Job description

JOB TITLE: Assistant to the Chair
ORGANIZATION: School of Visual Arts
DATE POSTED: October 25, 2024
DEPARTMENT: MFA Visual Narrative
REPORTS TO: Department Chair
SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 9 am-5 pm EST. Onsite 3-4 days & Remote 1-2 days
SALARY: $60,000/year, Non-Exempt, Full-time

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Department Chair, the Assistant to the Chair is responsible for supporting all aspects of the administrative and operational functions of the department, as well as supporting the recruitment, promotions, and programming for the MFA Visual Narrative community. Other duties include managing the department’s website and leading creative outreach across all social media platforms.

Founded in 2013, the MFA Visual Narrative (MFAVN) department remains the only MFA program that puts the art and language of storytelling first through the combination of creative writing and the development of visual narrative techniques. For more information, visit https://mfavn.sva.edu.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Daily Operations and Support -
Work closely with the Chair, Director of Operations (DOO), and the Administrative Assistant on daily departmental operations.
Manage the MFAVN general email inbox, responding to or forwarding messages appropriately.
Oversee the department’s Google calendar, scheduling meetings for staff, faculty, and students.
Serve as a point of contact for students and faculty, providing advisory and logistical support.
Manage the department’s office space, technology, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain department communications to foster engagement within the MFAVN community.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Publication, Writing, and Promotion -
Work closely with the DOO to update department brochures, registration books, and promotional materials.
Assist with copyediting, proofreading, and promotional writing.
Manage, design, and post to department social media, website content, and blog, ensuring regular updates.
Design, write, and distribute newsletters and e-blasts.
Maintain and organize the department’s photo library for publications and promotional materials.
Capture and lead the strategy on social media and website analytics.
Support all promotional campaigns, including recruitment and advertising.

Event Production and Programming -
Work closely with the DOO, faculty, and students to manage timelines, production details, and technology requirements for events (orientation, graduation, community mixers, conferences, art fairs, etc.). Attendance at such events may be required.
Oversee installation and breakdown of on-campus summer studios and exhibitions, and coordinate with external vendors.
Assist with Continuing Education and RisoLAB communications and programming as needed.

Recruitment -
Collaborate with the MFAVN team on recruitment strategies, coordinating school visits and conferences, and liaising with prospective students and other SVA departments.
Respond to prospective student inquiries and manage recruitment campaigns.

Professional Development -
Participate in skill-building opportunities to enhance both administrative and creative skills.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:
Resume
Cover Letter
2-5 Work Samples or Portfolios: The documents may be submitted in the form of a PDF, website, or other illustrative materials that best demonstrate your skills and experience in design, copywriting, or social media campaigns. Both academic projects and professional work experience are acceptable for submission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience
Experience with Google Suite (Docs, Gmail, Sheets), Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, or other business software is required.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or other graphic design software is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MFA degree preferred
Office administration experience in an art design or event production environment preferred
Experience in event production and coordination for online and live events preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of photography and videography, video editing, and print, preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of print and digital design preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of project management applications such as AirTable, Asana, Calendly, and Salesforce, strongly preferred
Demonstrated knowledge of social media management, marketing, and copywriting preferred
Experience in website CMS systems and HTML preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of assigned practices and procedures.
Knowledge of administrative software required: Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat
Knowledge of graphic design software required: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Skill in utilizing a personal computer and related equipment.
Ability to work in a creative and collaborative environment, demonstrating innovative and creative problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently, self-direct with minimal supervision, and delegate tasks as needed
Ability to lead cross-functional and departmental project teams
Ability to manage and communicate with internal stakeholders (faculty, students, staff) and external vendors and contractors

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS
Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Onsite 3-4 days & Remote 1-2 days
Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equaling up to a minimum of fifteen (15) pounds.
Work in an office environment, perform manual tasks, and use related office equipment
Position may require to work outside designated office hours (evenings and weekends) as needed for events or departmental needs.

WORKING AT SVA
School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here to learn what it's like to work at SVA.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion is a core principle of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.