Makespace Workshop Managers (Part-time contractors sought)

Introduction

Makespace is a 4,000 sq ft workshop in Cambridge for making things, meeting people and sharing skills.  Makespace is a not-for-profit organisation run day-to-day by members who volunteer their time and expertise to ‘own’ certain machines or activities. Achieving this requires a lot of coordination and administration. That’s why Makespace is looking to appoint one or several managers for our workshops and the administrative infrastructure that supports them. This involves helping members find the resources they need, keeping the members list up to date, helping the Owners maintain the tools and train new members, ensuring we have the consumables we need, organising events and generally helping to keep Makespace running.

There is always scope for improvement and this is an opportunity to help the Makespace community reach its full potential. The new managers will ensure that the things that need to get done in Makespace get done, that our knowledge base continues to grow and that our operations become more effective.

The managers are to be the first point of contact in the workshop to support members and promote a safe and productive workshop environment.  We are looking for proactive problem solvers who are users of Makespace, and can build collaborative relationships across our members and supporters. 

What we’re looking for

We are seeking one or several part-time independent contractor(s) to provide day-to-day operational support in Makespace. Ideally the individuals will be current members with the people skills to understand how things work and be sensitive to the requirements, desires and concerns of other members, becoming a trusted go-to person for anyone in the space.

Many things need to be done in order to make Makespace work; some of these are listed below. Your task will be to establish which of these are best done by you, and to work with the Board, owners and other managers to complete the rest.

Key tasks

These tasks will need to be collectively addressed with each manager focusing on a selection of responsibilities and supporting each other.

  • Manage the physical space to :
    • Satisfy fire and workshop safety expectations
    • Ensure material and project storage does not hinder other members 
    • Maintain and keep tools, materials and workspace accessible  
    • Keep Makespace welcoming to members and guests
    • Ensure that basic cleaning and tidying is carried out by members as needed.
    • Identify gaps and resupply consumables in the workshop
    • Ensure that someone is present for deliveries and repairs
  • Ensure that activities in the space are:
    • Not hindering other members projects or access to tools and workspace
    • Appropriate, safe and meeting all internal and external expectations 
    • In line with the Makespace code of conduct
    • Encouraging to new and existing members 
  • Assist Owner’s Teams to:
    • Recruit and on-board new Owners
    • Make new proposals and develop training materials, update documentation 
    • Manage their areas effectively
  • Maintain and operate the purchasing systems such that:
    • Owners provide the appropriate Invoices etc to enable reclaiming of VAT 
    • Support the accountants  to ensure reporting is accurate
  • Manage events and communications such that:
    • A schedule for the Classroom and other areas is maintained  
    • Outreach opportunities (schools, Science Festival, general public etc) are supervised and supported
    • Tours are provided for potential new members and others
  • Content is published to media and websites regularly 
  • Materials, write ups, photos and media are collected about events and activities in Makespace
  • Manage membership operations such that:
    • Inquiries from potential members are are answered promptly 
    • Requests from existing members are actioned  promptly  
    • See the Space and Inductions are conducted regularly
    • Membership and Training Record are current and accurate

How it will work

We expect to engage 2-3 managers, on an independent contract basis, who will collectively address the tasks above and report to the Board. Total hours will be determined by the scope of tasks any one individual is addressing. Some of the tasks can be addressed remotely but the managers will be expected to be present at Makespace during most of their working time. As we are open 24/7, it may be useful that you be present at Makespace for some evenings or weekends. You should be professional and responsible as this operational contract involves significant interaction with Makespace members, visitors, contractors, suppliers and key stakeholders, including at times being a “public face” of Makespace.

How to Apply

Please email us at admin@makespace.org with the subject line “ADMINAPP” to apply, telling us a little about yourself and what you would like to do and achieve in this role.  A copy of your CV is a bonus. Thanks!

Interviews will begin in August and continue as required.