Under moderate supervision and with some latitude for independent judgment, the Assistant to the Chairperson manages the day-to-day operations of the department, supports the activities of the chairperson, and monitors budget activities on an ongoing basis. This is a dynamic position in an energetic department that serves approximately 25 faculty and 160 students in both BFA and MFA programs, respectively. The Assistant to the Chair is a key member of the collaborative administrative team and participates in strategic decision-making to set, plan, and operationalize the department’s mission as a whole.

Job Duties:

• Coordinate daily office activities (i.e., order and maintain supplies and equipment, supervise temporary and student help, distribute work to support staff, respond to telephone and in-person inquiries, maintain the chairperson’s calendar, open and direct mail, etc.) and special initiatives and events.

• Disseminate information about the Institute, school and departmental policies and procedures to faculty, staff and students.

• Maintain and oversee department budget and monitor department’s financial activities (i.e., generate purchase orders, initiate payment vouchers, payroll forms and related paperwork; keep track of expenditures; and work with campus budget and accounting offices to ensure appropriate documentation and accountability).

• Generate correspondence, schedules, forms, letters, memos, reports, etc.

• Serve as liaison to department students and faculty as well as other Institute departments (e.g. Dean’s Office, Human Resources, Institutional Advancement, Comptroller, Budget, etc.).

• Act as liaison to external organizations and clients to arrange internships, award prizes, etc.

• Maintain the events calendar and content on the Department website.

• Assist with student recruitment activities and outreach.

• Assist the chairperson with project management (i.e., Pratt Photography Talk Series, PPI publication and other outwardly facing department activities.)

• Perform all other related duties as assigned.