The School of Visual Arts in New York City is currently seeking a Chair for their MFA Design program. The Chair will be responsible for overseeing the academic and co-curricular aspects of the department, as well as shaping its future direction. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in graphic design or a related discipline, along with a graduate degree. They should also possess strong leadership skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program itself is highly regarded, offering a 60-credit MFA program that emphasizes individual accomplishments and collaborative engagements. The Chair will have the opportunity to shape the program’s curriculum and foster an environment that encourages the artistic and professional growth of its students. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by January 31, 2024.
Job Description
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SVA Seeks its Next Chair of the MFA Design Program
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) is currently seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Chair, Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Design Program. The Chair will be responsible for overseeing the academic and co-curricular programming of the department, as well as providing leadership and guidance to faculty, staff, and students. This is a prestigious position within the design education field and offers the opportunity to shape the future of design education at SVA.
Program Description
The MFA Design Program at SVA was co-founded in 1997 and has since been a leader in design education. The program is designed to be completed in two years of full-time study and emphasizes individual accomplishments and collaborative engagements. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including a professional design studio, individual workspaces, the latest equipment, and a comprehensive library. The program’s mission is to teach students not only the fundamentals of design but also to develop their entrepreneurial skills and encourage them to create innovative and socially impactful design solutions.
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Responsibilities
The Chair of the MFA Design Program will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Identifying and addressing the changes in the field of graphic design over the past 25 years and developing alternative pedagogical approaches to design education.
- Creating a nurturing environment that encourages well-conceived, designed, and communicated outcomes.
- Keeping up to date with the latest technologies, new methods, and the contemporary needs of the design marketplace, while also respecting the heritage and lessons of design.
- Fostering independent thinking and creativity among students, encouraging them to push the boundaries of contemporary design practice.
- Attending monthly meetings with the provost and other committee assignments as directed by the President and/or Provost.
- Managing the department’s budget and overseeing the preparation of course schedules, catalog descriptions, appointments, and faculty assignments.
- Appointing and guiding curricular and curricular-evaluation committees.
- Organizing extracurricular programs that enhance students’ learning and professional development.
- Conducting conferences with faculty, staff, and students as needed.
- Participating in educational programs and professional associations relevant to design education.
- Representing the program and SVA at Orientation, Open House events, and other venues to promote the program.
- Participating in the College’s program of accreditation, outcomes assessment, and other institutional effectiveness activities.
- Assessing the department’s space needs and reporting findings to the executive director of facilities.
- Overseeing annual recruitment campaigns to attract a diverse pool of students.
- Maintaining and improving the department’s website to showcase student work and program offerings.
- Developing relationships with sponsors, contributors, and potential employers of program graduates.
- Maintaining the “Milton Glaser” guest speaker series, which brings industry professionals to the program to share their insights and experiences.
- Upholding the department’s mission, goals, and principles in all aspects of program management and administration.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for the Chair of the MFA Design Program should possess the following qualifications:
- Substantial professional practice in graphic design, typography, identity, branding, or a closely related discipline, with a record of publication.
- A graduate degree, preferably in design or a closely related discipline. Exceptional candidates with only an undergraduate degree and a strong professional record may also be considered.
- Five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in academic leadership at the college level, preferably as a chair or assistant dean, with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining high academic and creative standards.
- Experience in diversity-related curriculum development and pedagogy, and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in design education.
- Extensive knowledge of design as an artistic form and its role in various industries.
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching graduate-level design courses.
- A commitment to fostering the artistic and professional growth of individual students.
- Strong management and collaboration skills, with a collegial management style and a willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues.
- Experience with student recruitment and a network of professional contacts in the design field.
- A demonstrated commitment to the mission and core values of the School of Visual Arts.
Application Procedure
To apply for the position of Chair of the MFA Design Program at SVA, interested individuals should submit the following materials:
- A letter of interest that describes how their experience and interests align with the requirements of the position.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A statement of teaching philosophy that incorporates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- A list of names and contact information for three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit all materials as separate PDF documents by January 31, 2024, to SVA-ChairSearch@sva.edu.
About SVA
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) has been at the forefront of arts education for over seven decades. With a distinguished faculty, a dynamic curriculum, and a commitment to critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. The school is home to over 7,000 students and boasts a diverse community of alumni from 128 countries. SVA offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, all aimed at preparing students for successful careers in the arts and design industries.
For more information about the College’s programs and offerings, please visit the SVA website at https://sva.edu/.
