Academic Program Director

Critical Playground LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Job summary

The New York Studio School is seeking an Academic Program Director to oversee MFA, CFA, and online programs in painting, drawing, and sculpture. The role manages academic programs, faculty, student services, and accreditation efforts, reporting to the Executive Director.

A strong background in higher education, curricular development, and a collaborative leadership style is essential. This year-round, part-time position features a four-day in-person commitment during semesters with significant

Qualifications

• Substantial record of achievement as an artist, educator, curator, scholar, or arts leader.
• Substantial academic leadership experience in higher education, preferably at the graduate level.
• Experience with accreditation processes (e.g., MSCHE, NASAD, NY State Board of Regents).
• Experience with Title IX, I-9, SEVP, SEVIS, HEDS and related educational entities.
• Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and online teaching.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient operation of the academic program; plan the academic calendar and class schedule; coordinate with the Executive Director and staff.
• Recruit, orient, mentor, evaluate faculty; establish workloads; lead student recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accrediting requirements; manage student and faculty services and assessments; maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Job description

The New York Studio School (NYSS) is a small, independent art school in the heart of Greenwich Village. We are seeking an Academic Program Director who will manage the School’s approximately 30 full time students enrolled in our Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Foundational Certificate (CFA) programs as well as oversee students in our part time, virtual and public programs in Painting, Drawing and Sculpture. Offered both in-person and online, these programs are entering an exciting transitional period under innovative new leadership, making this an exceptional opportunity for the right candidate to help shape the future of the New York Studio School.

This role is envisaged as a year-round part-time role, with a four day per week, in-person commitment during the school semesters. Significant remote work flexibility will be offered for the summer months. We anticipate the relatively small scale of the program will allow the candidate to maintain a substantial personal studio practice after an initial onboarding period.

Salary Expectation

$90,000 - $110,000 annually - based on experience, plus health benefits.

Position Profile

The Academic Program Director is an internally focused leadership position reporting to the Executive Director. Responsible for effectively managing academic programs, faculty and student services, and institutional accreditation; creating policies that promote faculty and student success; and enhancing the overall faculty and student experience. The successful candidate will be an accomplished and adaptable team player with substantial experience in higher education, curricular development and student recruitment, demonstrate a flexible hands-on approach to organizational management, and be willing to engage in a collaborative, inclusive culture that supports both excellence and experimentation in artistic practice.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the efficient operation of the academic program, and coordinate its operation with the operation of the other programs. Plan the academic calendar and class schedule in coordination with the Executive Director and staff. Participate in academic planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation in coordination with the Director of Administration

Identify and recruit potential new faculty members; orient, mentor, engage, and evaluate new and returning faculty. Determine, in consultation with the Executive Director, the workload assignment for each faculty member. Actively lead and support all aspects of student recruitment, enrollment, and retention. Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications on the development of recruitment materials and strategy. Interview prospective students, conduct open houses, and lead recruitment events, receptions, orientation, graduation, and other student-facing activities. Oversee and actively engage in the full student experience, including admissions, registration through Amilia, academic advising, student support, and counseling, while ensuring institutional compliance with all applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements, including those of the New York State Board of Regents, Title IX, I-9, SEVP, SEVIS, HEDS, and other relevant regional, national, and international educational entities, in coordination with the Director of Administration. Responsible for all Student and Faculty management including advising, assessment, grading and evaluation and enforcement of Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and general codes of student and faculty conduct. Create and implement policies that promote faculty and student development and wellness, and ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment. Promote student success, retention, and degree completion through mentorship, effective academic support and assessment practices. Prepare institutional effectiveness and prepare reports, documents, and other materials required as part of the school’s obligations to its accreditation entities.

Additional Responsibilities

In addition to these duties specific to the various programs in Painting, Drawing and Sculpture, the Academic Program Director may provide service to the school as appropriate, including but not limited to the following:

Collaborate with the Executive Director and other faculty and staff on school-wide curricular review and academic programming to ensure alignment with the school’s mission and recruitment objectives. Actively engage in the recruitment, conversion, and enrollment of supporters and donors, in cooperation with the Director of Development and Communications, including participation in preparing communication materials and attendance at fundraising events as needed. Participate in professional organizations and activities as a representative of The New York Studio School Maintain strong links with industry professionals on behalf of the school as well as maintain and cultivate relationships with other schools nationally and internationally to foster student exchange programs. Depending on the applicant’s experience, there may be an opportunity to teach virtual or in-person classes, provide lectures, classes, seminars, and visits as appropriate, and participate in the assessment of student work related to those activities.

Qualifications

Substantial record of achievement as an artist, educator, curator, scholar, or arts leader. Substantial academic leadership experience in higher education, preferably at the graduate level. Experience with Amilia or comparable student registration system. Experience with accreditation processes, including MSCHE, NASAD, New York State Board of Regents, or comparable accrediting bodies. Experience with compliance with Title IX, I-9, SEVP, SEVIS, HEDS and other required regional, national and international educational entities. Experience communicating with and supervising students, faculty and academic staff. Experience in curriculum development, assessment, and academic innovation, including on-line teaching. Ability to adapt and lead evolving strategic initiatives amid organizational change. Commitment to flexibility, shared governance and collaborative leadership. Strong communication, organizational, and empathetic interpersonal skills. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success.

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his/her job:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to frequently climb stairs in an historic building. Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech and/or other sounds. Ability to physically see primarily visual artworks. Ability to communicate complex observations, theories and ideas verbally in the English language.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Basic office environment. Basic art studio environment including traditional art supplies such as paints, solvents, clay and charcoal. Airplane, subway, coach, train travel in economy class. The New York Studio School is located in an historic building with accessibility limitations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. The New York Studio School reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.

Work Authorization

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The New York Studio School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to supporting and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.