Manager of Central Shop

POSITION TITLE: Central Shop Manager

DIVISION: Technology

DEPARTMENT: Creative Technology

REPORTS TO: Director, Creative Technology

PAY TYPE: Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-time

UPDATED: September 2026

PAY: 51,500

KCAI Central Shop is an interdepartmental support facility for use by the students, faculty and staff. It’s equipped with woodworking machines and tools, including table saws, bandsaws, miter saws, jointer, planer and drill presses, as well as a supply of hand power tools for use in the shop and for check out. The Central Shop Manager leads the administrative and operational functions of all shop operations. The Manager guides and coordinates technicians, work study students, and other personnel working in this area to ensure that all spaces maintain best safety and health practices and standards, and that all areas are well-maintained and fully functioning to support the mission of KCAI.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

• Implement university administrative policies and operational workflows; implement shop policies and procedures.

• Ensure patrons have safe and reliable access to the extensive collection of tools and equipment they need to complete projects and further education.

• Gather and report data as needed to support the Director in operations and planning.

• Maintains records and ensures individual documentation is up to date.

• Manages the maintenance, repair, and update of shop and studio equipment.

• Identify areas to improve efficiency, space planning, or technology use. Identify areas of concern.

• Acts as technical consultant to faculty and trains/assists faculty who wish to use the facility and/or teach in the facility.

• Ensures the safety of our students and faculty while inspiring confidence and competence.

• Train staff on first aid and emergency protocols; ensure first aid stations are stocked; administer basic first aid as needed.

• Work directly with students and faculty to ensure support and quality of output; advise students on basic fabrication issues; correct file setup and complete projects; guides students and faculty on challenging projects.

• Identify and provide solutions to issues; provide backup operations support during times of high demand; participate in university-wide special projects and events as requested.

• Performs demonstrations and provides training.

• Demonstrate the safe operation of shop equipment and related procedures; implement and comply with all safety policies and procedures; implement OSHA standards.

• Providing high-quality, professional services, timely responses, and solutions to customer requests.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

• Central Shop Technicians

• Work-study students

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of woodworking, metal fabrication, welding, foundry and casting, ceramics, kiln operations, fiber arts, textile production, material processing, machinery and tool maintenance, shop safety and compliance, first-year technical instruction, cross-disciplinary fabrication, studio operations.

• Strong management skills.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Excellent computer skills.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Ability to relate well to others.

• Ability to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.

• Critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills. Exceptional ability to troubleshoot.

• Results-driven and self-motivated.

• Possess skills of tact and diplomacy with a diverse population in a demanding environment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to monitor work for accuracy and thoroughness.

• May occasionally require the ability to work flexible hours.

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field 

• Prior experience in a woodworking and  fabrication environment

• Advanced knowledge and experience in the safe and efficient operation, repair, and maintenance of shop equipment and hand tools.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Experience managing higher-education support facilities.

• Visual arts background.

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.