Temporary Director of Operations

JOB TITLE: Temporary Director of Operations

JOB UPDATED: April 27, 2026

DEPARTMENT: MPS Film Directing (School of Visual Arts)

REPORTS TO: Department Chair

SCHEDULE:  Part-Time, up to 21 hours per week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:30am - 5:00 pm, Onsite only

COMPENSATION: $32.97 per hour; Non-Exempt (Not Benefits Eligible)

DURATION:  Anticipated start date of mid-August and a tentative end date of January 2027.  

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Department Chair, the Temporary Director of Operations provides interim oversight of the MPS Film Directing program's daily operations, including administrative, financial, academic, and promotional activities. This role maintains the administrative budget, manages contracts, and coordinates hiring-related communications with faculty and support staff. This role also oversees the facilities management, safety compliance, equipment needs, professional services, and vendor relationships. 

In addition, this role supports student enrollment initiatives and temporarily serves as Graduate Advisor to the MPS Film Directing students. The Temporary Director of Operations assists the Department Chair with special projects, curriculum updates, student or staff matters, and departmental development. 

To learn more about MPS Film Directing, visit their website here. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Department Chair with administrative and academic operations for the MPS Film Directing program. 
• Support the development and monitoring of the department's operating and administrative budgets; track departmental expenses. 
• Coordinate student recruitment, admissions, and application review processes. 
• Coordinate promotional events, guest lectures, workshops, and departmental gatherings. 
• Organize and support the production of the annual Thesis Film Festival. 
• Manage and process departmental administrative documentation and records. 
• Coordinate with departmental faculty and staff to identify equipment, facility, and operational needs. 
• Support the development of marketing and promotional materials for the program. 
• Coordinate academic student services and departmental communications.
• Hire, train, and supervise departmental student workers. 
• Assist with recruitment and retention initiatives. 
• Temporarily serve as an Academic Advisor to MPS Film Directing students. 
• Perform other job-related duties, as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field or discipline. 
• 3-5 years of related professional or administrative experience, preferably in higher education, film, or a creative field. 
• Proficiency with Mac OS; familiarity with Google Workspace, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office. 
• Prior supervisory or management experience. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the School of Visual Arts or a similar art and design college.
• Experience with Salesforce, Canvas, Ellucian Colleague, or other student information systems. 
• Knowledge of the film industry. 
• Producer or production experience in the film industry. 
• Familiarity with film editing software. 
• Experience creating and producing newsletters using platforms such as Constant Contact or Mailchimp. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of higher education environments, academic operations, and filmmaking practices. 
• Knowledge of the New York film industry and production environment.
• ​Knowledge of administrative budgeting, financial tracking, and departmental spending.  
• Skill in verbal, written, interpersonal, ​and collaboration communications. 
• Skill in ​time management, planning, and organizing.
• Skill in problem-solving, attention to detail, and multitasking.
• ​Ability to present the College and MPS Film Directing program to prospective students and external partners. 
• ​Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, and staff.
• Ability to present information clearly in meetings and recruitment settings.
• ​Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and remain flexible and adaptable to changing departmental needs. 
• Demonstrated customer service skills and responsiveness to student and faculty needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees, faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (OR WORKING CONDITIONS) 

• Schedule: Part-Time (14 hours per week), Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. On-site (not remote). 
• Location: 132 West 21st Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10011
• Additional Hours: Evening and weekend work may be required to support departmental events, programs, and initiatives.
• Work Environment: Ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends in support of program events, recruitment activities, or the Thesis Film Festival.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift or move materials related to departmental events or operations (up to approximately 15–20 pounds) as needed.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout campus facilities for extended periods.
• Ability to work at a computer for prolonged periods, including viewing screens, typing, and using input devices.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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

• Cover Letter: Describe your interest in the position and how your qualifications meet the stated requirements.
• Resume or CV: Include relevant experience and key responsibilities.

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.