Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager

Seattle-University; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits for employee and our/

Onsite fitness facility

Wellness program

Generous leave and holiday schedule

Hybrid or on-site benefits depending

Job summary

Seattle University is seeking a Makerspace Lab Manager to oversee the Billodue Makerspace, ensuring the space is approachable, well-supported, and ready for use by a wide range of students.

You will manage tools and safety, oversee inventory, and coordinate space use, while building inclusive, hands-on programs that invite exploration and learning across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques related to maker practice and experiential learning.
• Knowledge and skills related to sewing, fashion, fabric arts, and/or textile design.
• Knowledge of a variety of craft and maker processes and technologies.
• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule activities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, access, and front-line user support.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials for reliability and usability.
• Implement clear, accessible safety and training practices.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, and supply systems.
• Coordinate space usage and improve participation ease.

Skills

Maker practice

Experiential learning

Sewing & textile design

Tool operation

Planning & scheduling

Safety training

Tools

Arduinos / Raspberry Pi

IoT devices

Job description

Months Per Year:12Work Model:OnsiteSeattle 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 CompetenciesEffective 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:30% - Makerspace Operations and OversightThe Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager oversees the daily functioning of the space, ensuring it is approachable, well-supported, and ready for use by a wide range of students, including those with no prior experience. This includes maintaining tools, equipment, and materials while establishing clear, consistent systems that make participation straightforward. The role focuses on reducing friction through intuitive processes, transparent expectations, and right-sized safety practices, while managing supplies, scheduling, and real-time user support. Attention to both operations and user experience helps sustain a space that invites exploration, lowers intimidation, and encourages independent engagement.Key Responsibilities:Manage daily operations, access, and front-line user supportMaintain tools, equipment, and materials for reliability and usabilityImplement clear, accessible safety and training practicesOversee inventory, purchasing, and supply systemsCoordinate space usage and improve ease of participation25% - Mentorship and SupervisionThe Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager develops and sustains a student-centered staffing model that is essential to both the operations and culture of the space. Student staff are not only operators, but peer educators and community builders. This role includes recruiting, training, and supervising a team of student employees who support others in navigating tools, processes, and creative work. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ confidence, judgment, and ability to support peers from a wide range of backgrounds. Through structured training and ongoing mentorship, the Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager fosters a collaborative team culture grounded in care, shared responsibility, and continuous learning.Key Responsibilities:Recruit, train, and supervise student staffDevelop onboarding and ongoing training for technical and facilitation skillsFoster an inclusive, collaborative team environmentMentor students in peer support and user engagementCreate leadership pathways for returning staff20% - Community Building and OutreachThe Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager contributes to a culture that centers belonging, creative exploration, and broad participation. This includes developing programming that invites experimentation, play, and connection, particularly for students who may not initially see themselves as “makers.” In collaboration with the Manager, the role supports relationships with student organizations and campus partners to expand engagement and ensure the space reflects a wide range of identities and creative practices. Through outreach, events, and communications, the Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager helps position the makerspace as an open, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and grow.Key Responsibilities:Develop programs that encourage creativity, exploration, and connectionSupport relationships with student groups and partners in collaboration with the ManagerCreate accessible entry points for new and underrepresented usersPromote an inclusive, multidisciplinary understanding of makingContribute to outreach and engagement efforts20% - Academic and Institutional SupportWorking in collaboration with the Manager, Library Makerspaces, the Billodue Makerspace Lab Manager supports the integration of making into teaching and learning across disciplines. This includes assisting faculty in developing makerspace-based assignments and translating course goals into hands-on activities that emphasize exploration, process, and creative inquiry. The role contributes to workshops and instructional sessions and develops materials that help students engage meaningfully with tools and creative practices. In coordination with the Manager, the role also supports partnerships with campus units that expand experiential learning and invite broader participation in making as a form of inquiry and expression.Key Responsibilities:Support faculty collaboration on makerspace-based assignments and projectsTranslate learning goals into hands-on, student-centered activitiesDesign and deliver workshops or instructional sessionsDevelop instructional resources and documentationParticipate in campus partnerships in coordination with the ManagerMARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS5% - Other Duties as Assigned• Remain knowledgeable and informed about trends in experiential learning and makerspace technologies• Attend Library/division/department meetings• Contribute to Library committees and working groups as assigned• Perform other duties as neededWORK SCHEDULEMonday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Makerspace events may take place outside regular working hours, requiring some schedule flexibility. To serve a year-round academic community, the library is open some legal or university holidays and staff may be required to work a full or partial shift on such days.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSSpecific Knowledge and Abilities:Knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques related to maker practice and experiential learning.Knowledge and skills related to sewing, fashion, fabric arts, and/or textile design.Knowledge and skills in a variety of craft and maker processes and technologies.Ability to plan, organize, and schedule activities.Ability to operate maker equipment and tools.Ability to maintain usage data and information.Ability to adjust and perform simple maintenance of technical equipment.Ability to lift, push, and pull 40 pounds.Willingness to accept and support the mission of Seattle University and its commitment to the vision and values of Jesuit and Catholic higher education.Ability to work a flexible schedule that may involve evenings and weekends as needed.This position requires a background check of criminal history.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSTwo or more years’ previous experience working in higher education academic makerspaces, libraries, media, or technology centers.Experience with crafting, woodworking, or bicycle repair and maintenance.Experience with intermediate electronics (circuit boards, Arduinos/Raspberry Pi, IoT devices, etc.).Experience with the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and the maker movement.Ability to deliver training and instruction to users with different experience levels and cultural backgrounds.Experience leading the work of students.Application InstructionsPlease attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.Compensation at a Glance$62,700 – $69,400Seattle 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 GlanceConsistent 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/Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.