MFA Studio Operations Manager - Art Labs & Studios

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks an Operations Manager for the Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios in Culver City. You will oversee daily operations, safety, facilities, and academic support for MFA studios, labs, and classrooms, enabling students to pursue rigorous artistic inquiry.

The role supports graduate programs in Ceramics, Interdisciplinary Studio, New Genres, Painting and Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture, fostering an inclusive and adaptable environment for creative

Qualifications

• Art practices Experience and working knowledge in the following areas of contemporary art practices: digital media, photography, interdisciplinary studies,new genres, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, and ceramics. (Required)
• Leadership Experience providing leadership and oversight in the implementation of safe operating practices, including training and supervising students and staff, ensuring proper equipment and material use, maintaining compliance with safety requirements, and coordinating facility care and maintenance activities. (Required)
• Instruction Experience providing instruction, mentorship, and technical guidance to MFA students in support of advanced artistic practices, research, experimentation, and the development of independent creative projects. (Preferred)
• School-level relationship building Experience establishing effective working relationships with faculty, department leadership, and school-level administrators while demonstrating initiative, adaptability, diplomacy, and a solutions-oriented approach to completing tasks and advancing organizational objectives. (Required)
• University-level systems and units Experience working within a complex university environment, including experience with UCLA administrative systems, purchasing and budget processes, campus service units, and Facilities Management operations to coordinate resources, resolve issues, and advance departmental initiatives. (Preferred)
• Thorough knowledge in the areas of building space planning, codes, capacity, security, fire safety, organization and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences. (Required)
• Ability to exercise authority in establishing, implementing, and enforcing Environmental Health and Safety standards and procedures to maintain a safe, compliant, and well-managed working environment, including proper use of equipment, facilities, and hazardous materials. (Required)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including good service orientation and effective problem solving. (Required)
• Knowledge of architectural or engineering concepts including OSHA standards, applicable building codes, and institutional safety requirements, with the ability to assess facility conditions, coordinate corrective actions, and ensure workspaces, equipment, and operations meet health and safety standards. (Preferred)
• Thorough and effective skills to multi-task and prioritize daily activities effectively. (Required)
• Working knowledge of first-aid, including certification in CPR. (Required)

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations, long-range planning, safety, technology, training, instruction, and administrative and academic support across studios, labs, shops, classrooms, galleries, and communal spaces.
• Supports graduate study in Ceramics, Interdisciplinary Studio, New Genres, Painting and Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture.
• Helps create a safe, inclusive, and adaptable environment where students can explore, experiment, and develop sustained artistic practices.

Skills

Art practices

Leadership

Instruction

Relationship building

Safety compliance

Multi-tasking

First-aid CPR

Communication

Education

M.F.A. or equivalent

CA driver's license

Job description

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) seeks an Operations Manager for the Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios in Culver City. You will oversee daily operations, safety, facilities, and academic support for MFA studios, labs, and classrooms, enabling students to pursue rigorous artistic inquiry.

The role supports graduate programs in Ceramics, Interdisciplinary Studio, New Genres, Painting and Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture, fostering an inclusive and adaptable environment for creative