Technology Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under the direction of the Director of Operations, the Technology Manager oversees all
technology
systems that support teaching, learning, and production in the BFA 3D Animation and Visual Effects department. This role is
responsible for
the daily operation, performance, and continuous improvement of the department’s production studios, computer labs, and
administrative
systems.

The Technology Manager leads a team of systems administrators supporting students, faculty, and staff across
Mac- and
PC-based environments. Working closely with the Director of Operations and Department Chair, this role helps plan and manage
technology
budgets, evaluates emerging technologies, and sets the technical strategy for a creative and dynamic academic environment.

The BFA 3D
Animation
and Visual Effects department combines the power of CG and VFX with active imaginations, captivating stories, and skilled
artistry.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the department’s technology strategy for teaching,
  learning,
  and production in an animation and visual effects academic environment.
• Ensure daily operational readiness and
  assessment of all
  computer labs, production studios, and administrative systems to support instruction and student production.
• Supervise and manage
  a team of five system administrators who provide technical support to students, faculty, and staff.
• Oversee
  the installation,
  configuration, and maintenance of servers, workstations, hardware, software, and peripherals.
• Manage the
  department’s helpdesk
  ticketing system to ensure timely, effective support and clear prioritization of requests.
• Coordinate with
  the SVA Network
  Engineering team to define, maintain, and improve the department’s network infrastructure and connectivity.
• Work
  closely with the
  Director of Operations and Department Chair to develop and manage the annual technology budget and long-term technology
  roadmap.
• Monitor system security, data integrity, and access controls, and address potential risks and vulnerabilities.
• Establish,
  document, and enforce standard operating procedures and service level agreements for all technology services.
• Plan,
  maintain, and
  oversee on-site and cloud-based solutions for rendering, machine learning, high-performance computing, archival storage, and
  disaster
  recovery.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies, tools, and workflows that enhance animation and VFX
  instruction
  and production.
• Manage vendor relationships, purchasing requests, contracts, and renewals for all technology,
  software, and
  equipment.
• Develop and deliver training for incoming students, staff, and faculty on new systems, tools, and
  department technology
  policies.
• Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings, IT meetings, and department events.
• Develop,
  establish, and maintain professional relationships within the SVA community and with hardware and software vendors to ensure
  successful
  technical and facility functions.
• Responsible for the research, development, acquisition, installation, and contract
  maintenance
  of all software, hardware, networks, sound, and video equipment.
• Establish and oversee in-house training for student
  lab
  assistants and all staff on any/all new technology initiatives are being implemented with the Director of Operations.
• Support
  room
  scheduling, lab usage, and production needs in coordination with the Director of Operations and academic leadership.
• Attend
  conferences (domestic and international)
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, digital media, animation, visual effects,
  or a related field, or an
  equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Three (3) years of professional
  experience supporting technology
  in a production, studio, academic, or creative environment.
• Two (2) years of experience
  supervising or leading technical staff,
  student workers, or support teams.
• Experience with computer art software and hardware,
  including PC, MAC, 3D, video, and sound
  equipment
• Experience using helpdesk or ticketing systems to manage and prioritize support
  requests.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Degree (MA, MFA, MS, or similar) in computer science,
  digital media,
  animation, visual effects, or a related field.
• Six (6) or more years of progressive experience supporting
  production,
  post-production, or academic environments in animation, visual effects, film, or related creative industries.
• Experience working
  in higher education, studio training programs, or professional production environments with students, artists, or
  faculty.
• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary IT or production technology team.
• Expertise in Mac and Windows system
  administration in
  large-scale lab, studio, or enterprise environments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge
  of technology management processes, enterprise Mac and Windows environments, and network infrastructure supporting labs,
  studios, and
  classrooms
• Knowledge of technology workflows used in animation, visual effects, and digital production
  environments
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for
  non-technical
  audiences
• Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills
• Ability to
  learn and adapt to
  new technologies, policies, and institutional changes
• Ability to install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot
  hardware,
  software, servers, and networks
• Ability to assess and maintain lab and studio readiness for instruction and
  production
• Ability to manage helpdesk systems and prioritize competing support needs
• Ability to oversee equipment
  repairs, warranties, and
  vendor-supported maintenance
• Ability to lead, supervise, train, and schedule system administrators and
  student lab staff
• Ability to establish and enforce standard operating procedures and service level agreements
• Ability to
  manage multiple projects,
  deployments, and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to develop and manage technology budgets, purchases,
  contracts, and vendor
  relationships
• Ability to collaborate with department leadership, campus partners, and external
  stakeholders
• Ability to
  prepare documentation, reports, and routine correspondence, and keep leadership informed of system status,
  risks, and needs
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and
  stakeholders

PHYSICAL
REQUIREMENTS OR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Schedule: Full-time (35
  hours per week), Monday–Friday, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. to
  6:00 or 7:00 p.m. (EST). Primarily on-site, with one remote workday per week (to be
  determined).
• Location: BFA 3D Animation and
  Visual Effects Department, 133/141 West 21st Street, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th
  Floors, New York, NY 10011.
• Travel: Willingness to travel
  to conferences, both domestic and international, as
  required.
• Additional Hours: Evening and weekend work may be required to
  support departmental events, programs, and
  initiatives.
• Remote Work Expectations: When working remotely, the employee is expected
  to maintain regular work
  hours, follow departmental procedures, complete assigned duties, and remain available during working hours via
  established communication
  tools (e.g., Google Chat, Slack, phone).
• Work Environment: Ability to work in computer labs, production
  studios,
  server rooms, and office settings.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift, carry, and move computer equipment and
  related
  technology weighing up to 40 lbs.
• 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

The 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 principles of
the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a
significant number of historically underrepresented groups, including diverse ethnic
and religious backgrounds, gender identities, and
abilities, as well as individuals from foreign countries. All are encouraged to apply.