Light Work Seeks Lab Manager

Light Work, a nationally recognized, artist-run photography and digital imaging center at Syracuse University, seeks qualified candidates for the position of Light Work Lab Manager.

Light Work is seeking a dynamic, highly qualified, experienced individual for the position of Lab Manager, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds. The Lab Manager is responsible for the success of all aspects of Light Work’s renowned public-access photography & digital imaging facility including its daily operations, budget, payroll, training, and customer service. The successful candidate will be an individual who understands and champions the organization’s commitment to supporting emerging and under-recognized artists. The Lab Manager will supervise several staff members and work closely with artists, students and other users of the lab to assist them with projects ranging from b&w photography to digital printing. Successful candidates will have a BFA or equivalent experience with expert knowledge of photographic and digital imaging techniques.

The position requires the ability to work as part of a team and the proven ability to take initiative. The candidate will possess demonstrated managerial skills and experience in all key areas, especially budget management. The Lab Manager will responsible for point-of-sale reconciliation, expenditures, maintain budget records, and submit monthly financial reports. The individual in this position is responsible for maintenance of all equipment, servers and the organization’s website. Education is a key component of Light Work, the Lab Manager develops a schedule for photography classes and programs, recruits instructors and promotes educational opportunities through social media and conventional advertising outlets. Other responsibilities include equipment and building management, invoicing customers, and purchasing equipment and supplies. The successful candidate will be a creative and efficient problem solver. The Lab Manager must be able to assess current business practices to achieve Light Work Lab objectives.

Job Qualifications
• The successful candidate will be an individual who understands and champions the organization’s commitment to supporting emerging and under-recognized artists.

• They will possess demonstrated managerial skills and experience in all key areas, especially budget management. The position requires the ability to work as part of a team and the proven ability to take initiative.

• The successful candidate will be a creative and efficient problem solver. Working knowledge of photographic practices and techniques, including digital imaging, is a must. The successful candidate must possess this knowledge in order to effectively advise Artists-in-Residence, as well as support the darkroom staff. As an artist-run organization, priority consideration will be given to a working artist.

• The Lab Manager must be able to assess current business practices and develop, plan, and execute programming to achieve the lab’s objectives. As part of budget management, the Lab Manager will recommend expenditures, maintain budget records, and submit monthly financial reports.

This position will remain open until filled. However, priority will be
given to applications received before May 1, 2019
. In order to apply, visit www.sujobopps.com (view exempt salaried opportunities).

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. For a detailed position description and online application instructions, go to www.sujobopps.com, (Job #035542). Cover letter and resume must be attached. Review of applications begins immediately and the search will remain open until the position is filled. Syracuse University is an AA/EOE.

Re:Collection: Robert Benjamin on Lawrence McFarland

Visitors to our website can now explore thousands of photographic works and objects from the Light Work Collection in a new online database that expands access of work by former Light Work artists to students, researchers, and online visitors. To coincide with the our new collection website launch, we’re introducing a series on our blog called Re:Collection, inviting artists and respected thinkers in the field to select a single image or object from the archive and offer a reflection as to its historical, technical, or personal significance.

Today we’re sharing a reflection on Lawrence McFarland’s Untitled image from Robert Benjamin, Lab member and 2014 Light Work artist-in-residence.

Special note: Robert Benjamin: River Walking is on view in the Kathleen O. Ellis Gallery March 18 – July 27, 2019

At times photographs can feel too substantial, anchored to the hard, physical realities of our world. Here, in McFarland’s beautiful photograph, even the road seems to evaporate into the almost weightless atmosphere. The black top and fence posts remain vague markers, while light and space emerge as the true subjects―as in a dream or vision.

I find myself wondering if Mr. McFarland has still to travel down this expanse to nowhere, or has he successfully and gratefully left the worst behind? The icy tire tracks don’t answer the question, only confirming a passage has occurred.

Of course, the happy news is that he made it home again, and has stopped long enough to hear the quiet, smell the snow, felt the small mystery―and brought it back for us to share.

Explore the Light Work Collection online at http://collection.lightwork.org