Department: MFA Interaction Design
Reports to: Chair, Interaction Design

Position Overview:

Responsible for all aspects of daily management and operation of the MFA Interaction Design
Department. Duties include: overseeing the operations of the staff, faculty and interacting with
students, implementation of the budget, overseeing the continuous operation of the studio,
working closely with the chair and staff on academic and department projects, including
curriculum management, promotion, publications, recruitment and various other tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee operations and management, including curriculum management, 5 staff, 25+ faculty, guest lecturers, and 40 graduate students.
• Responsible for strategic management for preparing, implementing, and maintaining the annual department budget as well as working with chair and staff to manage scholarships, equipment procurement, vendor contracts and negotiations
• Conduct weekly meetings with the staff and provide the Chair with updates on departmental activities and operations.
• Manage and maintain the 24/7 operation of a studio. Work with the facilities staff to coordinate and follow up on repair and maintenance issues.
• Manage and supervise the admission process and help shape the incoming class by conducting tours, cursory application evaluations, and interviews to prospective students.
• Provide ongoing guidance to assist current students with their career paths by working closely with the Career Development office.
• Invent and develop new workshops and course ideas, working closely with chair and staff to ensure they align with current pedagogy and practices.
• Develop strong relationships with global industry professionals and recruiters to maximize employment, internship, and potential faculty opportunities.
• Meet with students, student representatives, faculty, and staff on regular basis to troubleshoot any class needs and communicate to chair and staff as appropriate.
• Assist faculty on successful receipt of course evaluations, schedules, and syllabus delivery.
• Oversee, organize and attend special department events including orientation, information sessions, open studios, thesis presentations, commencement, and gallery exhibitions.
• Work with the Communications & Project Coordinator on various department projects including any advertising as well as department-branded promotional materials.
• Oversee and work with the staff on management of course assistants and other student workers.
• Consistently work with Senior Systems Administrator to update the department website, post announcements and course cancellations
• Work with Senior System Administrator to update mailing lists and Slack privileges so that they have the most up-to-date information.
• Administer department and college policies, rules and procedures relating to students, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in arts or design preferred.
• Previous managerial and 3-5 years of administrative experience.
• Digital fluency with Apple products.
• Proficient in Google and Microsoft products; experience with Salesforce a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to effectively interact gracefully with all levels of staff, students, and faculty.

Working at SVA

The School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the
education of artists. From its inception in 1947, the College has instituted numerous educational
innovations, including the selection of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields as
instructors. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and
experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of
purpose.

Find out what it is like to work at SVA. Visit www.sva.edu/workingatsva.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer.