Master Printer, LeRoy Neiman Center for Print Studies

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary: 12/31/2027* 
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $73,000 - $90,500 (the salary will be prorated based on the duration of the appointment, should the term in question be less than a year) 

Position Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing the creative development and printing of the edition of an artist’s print project after it has been authorized for production by the Artistic Director. They will work one-on-one with visiting artists on projects to be published by the Leroy Neiman Center (LNC).  The Master Printer will have responsibility for the day-to-day management of all artists’ projects-in-development in the print shop, as well as for maintaining all presses and other printing equipment. The incumbent oversees and maintains the professional print shop and is responsible for the safe operation of all print shops of the LeRoy Neiman Center for Print Studies ("Center") including safe usage of equipment and chemicals, student and staff training and supervision, equipment maintenance, and smooth operation of workshops with assistance from the Studio Manager. Supervised by the Associate and Artistic Directors of the LeRoy Neiman Center for Print Studies they will supervise 4-8 Neiman Service Position Student Workers, two or more LeRoy Neiman student interns, and temporary Print Assistants. Provides guidance to the Studio Manager on artist-project facilitation and day-to-day studio operations as requested.

*This is a temporary full-time officer of administration appointment for an initial term of one year from the incumbent’s start date.

Responsibilities

PRINTING

• Collaborate and work with Artistic Director and Associate Director to (1) develop creative print projects with artists, and (2) serve as the printer for the project, or (3) if needed, determine an alternative printer or a team of printers.
• Supervise LNC graduate students. Provide training as needed.
• Work with Associate Director to develop timeline and budget for print projects.
• Oversee schedules for student and intern employees working on projects.
• Manage artist’s schedules in order to maintain a functional workflow in the studio.
• Finalize projects by setting up and scheduling signing once the editions are completed and have gone through thorough curating.
• Package, seal, and separate finished and signed prints for either storage at the LNC or to be given to the artist.
• Work with Associate Director to generate colophon and documentation sheet for each print project.
• Document an archive of the working process as each project progresses.
• Assist Associate Director in providing technical informative support to visiting curators, collectors, and educational institutions.

DAY TO DAY MANAGEMENT DUTIES

• Oversee general day-to-day operations of shop; work with Facilities Operations and other Columbia departments to maintain space; coordinate professional and highly skilled maintenance, operations and fine-tuning of sensitive print shop equipment, including the Center's Offset Lithographic Press, Brand Etching Press, Brand Automated Lithography Press, Universal X2-Superspeed Laser System, and two Epson large format printers with assistance from the Studio Manager.
• Alongside the Studio Manager, oversee the ordering of all materials and supplies for the professional and student print shops in consultation with the Associate Director: select and order inks, acetates, acids, solvents, paper, experimental materials and other supplies and material required for operation of high quality professional print shop.
• Work closely with the Studio Manager to ensure all projects follow the safety procedures as set forth in the chemical safety program and the operational policies of the LNC, including the availability and use of personal protection equipment. Liaise to Environmental Health & Safety as needed and in the absence of the Studio Manager.
• Provide guidance to the Studio Manager on the regular inspections of tools and equipment and ensuring safety equipment (e.g., eyewash, fire extinguisher, overhead safety shower, dust collection system) and machine guards are present and in proper working condition. Make recommendations for any safety upgrades and advise on equipment, tool and material replacement.
• Monitor safe usage of equipment by organizing, scheduling, and conducting general and specific safety training classes for students, staff and adjunct faculty with assistance from the Studio Manager.
• Oversee the Studio Manager with creating and maintaining clear signage about safe use of equipment and written guidelines for use of the shops.
• Work with the Studio Manager to provide in-depth technical safety training to 4-8 graduate students for their Student Service Positions, as well as any interns or temporary assistant printers.
• Work with the Studio Manager to coordinate and maintain scheduling of MFA Student Service workers, including approving, recording and reconciling time sheets. Coordinate and maintain scheduling of any interns or temporary print assistants.
• Assist with installation, deinstallation, and booth oversight (as needed) at 2 print fairs a year.

TEACHING

• Provide guidance and advisement to printmaking MFA graduate students, undergraduate printmaking students, and undergraduate visual arts majors assigned to assist visiting artists to produce prints in the LNC.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum three years of related experience with background in intaglio, offset lithography, silkscreen and relief printing required. 
• Experience in running safety training workshops, and working knowledge of OSHA, EPA and NYC Fire Department and workshop safety protocols required.
• Must have teaching experience at college level.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills required.
• Must demonstrate computer literacy and experience with Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Must be able to work collaboratively in realizing ambitious print projects with professionals at the highest level.
• Must be approachable, good with people, and able to encourage and develop the skills and talents of younger artists.
• Must maintain a professional demeanor and composure in high stress situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA strongly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.