Graduate Assistant

Position Purpose 

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are integral in building community at SIA-NY in that they create a welcoming environment, assist with student and visitor questions and concerns, and maintain a clean, organized space in the 6th Floor Student Commons area in the Library. In addition to providing quality customer service, GAs are responsible for performing a variety of front desk and clerical functions in both the Commons and the Library. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following, but the individual will also be expected to perform all the duties necessary which are customarily performed by a person holding this position.  Other duties may be assigned. 

6th Floor Commons / Reception Area 

• Front desk coverage (including reception and answering/ directing telephone inquiries) for evenings and weekends; 
• Provide support to and assist in the management of after-hours happenings at the Institute including, community events, MA classes, and evening study hours. Community events support may include artist lectures, career workshops, book signings, and admission events;  
• Work with IT to troubleshoot and assist presenters with audiovisual and classroom issues;  
• Coordinate with all facility, student, and staff in case of emergencies (may include fire alarm checks, 911 emergencies, or building evacuations) and; 
• Other office clerical duties as assigned 

Library 

• Staff the Library circulation desk and use the library management system to issue, return and renew library materials;  
• Answer in-person and telephone inquiries, guiding patrons to both hardcopy and e-resource; refer complex inquiries to the librarians for further assistance. Record all inquiries both in-person and remotely into Springshare’s LibAnswers;  
• Provide basic IT support when necessary; 
• Provide support for projects, such as annual collection audits; 
• Re-shelve books, periodicals, and complete shelf tidying/reading duties;     
• Open the library during morning coverage and close the library during evening coverage;  
• Provide evening and weekend coverage during term time, along with possible additional hours if necessary   
• Work on special projects, as needed. 

Knowledge and Abilities 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge and skill required. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to monitor all programs, calendars, and events in order to provide accurate information to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 
• Ability to take charge and direct others in an emergency situation. 
• Strong IT skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and an understanding of how to set up audio/visual equipment. 
• Ability to organize, plan, and prioritize work activity with little supervision. 
• Ability to use discretion, maintain confidentiality and represent the Institute in a professional manner. 
• Strong attention to detail with accuracy. 
• Must be dependable, present, motivated, and willing to learn new skills or tasks as needed. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required for working in a small team and for working within the broader context of the Institute. 
• Strong customer service skills.  
• Adaptable to changes in the workplace.  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to be present in the office/reception area and library. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Education and Work Experience 
Candidates must be current first-semester student at Sotheby’s Institute of Art –NY and in good academic standing.  

• Bachelor’s Degree.  
• Experience working in an administrative role is preferred. 
• Candidates with face-to-face customer service experience will be given priority. 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics listed here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of his/her job. Under the ADA, reasonable accommodations must be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Basic office, reception area, library, and classroom environment. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Sotheby’s Institute of Art reserves the right to modify this job description in its sole discretion.  

Sotheby’s Institute of Art is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.