Job Description

JOB TITLE: Studio Manager

JOB POSTED: October 31, 2024

DEPARTMENT: BFA Photography & Video

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations

SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on departmental needs.

COMPENSATION : $50,000 Annually, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:  

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Studio Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Equipment Hub, studio, and darkroom facilities for the BFA Photography and Video department. This role includes training and supervising studio hub staff and coordinating with students and faculty to fulfill equipment and material needs.

The Studio Manager ensures that regular facility and equipment maintenance is conducted, manages the equipment and consumables inventory, and compiles departmental purchasing needs and requests through research and evaluation. Additionally, they support the Director of Operations and assist in managing departmental functions related to equipment and facility oversight.

The BFA Photography and Video program at the School of Visual Arts grounds students in the creative and technological skills of the mediums. Our curriculum not only empowers students to create and discuss photographs and videos with authority, agency, and success but also prepares them for diverse job opportunities in the field. With access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, students gain hands-on experience with the latest and most advanced industry-standard technologies, ensuring they graduate with a distinct competitive advantage. More information about the department can be found here ( 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Hub, Facilities, and Staffing Management 

•  Manage the “Equipment Hub,” a centralized equipment storage and lending facility for students and faculty, overseeing inventory and lending systems through Filemaker.
• Update, implement, and communicate policies, procedures, and schedules for equipment sign-out, return, and inspection.
•  Support students and faculty with equipment and material requests; lead studio and darkroom orientations, equipment training sessions, technical demos, and facility tours.
• Screen, interview, and hire candidates for hub staff positions; train and schedule Assistant Studio Managers, Studio Technicians, and Student Workers; mediate and resolve staff concerns as needed.
•  Oversee Assistant Studio Managers and their supervision of daily tasks across full-time, part-time, and student staff.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals, set goals, and provide ongoing developmental feedback for staff.
• Schedule and lead regular meetings with the Director of Operations, Assistant Studio Managers, and Hub staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive environment that supports open communication and respect among students, faculty, and staff.
•  Maintain high standards of customer service, professionalism, and responsiveness in all interactions.
• Research, evaluate, and manage departmental consumable and equipment purchasing needs in collaboration with the Director of Operations.
• Organize and manage semi-annual equipment maintenance.
• Maintain vendor relationships, coordinate purchases, and manage requisitions and deliveries.
• Support exhibitions, equipment, and facility repair alongside the Exhibitions and Maintenance Coordinator.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Departmental Events and Special Projects

• Support department tours, orientation, Open House, and Accepted Students Day for admissions-related events.
• Assist the Chair, Director of Operations, Curriculum Coordinator, and Special Projects & Programs Coordinator with special projects and asset management for end-of-year student projects.
• Collaborate with the Department Chair and Director of Operations to fulfill the educational goals of the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (BFA) in photography or a related field required.
• 3-4 years of managerial or supervisory experience, preferably in an educational setting.
• Advanced knowledge, expertise, and troubleshooting skills in analog and digital photography: full-frame, medium, large format camera systems, studio and on-location lighting (strobe, fluorescent, continuous), grip equipment, and analog darkroom operations and maintenance, including B&W film/paper processing, and proper chemical handling.
• Proficiency in digital tethered capture with various cameras; experience with software such as Capture One and Lightroom.
• Experience with video and audio capture using digital camera systems and audio equipment.
• Proficient in using Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms) within a Mac environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree (MFA) in photography or related field
• Digital Tech Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students, faculty, and staff.
• Clear and professional verbal, written, and email communication skills; able to communicate effectively across diverse personalities.
•  Excellent interpersonal, leadership, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills; ability to mediate conflict with composure and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of assigned practices, and procedures in traditional and digital photography, and video production.
• Knowledge of digital capture equipment and related software.
• Knowledge of basic maintenance and repair of photography equipment.
• Knowledge of analog black & white film processing and printing, including analog darkroom maintenance and the proper mixing, handling, and disposal of photochemistry.
• Knowledge of safety practices, and procedures in darkrooms and photographic studios.
• Knowledge of inventory and ordering procedures.
• Skill in interpreting, developing, implementing, and explaining policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain photo, video, audio, studio, and darkroom equipment, materials, and facilities in a clean, orderly, functional, and safe condition.
• Ability to provide and role model excellent customer service.
• Ability to train and develop, and provide guidance and direction to staff.
• Ability to resolve problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other employees and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• The normal schedule is Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Hours may vary depending on departmental needs. 
• HUB operational hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM (staff scheduled from 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
  • Friday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (staff scheduled from 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM)
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including but not limited to standing for long periods of time, walking, lifting, and carrying boxes up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to hazardous materials, such as photography chemicals.
• Ability to work weekends as necessary.

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.

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