Assistant Director of Creative Technologies and Scholarship

Position Details

Position Information

Department
Acad Prog / Student Aff (LCB)

Position Title
Administrator 3-Res & Serv Ops

Job Title
Assistant Director of Creative Technologies and Scholarship

Appointment Type
Professional Faculty

Job Location
Bend

Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

Oregon State University-Cascades is seeking an Assistant Director of Creative Technologies and Scholarship. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. This position is located in Bend, Oregon.

The Assistant Director of Creative Technologies and Scholarship is broadly responsible for cultivating an inclusive, cross-disciplinary environment that serves students, faculty and staff across all OSU-Cascades programs. This role leads teaching and training to ensure safe and effective use of creative technologies within our campus's STEAM-aligned classrooms, shops, and studios.

The Assistant Director actively builds and maintains partnerships both across the OSU-Cascades campus and externally, including collaborations with private-sector partners, community organizations, small shops, nonprofits, and other creative or technical groups, expanding the relevance and visibility of the maker and fabrication environments.

The position also collaborates closely with the OSU-Cascades research community, providing fabrication, prototyping, and conceptual support to research efforts. This may include traditional precision machining or low-tech fabrication support that helps engineering and non-engineering researchers alike, including Honors College students, feel welcomed, empowered, and supported in their research pathways.

The Assistant Director oversees lab technical staff, facilities management for machining, maker, and research spaces, and associated budget activities. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership for these spaces, and the services they provide as a defined program within OSU-Cascades, translating campus and college priorities into short- and long-term operational goals for facilities, staffing, training, and research support. In this capacity, the Assistant Director serves as the operational owner of a defined, campus-wide creative technologies and research support program delivered through multiple shared facilities. The role has end-to-end responsibility for the integrated operation of these services, including facilities oversight, access models, staffing, training standards, budgeting, and external engagement, ensuring the spaces function collectively as a cohesive program serving instructional, research, and service needs across OSU-Cascades.

The Assistant Director supervises staff supporting program operations, including classified and student employees, ensuring staffing levels, training, and scheduling are aligned with instructional, research, and service demands.

Why OSU?

Why OSU-Cascades?

Founded in 2001, Oregon State University - Cascades brings higher education to Central Oregon while leveraging the excellence of a land grant and top-tier research university in one of the most dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Located near downtown Bend and surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades offers small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning in an innovative environment that accelerates opportunities for student, faculty and staff development and advancement.

With a 128-acre campus under development and a goal to grow to 3,000 to 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, OSU-Cascades is delivering on a 40-year grassroots community effort to bring the benefits of a comprehensive university to the region:

Student Body and Alumni
Student and alumni data

is as of fall 2024.
• 1,370 undergraduate and graduate students
• 78% from Oregon
• 42% Central Oregonians
• 24% first generation students
• 23% students of color
• 19 students on average per class
• 95% of 2023 graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
• 5,625 degrees awarded since founding

Academic Majors
A growing portfolio of

degree programs

at OSU-Cascades is designed to meet regional and state industry workforce and economic needs.

Research
Research

underway at OSU-Cascades focuses on challenges in energy, the environment, human wellness, social justice and society. Labs at OSU-Cascades include the FORCE biomechanics lab, the Laboratory for the American Conversation and the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory.

Campus Development
OSU-Cascades' campus

development

is driven by an award-winning long range development plan and engineering efforts that are transforming brownfields into a thriving university campus. Sustainability plans include net zero energy, waste and water goals. Initial sustainability efforts are seen in geothermal sourced energy to heat and cool buildings, and native plant landscaping requiring little or no irrigation. In addition to an academic core, campus plans includes a 24-acre innovation district, mid-market affordable housing, and 10-miles of walking/biking trails.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

•

Top 1.4% university in the world
•

More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•

1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
•

2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
•

7

cultural resource centers

that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
•

100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•

35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•

217k+ alumni worldwide
•

For more interesting facts about OSU visit:

https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a

comprehensive benefits package

with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
•

Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
•

Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
•

Retirement savings paid by the university.
•

A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
•

Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
•

Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
•

Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the

Benefits Calculator

to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

25% Supervision:
Plan, assign, and evaluate work for classified and student staff supporting maker and research facilities; provide performance feedback, coaching, and corrective action as needed.
Participate in hiring decisions, training plans, and staffing models to ensure adequate coverage for instructional, research, and outreach demands.
Supervise all machining lab and maker space personnel, including 5-7 student workers.
Ensure all users receive appropriate equipment and safety training, fostering a culture of inclusive access and collaborative learning.
Support professional development emphasizing cross-disciplinary service and community engagement.
Supervise staffing in support of an integrated creative technologies and research support program, adjusting assignments and coverage in response to changing instructional, research, and service demands.
20% Facilities Management:

