MFA Assistant Chair (71100)

Pratt Institute•Ny, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Pratt Institute’s Fine Arts Department seeks a detail-oriented artist-educator to serve as Assistant Chairperson for its MFA program. Working closely with the Chairperson, this role supports the development, implementation, and academic and administrative management of the graduate Fine Arts program. The Assistant Chair helps deliver the MFA curriculum and support graduate students’ academic experience by coordinating advising and monitoring student progress in collaboration with faculty area coordinators, graduate faculty, and departmental staff. The role supports curriculum development and assessment; coordinates orientation, registration, course planning, admissions, and recruitment; helps students navigate academic policies and Institute resources; and identifies and addresses academic or community concerns. The Assistant Chair also fosters communication, collaboration, and interdisciplinary exchange across the program’s four areas of emphasis: Integrated Practices, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, and Sculpture. The MFA is a two-year, 60-credit program based at Dock 72 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Its curriculum combines studio practice, faculty mentorship, critique, critical and theoretical inquiry, interdisciplinary exchange, professional development, public presentation, and a culminating thesis exhibition and written thesis. This is a four-day-per-week, in-person administrative appointment that runs 12 months per year. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Requirements

MFA or equivalent degree in art, design, or a related discipline.
At least two years of administrative experience.
Expertise in the practice and education of art and/or design.
Excellent detail-oriented organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to develop rapport with a diverse faculty and student body.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of academic or higher education administrative experience.
A strong track record of professional work in art and/or design.

Responsibilities

Assist the Chairperson and liaise with MFA area coordinators to plan course schedules, course offerings, and faculty assignments.
Schedule MFA Fine Arts courses.
Develop MFA program outcomes assessment and curricular development with the Chairperson and faculty; attend graduate curriculum committee meetings.
Advise MFA students on program requirements, course planning, and program completion requirements; maintain MFA student records and email lists.
Serve as liaison for MFA students between department faculty, students, the Learning / Access Center, the Student Care Coordinator, and Health / Counseling Services.
Coordinate the MFA admissions process, attend information sessions, and participate in candidate interviews.
Create and update prospective and accepted student information packets.
Coordinate MFA onboarding and orientation events with the Chairperson.
Collaborate with the Chairperson in recruiting, selecting, and retaining faculty and staff for MFA programs.
Coordinate MFA programming, including visiting artists for graduate critical reviews and graduate thesis shows with thesis faculty.
Collaborate with MFA program technicians and facilities managers on shop equipment and facilities needs for graduate studios and shops.
Oversee graduate assistant assignments and manage the graduate assistant budget.
Oversee Pratt Artists League (PAL) graduate assistant leaders to support effective communication between administration and the MFA cohort, generate community events, and manage related resources.
Perform other related duties as required.