Federal Work Study - Event Assistant

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The Federal Work Study, Event Assistant position provides hands-on support for event set-up and execution across multiple Academy events, including the Spring Show and Commencement. The event dates are noted below; however, the specific deinstallation and installation schedules for each event will be provided separately:

• Spring Show 2026: May 8th

• Commencement 2026: May 14th

This role offers practical experience in event planning and coordination as well as foundational arts administration. The student will assist with logistics, setup, guest services, and on-site operations, contributing to successful and engaging event experiences for the academic departments as well as industry guests and friends and families of Academy of Art students.
 

This position directly supports current students by contributing to some of the university’s most significant events featuring student artwork. The Spring Show is a premier exhibition that highlights outstanding student work and provides an opportunity for industry representatives to engage with emerging talent. Considerable effort is dedicated to ensuring the event effectively showcases student achievements. The Commencement ceremony marks the culmination of students’ academic journeys and celebrates their successful program completion. This position supports a Federal Work-Study student’s educational and vocational goals by providing hands-on experience in event planning and logistics while supporting high-impact campus events and developing transferable professional skills applicable to a variety of career paths.  These skills include time management, collaboration, customer service and adaptability.
 

Responsibilities:

• Assist with planning and coordination of the Spring Show and Commencement

• Support event setup and breakdown (e.g., signage, table set-up, painting, display installation)

• Help install and deinstall artwork under staff guidance

• Provide guest services, including greeting industry and honored guests in addition to offering directional assistance

• Monitor event spaces to ensure safety, organization, and a positive visitor experience

• Assist with basic vendor logistics as needed

• Perform administrative tasks such as data entry, inventory tracking, and supply organization

• Capture basic event documentation (photos, attendance counts) if requested

• Maintain clear communication with supervisor and team members throughout all phases of events

Qualifications:

• Current student not graduating in this year’s ceremony.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

• Willingness to perform physical tasks (e.g., lifting, squatting, standing for extended periods)

• Flexible availability to support event-based scheduling

• Interest in arts, event planning, or higher education operations

• Basic proficiency with common office tools (e.g., email, spreadsheets, word processing)

Location:

601 Brannan

Reports to: 
Candice Rollerson, Executive Director, Academic Administrators

Pay Rate: 
$19.18 per hour or approved rate for specific position

Application Deadline:
April 27, 2026

Length of Employment:
Beginning April 27, 2026

Work Schedule: Between 5 and 20 hours per week

Up to 20 hours/week*

*Federal Work Study work schedules may not conflict with the student's class schedule.

Academy of Art University offers part-time employees paid sick leave.

Academy of Art University is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants will be considered regardless of age, Aids or HIV positive status, marital status, domestic partnership, medical condition or genetic characteristics, race or national origin, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender identity, gender or sexual orientation, name change, citizenship, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other status protected by federal, state, local or other law. Academy of Art University will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. Equal access to the hiring process, services, and employment is available to all persons. Applicants requiring accommodations to the application and/or interview process should contact the Human Resources Department at HR@academyart.edu.