Director, Science Support Services

About the Role

The Director position supports science faculty laboratory and teaching needs throughout the faculty lifecycle; manages Science Support Services department activities and staff; supervises the design, construction, and maintenance of scientific equipment, instruments, and apparatus used for research and teaching by the College’s science departments; serves as building manager for Park Science and Bettws Y Coed. This is a hands-on project manager role, requiring creative and versatile thinking.

Responsibilities

• Planning: Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and milestones for construction, maintenance, and other institutional projects.
• Budgeting: Develop and monitor project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Resource Allocation: Assign personnel, equipment, and materials effectively to support project goals and timelines.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges and develop strategies to address them proactively.
• Communication: Lead project meetings, provide status updates, and coordinate across Facilities, the Provost’s Office, academic departments, and other stakeholders.
• Faculty Support:
  • Maintain an understanding of faculty research needs in the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Computer Science (AI & AR), Physics, and experimental Psychology).
  • Work with science department chairs and new hires to understand research needs and scope to execute laboratory fit-outs, in coordination with Facilities.
  • Serve as communication conduit between science faculty, administrators, and facilities staff, creating a shared understanding of the feasibility of meeting faculty needs.
• Equipment Purchasing, Repair, and Maintenance:
  • Consult with faculty on major equipment purchases.
  • Understand and provide consultation on equipment in faculty labs.
  • Assist with the procurement and installation of materials, supplies, machinery, and tools for scientific research and teaching.
  • Assist with troubleshooting equipment problems. Execute equipment repairs when possible. Determine when to send out for repair and manage that process in coordination with SSSD staff.
  • Oversee the administration of the science equipment preventative maintenance program.
• Facility Management:
  • Serve as building manager for Park Science and Bettws Y Coed.
  • Oversee and track office and lab space assignments and other space plans within science buildings.
  • Work with Facilities and faculty on lab designs, furniture options, building and equipment maintenance/repairs, and other troubleshooting as needed, including off-hours emergencies.
• Manage Science Support Services Department:
  • Manage and oversee the work of Science Support Services.
  • Lead hiring, performance management, development, promotion, and separation processes for Science Support Services.
  • Oversee the Science Support Services operating budget, manage credit card expenses, and oversee purchasing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience is required. Substantial demonstrated professional experience in lieu of degree may be considered for the exceptional candidate.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, and outside contractors.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of equipment and machines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Word & Excel (Access is a plus).
• Successful completion of satisfactory background checks required.
• Background in mechanical & design engineering and working knowledge of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, and experimental Psychology) and Computer Science (AI & AR) is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of mechanical trades preferred.
• Experience in supervising staff and managing operating budgets preferred.

Schedule

This full-time staff position has an anticipated schedule of 35 hours per week, year-round.

Benefits

The College offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including:

• 22 days of vacation per year
• Three days personal leave
• Generous holiday time (including an extended winter break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day)
• Sick leave
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Retirement
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition opportunities

Waiting periods may apply.