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 departments 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 departments 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 departments 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 departments 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

• Bachelors 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) MondayFriday 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 7000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41000 alumni from 128 countries SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the Colleges 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here to learn what its 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.