and Book Arts Lab, Photo Studio, Multimedia Checkout Center, and Painting and Drawing Studios, along with additional support areas that serve interdisciplinary and performance-based programs within Cornish.

This role is critical in fostering dynamic, hands-on learning environments where students build technical skills, explore materials and processes, and bridge conceptual thinking with professional practice. The Director works collaboratively with faculty, technical staff, and campus leadership to ensure creative spaces are safe, inclusive, and aligned with academic curricula, evolving industry standards, and student learning outcomes. In addition to overseeing daily operations, the Director plays a key role in strategic planning, resource management, and innovation to advance Cornish’s academic mission and support student success across creative disciplines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Administration

• Provide comprehensive administrative leadership for all Creative Spaces across Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University.
• Lead the development and implementation of safe, inclusive, and pedagogically aligned practices across all shops, labs, and studios.
• Manage and track operational and capital budgets for Creative Spaces, ensuring responsible stewardship of institutional resources.
• Plan and implement facility upgrades and capital improvements in collaboration with college leadership.
• Participate in institutional planning and serve on committees related to creative technology, curriculum development, and facilities use.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Supervise and support all Creative Spaces technicians, fostering a collaborative team environment with shared goals for student learning and community safety.
• Oversee staffing schedules, technician workflows, training programs, and cross-lab engagement.
• Directly supervise all Creative Spaces technicians and indirectly oversee student assistants and work-study employees.
• Support onboarding, training, mentorship, and performance feedback for all staff working in the spaces.
• Encourage a culture of respect, creativity, experimentation, and inclusivity across all technical learning environments.

Academic and Curricular Support

• In consultation with faculty and academic leadership, develop a semesterly technical skills training program aligned with curricular outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty on integrating emerging technologies, analog processes, and sustainable practices into Creative Spaces.
• Support interdisciplinary approaches to project development, facilitating experimentation, material literacy, and professional protocols.
• Ensure that Creative Spaces programming and operations align with college and university leaders’ priorities and student learning goals.

Operations, Safety, and Compliance

• Oversee procurement and inventory of equipment, tools, software, and materials for all Creative Spaces.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with vendors; coordinate service and maintenance contracts in collaboration with Facilities and Operations.
• Ensure all makerspaces meet institutional, OSHA, and ADA safety standards; work with Facilities and Operations teams on compliance and upkeep.
• Establish and regularly update safety protocols, training documents, and emergency procedures for each space.

Campus and Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison to campus partners across operations, marketing, and student services to support space use, storytelling, and engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with communications staff to promote programming and exhibitions emerging from student work and lab activity.
• Contribute to elevating the visibility of Creative Spaces within the broader campus community and external audiences.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as fine arts, design, theater production, or arts administration.
• Five years of supervisory experience in a multi-purpose, academically affiliated creative or performing arts facility.
• Two years of experience managing or advancing theatrical or concert productions.
• Two years of experience supporting or managing visual arts programs, studios, or makerspaces.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Technical and Financial Skills

• Demonstrated experience in long-range planning, budget development, and financial stewardship.
• Experience preparing estimates, monitoring production budgets, or participating in settlements.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Demonstrated leadership ability to plan and delegate work, motivate staff, manage conflict, and evaluate performance in alignment with institutional policies and applicable regulations.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, and community members, with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining a working atmosphere free of discrimination and bias.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team.

Technology and Systems Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (G Suite), including Excel/Sheets.
• Experience using PC and/or Macintosh computers.

Professional Attributes

• Ability to calmly and accurately multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and safe driving record.
• Must pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA or graduate degree in Arts Administration or a related field.
• Experience working in a higher education or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience using event management or scheduling software.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary spaces that support both performance and visual arts.
• Familiarity with academic curriculum design or integration of technical learning outcomes in studio environments.
• Knowledge of ADA, OSHA, and safety standards relevant to creative production spaces.
• Experience developing or overseeing student employment, mentorship, or training programs in technical or creative settings.
• Knowledge of inventory systems, digital fabrication tools, and analog equipment relevant to creative spaces.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This position involves standing or walking for extended periods and may require assisting with event setup.
• Evening and weekend hours are required during exhibition and event schedules.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $37.13 per hour

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.

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