Director of Administration & Operations - New York Studio School

Overview

The New York Studio School is a not-for-profit school founded in 1964 by artists for artists located in the historic Greenwich Village building that served as the original home of the Whitney Museum of American Art. The Director of Administration & Operations works as part of the senior management team of the School, to pursue the organization’s mission and strategic plan. The Director oversees the business-related functions of the School, including financial management, human resources, information technology, risk management and facilities.  

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial Management

• Oversee all financial operations, including AR, AP, payroll and general ledger.  Perform regular due diligence of financial functions.
• Serve as liaison to the outsourced accounting firm and oversee their work.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports and serve as liaison to the Treasurer and Board of Trustees on financial matters.
• Serve as liaison to the audit firm for the preparation of the annual audited financial statement.
• Work collaboratively with the ED and senior management team to prepare the annual budget and monitor revenue and expenses against budget.
• Oversee relationship with bank and investment partners.
• Oversee tracking of scholarship and other restricted revenue; collaborate with education staff on assignment of scholarships.
• Oversee business insurance policies.
• Collaborate with Development staff to track and report on contributed revenue.
• Oversee application for and expenditure of capital funding.
• Oversee billing and collection of tuition.

Human Resources

• Serve as liaison to the PEO/payroll provider, to ensure accurate and efficient payroll service.
• Oversee selection of employee benefit plans.
• Prepare and keep employee policies up to date, in collaboration with the senior management team
• Represent the School in disciplinary matters, employee grievances and other HR matters. 
• Supervise the Director of Facilities and the Records & Operations Manager

Information Technology

• Serve a liaison to the outsourced IT firm, to ensure secure and efficient operations.
• Oversee selection and use of database tools, computer hardware and software, data storage protocols and communication tools.

Facilities

• Oversee building services, repairs, and vendor management.
• Oversee rentals and public use of the School building
• Oversee capital projects
• Oversee safety protocols and practices

Qualifications/Competencies 

•  A minimum of five years results-oriented management of operational and capital budgets, administrative experience with building facilities and personnel, ideally within the arts, cultural, or educational fields
• Proven track record in managing both day to day operations and ongoing capital work in a fluid and active work setting
• Diplomatic, collaborative, and solutions-driven
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing projects and timelines
• Demonstrated managerial skills in motivating and mentoring staff
• Strong accounting skills, familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel 
• In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail. 
• The candidate must have the ability to work and maintain poise under pressure, as well as interact with the Board, School leadership and staff, artists, and volunteers.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover all duties or responsibilities connected to this role. NYSS hours are Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm, with some evening work and travel. The offices are located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, in a historic building that does not meet ADA compliant standards. This role is full-time, initially expected to be primarily onsite, with the possibility of 1–2 days remote if appropriate.

About NYSS 

The New York Studio School emphasizes perception and drawing, providing its students with the means to develop a language for expression of a personal artistic vision. This education is a preamble to a lifetime’s engagement in drawing, painting, or sculpture. Students are encouraged to think independently and work with dedication. From its National Historic Landmark home on West 8th Street in New York City, the Studio School offers a range of courses and educational programs including a three-year Certificate program, two-year Master of Fine Arts, its signature one- and two-week immersive Marathon workshops, and Evening & Weekend courses. A twice-weekly Lecture Series and a Gallery for short-term exhibitions, both open to the public free of charge, bring together prominent figures of the art world to share perspectives about contemporary art.

The New York Studio School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, family or marital status, or sexual orientation. The School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume, including contact information for three references, as one PDF document to [email protected]. Please put “Your Name – Director of Administration & Operations” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Review of applications is anticipated to begin in July 2025 and will continue until an appointment is made. At least two rounds of interviews are anticipated.