Overview

Job Title: Director of Operations

Job Posted: November 3, 2025

Department: MFA Design (School of Visual Arts)

Reports to: Department Chair

Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday; 10am – 6pm ET

Salary: $60,000 Annually; Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the MFA Design Department Chair at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), the Director of Operations will be responsible for the day-to-day and strategic operations of SVA’s MFA Design program. The Director of Operations will ensure an inspiring, inclusive, and efficient learning environment by coordinating curriculum operations, admissions, student services, faculty support, facilities, budgets, events, and communications. Other duties include partnering closely with the Chair on program planning and special initiatives, and serving as a key liaison across SVA administrative units and external partners.

The MFA Design / Designer as Entrepreneur program is designed to both link and bridge many approaches in a course of study that inspires students to conceive, produce, brand, and market their own innovative content. Through the holistic teaching of knowledge and experience combined with contemporary best practices, MFA Design students invariably develop the confidence that enables their talent to reach the highest potential. Learn more about the program here: design.sva.edu.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with the Chair on program strategy, curriculum planning, academic calendar, and special projects.
  • Coordinate semester schedules for classes, faculty, guest lectures, critiques, and program events.
  • Lead year-round recruiting and promotion: info sessions, studio tours, communications with prospective students, and application coordination.
  • Serve as primary academic advisor for students; manage registration, degree progress, and graduation clearances in alignment with SVA policies.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of studios, classrooms, and equipment; ensure AV, IT, and material readiness for instruction and critique.
  • Manage department budgets in collaboration with the Chair; track expenses, purchasing, and reimbursements; support capital planning.
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student workers and part-time staff; coordinate external vendors as needed.
  • Maintain accurate records, including enrollment, attendance, grade submissions, personnel documents, inventory, and compliance documentation.
  • Lead community-building efforts, onboarding, orientation, colloquia, exhibitions, thesis events, and program showcases.
  • Coordinate department communications and documentation, including event photography, website updates, newsletters, and social media.
  • Ensure compliance with College policies and relevant standards, including accessibility and safety; liaise with Facilities, Security, IT, and Purchasing.
  • Support faculty with contracts, onboarding, payroll processes, and course operations.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree required;
  • Three (3) years of experience in academic program, operations, or project management, preferably within higher education, design, or creative industries.
  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and Notion.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

  • Master’s degree preferred
  • Background in design or creative studio environments; familiarity with contemporary design practice and community.
  • Experience with higher education systems, protocols, and administrative processes preferred.
  • Experience working in or supporting art, design, or data-focused programs, ideally within a graduate or academic environment.
  • Experience supervising teams of student workers and vendors.
  • Familiarity with data-informed program operations and basic analytics or information management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of best practices and procedures of a Director of Operations in a higher education setting
  • Skill in verbal, written, digital and interpersonal communications to effectively interact with students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Skill in project management.
  • Skills in planning and organizing
  • Skill in problem-solving and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities
  • Ability to manage timelines and logistics across multiple work streams.
  • Ability to lead collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and resolve issues proactively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to train others.
  • Ability to work in an inclusive, student-centered service and community building.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment, including professional and student staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and establish relationships with a diverse student population, and ability to foster an inclusive environment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, students, and stakeholders (external vendors).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Full-time schedule (35 hrs per week), Monday- Friday, 10 am- 6 pm EST. Non-exempt. hourly (eligible for overtime).
  • Location: 310 East 22nd Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10010.
  • Work schedule may vary based on departmental needs, events, and program needs, including evenings and weekends.
  • May be required to work additional hours outside of the regular work schedule, including after-hours, holidays, and weekends.
  • Hybrid work may be available in coordination with department policy.
  • While working remotely, you will be required to maintain the same hours of work as would be performed in the office; follow the department’s procedures in completing assigned job tasks; and be available during the employee’s working hours via the department’s established communication methods (i.e., Google chat, Slack, phone, etc).
  • Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
  • Ability in typing, using a mouse, and handling office equipment.
  • Ability to carry and lift objects up to 10-20 lbs.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:

  • Cover Letter – addressing interest and required qualifications
  • Resume or CV – detailing relevant experience and responsibilities.
  • Three (3) professional references – Provide names, titles, email addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Optional – Portfolio, writing samples, or other work samples relevant to academic or creative operations.

Working at SVA

The 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 principles 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.

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