JOB TITLE: Assistant to the Chair
JOB POSTED: August 26, 2026
DEPARTMENT: BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects
REPORTS TO: Chair
SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 5:00 pm (Hybrid: 4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
COMPENSATION: $60,000 Annually / $32.97 Hourly
POSITION SUMMARY
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. For more information, please visit the department website.
DUTIES AND 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (BA / BFA) required.
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years of administrative experience; supervisory or management experience preferred.
- Technical Proficiency: 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to draft, proofread, and edit professional written communications and newsletters.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when planning departmental events, reviews, and film submissions.
- Ability to handle confidential information, prioritize tasks, and manage project budgets effectively.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to act as a representative of the Chair to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry contacts.
- Ability to interview, hire, and supervise student workers.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
- Location: 133/141 West 21st Street, 2nd and 3rd floors, New York, NY 10011
- Schedule: Standard work schedule is Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (4 days on-site, 1 day remote). The schedule may change based on departmental needs or approval.
- Flexibility: Occasional evening or weekend availability required to support departmental events, screenings, student thesis presentations, and peak operational deadlines.
- Remote Work Policy: This is a hybrid position (4 days on-site; 1 remote workday). The remote work policy requires adherence to all standard departmental communication protocols and methods. Employees will be required to maintain the same standard work schedule and hours as they would in the office.
- Physical Demands
- Movement & Mobility: Frequently moves across multi-floor departmental facilities to conduct tours, set up events, manage logistics, and deliver mailings.
- Event Setup & Catering Logistics: Occasionally lifts, carries, positions, or moves event supplies, signage, promotional materials, and catering setups up to 25 lbs.
- Stationary Work: Frequently operates a computer workstation, handles administrative correspondence, and responds to digital and phone inquiries.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following:
- Cover Letter: Expressing your interest in the position and outlining how your background aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications.
- Résumé or CV: Highlighting relevant experience, supervisory background, and key achievements.
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 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.
