Assistant to the Chair

School of Visual Arts•New York, NY

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chair, the Assistant to the Chair provides comprehensive administrative support to the BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) department. This role is responsible for maintaining regular communication with the Chair, coordinating key departmental events, projects, and initiatives, overseeing the student clubs, and supporting the department’s student film festival program. Additionally, the Assistant collaborates with the Chair and staff on promotional efforts, including branding and design, communications, and publications. The BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects combines the power of CG and VFX with active imaginations, captivating stories, and skilled artistry.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BA / BFA) required.
A minimum of 3 years of administrative experience.
Strong computer skills with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Zoom, and popular social media platforms.
Proven organizational capabilities with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with a strong collaborative mindset.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory or management experience preferred.
Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative support to the Chair’s office, working closely with the Chair, Director of Operations, and department staff.
Serve as the liaison between the department and internal/external stakeholders, including faculty, SVA leadership, alumni, students, and industry partners.
Coordinate major departmental events and initiatives, including Student Orientation, Thesis Presentations, Screenings, Open Houses, and Accepted Students Days.
Oversee event logistics, including promotional materials, signage, vendor services, catering, and budget management.
Schedule student meetings with the Chair and manage the logistics and scheduling for thesis reviews.
Organize and archive student work for annual screenings and exhibitions.
Produce and distribute the weekly departmental newsletter to faculty and students.
Manage departmental social media channels to amplify events, news, and student achievements.
Share event updates, exhibitions, and news highlights with the SVA External Relations team.
Support recent alumni by sharing relevant job, internship, and professional opportunities.
Support student clubs by leading monthly meetings and advising on event planning, promotion, and engagement.
Manage the student film festival initiative, including submission tracking, award promotion, screening coordination, and grant administration.
Manage general reception, deliver facility tours, process mailings, and draft, edit, and proofread departmental correspondence.
Maintain comprehensive contact databases for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and industry contacts.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise one student worker.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.