Studio Manager

JOB TITLE:

JOB POSTED:

DEPARTMENT:

REPORTS TO:

SCHEDULE:

POSITION SUMMARY:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

• 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