Manager, Studio Operations

Alberta University of the Arts; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Calgary is seeking a Manager, Studio Operations to oversee studio and equipment management, ensure compliance with health and safety standards, and lead a diverse team. The role requires strong leadership, budget management skills, and a relevant degree. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, starting October 2025.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days

Paid time off over University closure

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in a similar role, minimum of 3 years in management.
• Knowledge of studio practice and management for craft disciplines.
• Experience with academic learning facilities and curricular learning outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide active leadership of studio teams.
• Manage employee relations, hiring, and training.
• Monitor academic studios for curriculum alignment.

Skills

Team Leadership

Studio Management

Budget Management

Health & Safety Compliance

Project Management

Education

Undergraduate degree in Fine Art, Design or related field

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Overview

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is seeking a Manager, Studio Operations to oversee the operation and direction of all academic technical services, staff, and facilities including studios, shops, classrooms and galleries. This is a full-time permanent position starting October 2025, with hours of work 35 per week (7 hours per day).

The role reports to the Director, Academic Resources and provides leadership to meet institutional strategic goals and ensure the effective delivery of curriculum support to faculty, instructors and students. The Manager ensures compliance with health, safety and environment bylaws and legislation for academic areas, in coordination with HSSE leaders. The Manager leads relevant projects, initiatives and continuous improvement in academic support, aligned with operational and strategic plans. As a member of the AUArts Academic leadership team, this role champions and integrates 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 performance management.
• Develop team members through mentoring, coaching, training, objective setting, ongoing feedback, and recognition.
• Manage scheduling and resource allocation, including studio access, casual staff shifts, leaves, and delegation of work.
• Monitor academic studios, classrooms, equipment and facilities for curriculum alignment and new program support.
• Lead development of standard studio operating practices and ensure accessibility for faculty, students and staff.
• Develop and implement short and long-term team goals and strategies.
• Set goals with Academic Leadership that support the academic plan and institutional strategy, including policy compliance and inclusion initiatives.
• Lead employees through organizational changes and process improvements.
• Manage studio allocation and access, including the home studio assignment process.

• Space, Material & Equipment Lifecycle Management
• Monitor and assess studio equipment prioritization on the evergreen schedule.
• Develop proposals for capital and operating funding for new equipment or facility upgrades.
• Manage funded projects from initial research to procurement and commissioning.
• Partner with Campus Operations to manage CAPEX/OPEX facility projects in the academic area.
• Facilitate procurement, implementation and installation of new equipment with Educational Art Technicians, including updating HSE documentation.
• Ensure studio spaces are compliant with HSE programs; monitor hazard assessments and audit documentation.
• Lead Educational Art Technicians and faculty through space and HSE updates prompted by curriculum or equipment changes.

• Budget Management
• Manage operating supply budgets for each studio area, overseeing operational costs, budget and asset management.
• Oversee budget items such as casual staff, material purchasing and waste disposal.
• Monitor in-year budget and support Academic Leadership budget development.
• Ensure non-instructional fees and program fees remain sustainable and affordable for students.
• Provide feedback to the Academic Leadership Team on studio operations, budget management and student materials/services fees.

Qualifications

The following qualifications promote success in the role. In alignment with inclusion principles, alternative equivalent qualifications may be considered.

• Undergraduate degree in Fine Art, Design or related field with relevant specialization.
• 7 years of experience in a similar role; minimum of 3 years in management.
• Knowledge of studio practice and management for craft disciplines and design and fabrication technologies.
• Experience in project management related to capital equipment acquisitions and equipment evergreenings.
• Experience leading and managing processes within a health, safety and environment framework.
• Experience with academic learning facilities and curricular learning outcomes.
• Proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Power Automate, Flow, Forms).
• Knowledge of post-secondary legislation, policies and procedures.
• Proficiency in operational and financial management.
• Certifications in health & safety management.
• Education in change management, leadership and management, or project management is an asset.

Competencies

AUArts has five core competencies to promote unity of vision and action.

Healthy Spaces

• Create and maintain a respectful working environment.
• Lead by example with respectful dialogue standards.
• Champion health, safety, and wellness expectations.

Active Inclusion

• Promote active inclusion and apply equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles.
• Support Indigenous strategies and inclusion programs, policies, and communications.

Creative Innovation

• Evaluate current practices and propose innovative solutions.
• Lead change-focused project implementations.
• Support new initiatives and change efforts.

Collaborative Practice

• Encourage collaboration within and between teams.
• Foster effective communication and strong internal relationships.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement operational plans, reviews, and projects.
• Ensure policy, budgetary and legislative compliance within the department.
• Promote employee engagement 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 leave.
• Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31.

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

How to Apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF document including a Cover Letter and Resume/CV. The application FAQ page may help ensure your submission is complete. Upload your document to the “Resume” section.

Important Dates & Accessibility

Deadline to apply: Friday, October 3, 2025. We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

More information about AUArts is available on our website: AUArts.ca

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from groups historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+.

We acknowledge career interruptions and encourage applicants to indicate any impact on their record. We are committed to accessible recruitment and can provide accommodations. If you require accommodations at any point in the process, please contact [e-mail]. All accommodation requests are confidential.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadians and permanent residents may receive priority. All successful candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The personal information collected through this site will be used to determine eligibility and may be shared as required. For questions about data collection, contact [e-mail] or the University Secretary at [e-mail], or call 403.284.7647.