About the Role
The Department Assistant serves as the primary point of contact and manages the administrative functions of the BFA Advertising and BFA Design departments. This role requires a welcoming professional demeanor, stellar organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a collaborative, creative environment.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary receptionist, welcoming and directing students, faculty, and guests.
- Schedule in-person and virtual student appointments for the Department Chair, Director of Operations, and Curriculum Coordinator.
- Process invoices, requisitions, monthly expenses, and payments for the Department Chair, Director of Operations, guest lecturers, freelancers, and substitute instructors.
- Retrieve transcripts, facilitate Independent Study requests, and clear students for graduation portfolio reviews.
- Coordinate the reservation and scheduling of department meeting spaces.
- Maintain general office upkeep, including keeping communal supply areas in order and sharing basic kitchen cleanup.
- Order and manage inventory for office and student supplies.
- Receive incoming shipments and assist with moving materials, supplies, and student artwork for exhibitions and events.
- Assist the Department Chair with executive support, including drafting recommendations and visa letters.
- Conduct preliminary research on plagiarism accusations as needed.
- Maintain registration databases for Senior Industry Day, workshops, and other departmental initiatives.
- Provide hands-on support for key SVA events, including Accepted Students Day, Open House, Orientation, and Industry Day.
- Assist staff and students with submitting competition entries.
- Perform other job-related duties or special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
- 1-2 years of professional experience in an administrative, receptionist, or academic support role.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to handle sensitive information with absolute confidentiality and discretion.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across various staff levels with tact, adaptability, and a sense of humor.
- Willingness to work occasional flexible hours or overtime to support major department events.
- Ability to utilize standard office equipment.
- Capacity to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods.
- Ability to lift or move office supplies/materials, and student artwork/portfolios weighing up to 20-25 lbs.
Skills
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office
- Confidentiality
- Discretion
- Organization
- Time Management
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Communication
Location
- Onsite
Work Type
- Part-Time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- 1-2 years
Education Level
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- BA/BFA preferred
Salary/Compensations
- $31.58 per hour
About the Company
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
