UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios Operations Manager

FAC MGT SPEC 3 CX (004483)

UCPath Position ID: 40054773

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

910390

Approved Date:

8/11/2026 11:47:58 AM

Date Last Edited:

8/11/2026 11:47:54 AM

Last Action Effective Date:

5/1/2019

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1210O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE        

Division Code:

1212D

Division:

ARTS & ARCHITECTURE DIV                

Department:

042000 - DEPT OF ART

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40054773

Position Description ID

170277

UC Payroll Title:

FAC MGT SPEC 3 CX (004483)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

CX: Clerical & Allied Services

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40261355

Reports to Payroll Title:

ADMIN SUPV 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40066990

Department Head Payroll Title:

DEPARTMENT CHAIR

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

009611

SRA 3

1

POSITION SUMMARY

The UCLA Margo Leaving Graduate Art Studios Operations Manager serves as the on-site manager of the Department of Art's off campus MFA research facility located in Culver City. The building is a large 48,000 square foot studio art complex with labs, shops, classrooms, lecture room, galleries and studios. The facility supports the graduate program in the following areas: Ceramics, Interdisciplinary Studio, New Genres, Painting and Drawing, Photography, and Sculpture. The Operations Manager is responsible for daily operations as well as overall administrative, technological and academic support functions, including long range planning, training and instruction, safety coordination, operations and management.

The UCLA Department of Art empowers students to reshape their worlds through critical inquiry and transformative creativity. Committed to equity and inclusion in the arts, the department attracts and embraces diverse, curious, and motivated students who are encouraged to engage society's challenges and envision change. The Department of Art is one of five academic departments and programs in the School of the Arts and Architecture. The Department of Art’s M.F.A. curriculum fosters the development of a sustained artistic practice through exploration, experimentation, and intensive studio work and study. The UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios provide individual and communal work spaces for M.F.A. Art students with a design that considers the nature of artistic practice today and can evolve to anticipate change.

Facilities Management

Serve as the department's staff liaison representing the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios with campus offices including Facilities Management, the Fire Marshall, Environmental Health and Safety, Capital Programs, and outside vendors to provide a safe and secure facilities environment.

Maintain building related plans and procedures including access controls and security, emergency preparedness, commonly-encountered hazardous materials storage and disposal, crime prevention activities, fire safety inspection compliance and reporting.

Assist department leadership with budget development for equipment and minor building infrastructure upgrades. This includes assistance with space allocation, long-term planning and forecasting.

Manage the maintenance, instruction, inventory, distribution, and safe use of equipment, tools, and supplies across studios, labs, workshops, classrooms, galleries, and shared spaces.

Develop and maintain policies and procedures governing student use of facilities and equipment in compliance with departmental and University requirements.

Coordinate facility repairs, maintenance, renovations, and building alterations, including Facilities Service Requests, contractor oversight, and cost-effectiveness evaluations.

Manage studio and space assignments, exhibition areas, digital labs, classrooms, and shared workspaces while identifying opportunities to improve space utilization.

Coordinate emergency repairs during and after work hours.

Collaborate with faculty liaison and administration on facility needs.

40%

Safety Coordination

Serve as the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios safety coordinator and maintain a comprehensive, building-specific safety program in accordance with the Bruin Safety Program.

Communicate safety responsibilities, policies, and updates to staff, students, and faculty and address noncompliance when necessary.

Maintain crime and accident reports, document departmental incidents, and lead safety-related meetings for staff and students.

Coordinate after-hours building security and communicate related policies and procedural changes to the department.

Develop emergency procedures and building policies in coordination with campus partners and relevant university departments.

Establish and enforce policies for personal conduct, safe research practices, and the approved use of laboratories, equipment, materials, and facilities.

Oversee training of staff, faculty, and students in safe work practices, equipment operation and maintenance, laboratory safety, and proper use of materials and techniques.

Ensure compliance with OSHA and university safety requirements, including hazard prevention, safety signage, hazardous-material handling and disposal, recycling, first aid, policy enforcement, and ongoing updates to systems and operations.

25%

Supervision and Instruction

Hire, supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios staff, including assigning responsibilities and approving timesheets.

Collaborate with students during the early development of artwork and thesis projects to anticipate technical needs.

Advise students on appropriate materials, fabrication methods, and efficient approaches for realizing their artistic concepts.

Provide technical guidance, problem-solving support, and expertise for student research and experimental projects; explore emerging technologies; and help advance the intellectual development of the graduate program.

Oversee the scheduling and daily operations of the building’s exhibition, installation, and production spaces.

20%

Budget and Planning

Collaborate with departmental staff, and the School of the Arts and Architecture Dean’s Office to support program needs, long-range planning, facility and space utilization, graduate research, exhibitions, and reviews.

Manage, and monitor operational budgets; review monthly financial ledgers; maintain fiscal integrity; and oversee purchasing while ensuring effective use of allocated resources.

Evaluate vendors and emerging technologies, materials, equipment, and safety practices; attend relevant professional events; and coordinate equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement.

Develop annual spending plan and purchasing of supplies and materials within allocated financial resources.

Maintain equipment inventory including forecasting maintenence, replacement, and decommision planning. 

In collaboration with the Department Manager and Faculty Liaison, develop short-, medium-, and long-term operational plans that align financial resources, staffing needs, and departmental priorities to support sustainable growth and effective resource management.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree

M.F.A. or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required

Art practices

Experience and working knowledge in the following areas of contemporary art practices: digital media, photography, interdisciplinary studies,

new genres, sculpture, painting, printmaking, drawing, and ceramics.

Required

Leadership

Experience providing leadership and oversight in the implementation of safe operating practices, including training and supervising students and staff, ensuring proper equipment and material use, maintaining compliance with safety requirements, and coordinating facility care and maintenance activities.

Required

Instruction

Experience providing instruction, mentorship, and technical guidance to MFA students in support of advanced artistic practices, research, experimentation, and the development of independent creative projects.

Preferred

School-level relationship building

Experience establishing effective working relationships with faculty, department leadership, and school-level administrators while demonstrating initiative, adaptability, diplomacy, and a solutions-oriented approach to completing tasks and advancing organizational objectives.

Required

University-level systems and units

Experience working within a complex university environment, including experience with UCLA administrative systems, purchasing and budget processes, campus service units, and Facilities Management operations to coordinate resources, resolve issues, and advance departmental initiatives.

Preferred

Driver License

•

Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C License in accordance with the California (CA) Department of Motor Vehicles.

Required

Thorough knowledge in the areas of building space planning, codes, capacity, security, fire safety, organization and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.

Required

Ability to exercise authority in establishing, implementing, and enforcing Environmental Health and Safety standards and procedures to maintain a safe, compliant, and well-managed working environment, including proper use of equipment, facilities, and hazardous materials.

Required

Strong interpersonal and communication skills including good service orientation and effective problem solving.

Required

Knowledge of architectural or engineering concepts including OSHA standards, applicable building codes, and institutional safety requirements, with the ability to assess facility conditions, coordinate corrective actions, and ensure workspaces, equipment, and operations meet health and safety standards.

Preferred

Thorough and effective skills to multi-task and prioritize daily activities effectively.

Required

Working knowledge of first-aid, including certification in CPR.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Other University Setting(s)

Location:

3600 Hayden Avenue, Culver City, CA

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.