Develop, implement, and periodically update policies, procedures, and safety protocols governing the use of STEAM-aligned classrooms, shops, and studios, ensuring compliance with university policies, risk management standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Ensure consistent documentation and training standards across instructional, research, and open-access use of facilities.
Oversee and maintain the machine shop, maker space, capstone design rooms, and teaching and research lab spaces.
Serve as primary liaison to university facilities.
Coordinate communications, including protocols, procedures, shop documentation, web updates, and newsletter contributions.
Direct the integrated operation of multiple creative technology and research facilities as a cohesive program, establishing access models, operating hours, and service configurations that balance instructional, research, student project, and external partner needs.
20% Research Support:

Serve as an operational partner to academic faculty by supporting research design, fabrication planning, and prototyping workflows that leverage maker and machining resources within the faculty member's discipline.
Provide structured research support pathways for undergraduate, graduate, and Honors College students conducting discipline-based research, including consultation on feasibility, material selection, fabrication methods, and safe use of facilities.
Coordinate prioritization and scheduling of creative spaces to balance instructional use, student projects, and faculty-led research activities.
Serve as the operational owner of campus-wide fabrication and prototyping research support services, setting priorities, intake pathways, and support models that enable scalable, inclusive research across disciplines.
Collaborate actively with the OSU-Cascades research community, supporting fabrication needs for faculty, staff, and student research.
Support both high-tech and low-tech projects, including assisting students and faculty in transforming ideas into prototypes or experimental setups.
Facilitate inclusive research support opportunities, especially for researchers without engineering backgrounds.
20% Student Project Support:

Provide consultation and fabrication support for student projects across all OSU-Cascades programs, academic courses, senior capstones, team projects, Honors College work, and individual creative or research pursuits.
Serve as a welcoming resource for non-engineering students, with emphasis on creating positive, supported experiences for students with limited technical backgrounds.
Implement and maintain structured student project support pathways as part of the creative technologies service program, ensuring consistent, equitable access to facilities, training, and expertise across programs and experience levels.
10% External Partnerships, Visibility, Accountability

Cultivate and manage external partnerships that enhance instructional, research, and applied learning opportunities, including applied research collaborations, sponsored projects, and community-engaged scholarship using OSU-Cascades creative technologies and capabilities.
Represent OSU-Cascades maker and fabrication capabilities to external stakeholders to increase visibility, relevance, and responsible use of facilities.
Establish partnership engagement standards and operating expectations to ensure external collaborations align with program capacity, safety requirements, and academic and research priorities.
Assess usage, outcomes, and effectiveness of maker, machining, and research support services; use data and feedback to refine operations, training models, and access practices.
Provide reports or recommendations to college leadership related to capacity, impact, and future needs of creative and research technologies.
5% Budget Oversight:

Develop and manage operational budgets for maker, fabrication, and research support activities, including equipment acquisition, maintenance, consumables, and staffing support.
Make operational decisions and recommendations related to budget priorities, reallocation, and sustainability of services.
Manage and track budgets related to facilities, equipment, shop operations, and related programmatic initiatives.
Exercise program-level budget accountability by evaluating trade-offs among equipment investment, staffing support, maintenance needs, and service sustainability in alignment with instructional and research priorities.
What You Will Need

Bachelor's degree in a field related to engineering, manufacturing, industrial technology, applied sciences, creative technologies, or a closely related STEAM discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating competency in fabrication, maker-space operations, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Demonstrated experience working in maker spaces, fabrication labs, or creative technology environments with a broad set of users.
Demonstrated track record of cross-disciplinary engagement, supporting users from varied fields (e.g. Arts, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Design, Humanities)
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated experience fostering inclusive learning and working environments in hands-on, technical, or creative settings.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

Experience working in an Academic STEAM Ecosystem
Experience building and sustaining external partnerships (e.g., industry, community organizations, nonprofits, small shops, or outdoor-industry brands).
Experience supporting research fabrication, prototyping, or laboratory work across multiple disciplines.
Experience supervising students or staff in a learning-focused, inclusive environment.
Experience with facilities and/or lab management in machining, fabrication, or creative-technology spaces.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering welcoming environments for novice learnings and non-technical users.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The position is primarily based in an in-person, open and actively staffed environment during standard business hours, generally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The role requires a consistent on-site presence during these hours to provide direct support, serve as a resource and mentor, and fulfill safety supervision responsibilities within the space.

Occasional nonstandard or off-hours work may be required to support events or special activities. During these times, the incumbent is expected to be on site to ensure appropriate staffing support, guidance, and safety oversight. While off-hours commitments are not routine, flexibility in scheduling is an expectation of the role.

The work environment emphasizes visibility, approachability, and availability, requiring regular interaction with staff and participants in person.

Pay Method
Salary

Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date
Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
$95,000-$105,000

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/180027

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
P09921UF

Number of Vacancies
1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
08/31/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date
05/15/2026

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date
06/07/2026

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) A Statement on Supporting Scholarly Activities
(upload as Other Document 1)

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact:

Johana Hernandez
Johana.Hernandez@osucascades.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our

Background Checks

website including the

for candidates

section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at

employee.relations@oregonstate.edu .