This is a 10-month term limited position scheduled for August 1-May 31
Position Description/General Description Blurb
The Assistant Manager, working closely with the Field Production Services Manager, is responsible for overseeing the College of Communication’s field production equipment room. This facility circulates approximately 30,000 pieces of equipment each academic year and plays a critical role in supporting academic programs.
The Assistant Manager’s primary duties include supervising a team of student employees, providing day-to-day oversight of student staff, and ensures efficient and accurate distribution of equipment to faculty, students, and staff. The Assistant Manager will help to establish and refine workflow processes to improve operational efficiency.
Essential Function 1 (40%)
Supervise/Manage Student Employees
Train and manage a team of student workers who assist with the checkout and check-in of field production equipment. Responsibilities include providing hands-on training in equipment handling and equipment circulation software systems. The Assistant Manager ensures that student staff adhere to established procedures, maintain accuracy in equipment transactions, and deliver excellent service to faculty, students, and staff.
Essential Function 2 (30%)
Continual to Improve Equipment Circulation Processes
Collaborate with the Field Production Services Manager to implement and continuously improve workflows that optimize equipment circulation processes. These workflows should emphasize timely and accurate distribution of the college’s field equipment to support academic programs.
Essential Function 3 (30%):
Maintain Field Production Services’ Equipment Inventory and Facilitate the Checkout and Check-in Processes.
The Assistant Manager will ensure that all equipment is accurately tracked within the inventory management system, verifying the condition of items before and after circulation, and promptly addressing any discrepancies or damage.
The Assistant Manager must oversee and assist the coordination of equipment reservations to meet academic deadlines and help implement and follow quality control measures to minimize loss and recirculating damaged equipment.
This responsibility also includes troubleshooting technical issues with equipment and help to update inventory records to reflect necessary repairs or replacements. The Assistant Manager will also collaborate with the Manager of FPS to anticipate and strategize the high-demand periods. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential to keep operations running smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications: The position requires a B.A. degree or equivalent experience, along with at least two years of experience in an equipment distribution environment such as an equipment rental house or a gear cage that tracks inventory. Candidates should have prior supervisory experience, particularly working with college-aged students. Strong organizational skills are essential, as the role demands the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting with continuous, cyclical work that can become strenuous and high-pressure during peak periods
Skill requirements (include complexity of position): Audio/visual production knowledge is a highly preferred. Attention to details while working in a fast-paced and hectic environment. The ability to train and supervise college aged students while maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Prior experience working with and maintaining a large inventory of equipment. A working knowledge of Onshore Development’s WebCheckout software is also preferred.
Interpersonal skills (include personal interaction): Strong interpersonal skills are necessary as the Assistant Manager will interact with the Equipment Room’s customers that comprise of students, faculty, and staff. These customers will have questions and needs regarding the various production equipment that is maintained at Field Production Services.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with two primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world. As a Boston University employee you will be part of a dynamic community where every individual is valued. You'll reap the rewards of being on a college campus, such as direct access to the heart of the education and research community and a myriad of opportunities to help create a positive impact on our students' educational experiences. Education thrives in Boston, and working here – at one of the largest employers in the city – will give you the opportunity to contribute to our mission and work with some of the most experienced educators and staff in the nation.