Communications & Project Coordinator

DATE POSTED: July 2024

JOB TITLE: Communications & Project Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: MFA Design for Social Innovation (MFA DSI)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm EST

COMPENSATION: $50,000 Annually

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the report to the Director of Operations, the Communications & Project Coordinator is responsible for MFA DSI promotion (print, digital, social content), planning, developing, and supporting department-wide initiatives vital to the mission and growth of the MFA DSI program and to our broader community.

The Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Department Chair, Systems Administrator, and engage with students, faculty, and staff across the department and campus-wide.

The Coordinator is responsible for aspects of outreach (vendors, partners, collaborators) and community engagement/publicity to support programming and recruitment. In collaboration with the Department Chair, Director of Operations, Systems Administrator, they organize our department events, namely our annual Thesis Show, Designer in Residence initiative, workshops, speaker events, and related content, marketing materials, and promotion.

MFA DSI is a collaborative workspace emphasizing diversity, equity, and flexibility. Our students come from all over the world, and we are committed to creating a safe community of care and support. We are looking for someone to work in person at our studio in New York City.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, develop, and coordinate content for communications for department programs and events including DSI’s presence on social media, editorial vision, and relevant content for our newsletters, recruiting materials, and external and internal communications, including monthly submissions to SVA channels.
• Coordinate timelines and content of communications (social media, weekly/monthly newsletters, website posts) working closely with the Systems Administrator.
• Run department programs such as our annual Thesis Show, Designer in Residence, internal/external workshops and activities (Open Session, Open House), including budget, setup, and attendance, and coordinating student involvement in conjunction with the Chair and Director of Ops.
• Plan and manage the communications and coordination to promote department programs and events with the Chair and Director of Ops.
• Support Director of Ops in managing DSI curriculum, recruitment, and studio-related activities (faculty support, coordination of new applicants, student course registration, orientation, and year-end activities), point of contact with SVA administration, caring for the space, and managing resources.
• Administrative tasks include maintaining daily, weekly, and monthly administrative tasks, including calendars, coordinating meetings, onboarding, billing, POs, expenses, ordering supplies, and developing best practices and processes.
• With the Director of Ops, manage and support DSI student workers.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA or BFA required
• 2-4 years of experience in content strategy, project management, and administrative work experience, with a demonstrable history of success.
• Proficiency in Mac OS computer skills
• Knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat (Creative Suite, a plus), Zoom, and online collaborative tools (Canvas, etc.).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in and familiarity of working in higher education.
• Familiarity with the field of social innovation as well as alignment with MFA DSI values and SVA mission.
• Experience working in a studio is a plus (design or creative production background, knowledge of technology trends, innovations in the design/art).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong writing abilities, teamwork, managing relationships up and down, and solid people skills.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized, prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner, and show experience in project management, including timelines & budgets.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and be able to process iterative, constructive feedback.
• Knowledge of the social design and social impact space
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Collaborative spirit and team player – pitching in, helping out, and investing in others.
• Ability to support, encourage, and inspire.
• Ability to work proactively, think critically, leverage problem-solving skills, and delegate.
• Interact with all levels of stakeholders (staff, faculty, students, and administration) to execute, communicate, and track projects.
• Display diplomacy, professionalism, and respectful interaction when working with students, staff, and faculty online, over the phone, and in person.
• Uphold a sense of accountability, equity, ethics, honesty, and transparency.
• Strong organization skills, detailed, result-oriented, ability to multitask.
• Creative thinking, curiosity, can think “outside the box”.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work in an office academic environment
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Along with a resume and cover letter, applicants are required to provide creative content work samples (writing samples, social media presence, etc.).

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 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.