Director of Operations, MFA Design for Social Innovation

Date Posted:   June 3, 2025

Job Title: Director of Operations

Organization: School of Visual Arts (SVA)

Department: MFA Design for Social Innovation (MFA DSI)

Reports to: Department Chair

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, onsite, with occasional evening hours 

Salary: $60,000 per year

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Department Chair, the Director of Operations is responsible for the daily management, planning, and execution of all operational, promotional, and academic support activities within the MFA Design for Social Innovation program. This position works closely with the Department Chair to ensure the program runs efficiently and aligns with the department’s strategic goals. The role includes student advisement, program recruitment and promotion, internal and external communications, facilities oversight, faculty support, and coordination of SVA administrative offices. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative, creative environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

MFA Design for Social Innovation (MFA DSI) is a dynamic program that values community, innovation, and care. For more information, visit the department website at https://dsi.sva.edu/.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with the Department Chair on curriculum planning, program strategy, and special projects.
• Lead year-round recruitment and promotional efforts, including studio tours and applicant coordination for potential students and external partners. 
• Serve as the academic advisor for students; manage course registration, graduation requirements, and ongoing advisement.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including facilities, equipment, and classroom needs. 
• Manage and support DSI staff members, including student workers and external vendors. 
• Coordinate faculty hiring and faculty contract processing. 
• Plan and manage departmental events and meetings; oversee vendor relations.
• Oversee communications, including departmental newsletters, blog posts, editorial content, and event promotions. 
• Collaborate with the Communications & Project Coordinator and Systems Administrator on the DSI website, social media presence, and growth strategy.
• Act as liaison with SVA offices, including Graduate Admissions, Registrar, Accounts Payable, Facilities, and other departments. 
• Conduct weekly team meetings to monitor goals and progress. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Part-Time Student Workers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s or a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree required; a Master's or a combination of education and relevant experience preferred. 
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in operations, administration, or project management.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, and WordPress.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in higher education operations and academic programming strongly preferred. 
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms preferred.
• Experience with Canvas or other LMS platforms preferred. 
• Background in design, creative production, or studio environments preferred. 
• Understanding of social innovation, design thinking, or related fields
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and emerging creative technologies
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and team collaboration skills
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of academic program operations and curriculum planning
• Understanding of higher education systems, protocols, and administrative processes
• Familiarity with design, creative production, or studio-based environments
• Understanding of social innovation, design thinking, and related disciplines
• Knowledge of student recruitment strategies and enrollment processes
• Awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement principles
• Skill in project management and strategic planning
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including editorial and promotional content development
• Skill in digital communication and marketing, including social media and website content management
• Team leadership and supervision (including student workers and vendors)
• Software proficiency:
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Dropbox, WordPress, Salesforce (preferred), Canvas or other learning management systems (preferred), Adobe Creative Cloud (preferred).
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Develop and implement efficient operational workflows
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities with strong attention to detail
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The department’s normal business hours are: 
• Monday - Friday, 10:00 - 6:00 PM Eastern
• This is a full-time, on-site position at 136 West 21st Street, New York, NY 10011. 
• Work occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
• Proficiency in typing, using a mouse, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to carry and lift objects up to 10-20 lbs, such as files or office equipment

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

Resume

Cover Letter

WORKING AT SVA

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 31 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and Continuing Education division, visit sva.edu.

Learn more about working 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.

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

• Resume
• Cover Letter