Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Project Specialist to join Continuing Education (CE). The mission of RISD CE is to educate students of all ages in art and design with high-quality accessible programs. CE offers evening and weekend courses, workshops, lectures and summer programs throughout the year. During the fall and spring terms we offer 12-week courses, while summer and winter sessions offer intensive six-week courses. In addition, CE offers a six-week Pre-College Program for high school artists and designers. The program is focused on allowing students to experience the core elements of a RISD education.

The Project Specialist is crucial to the cross-functional success and efficiency of the CE team. This position coordinates an array of special projects, day-to-day processes, and course development projects supporting a portfolio of in person and/or online programming. The role serves as a cross-functional liaison within the department, supporting seamless collaboration between programming, marketing, operations, technical services, hiring, and enrollment/student services. While this role will report directly under the Children, Youth, and Pre-Collegiate vertical of CE, their work will also support and collaborate closely with CE’s central services.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions:

• At the direction of the CYP Director, coordinate a variety of operational and cross-functional special projects that are focused on building efficiency, addressing resource constraints, and expanding the impact of new and pre-existing CE systems and workflows. 

• At the direction of the Director of CYP and other CE Leadership, implement and systemize solutions in support of new decisions around policies, staff responsibilities, and standard operating procedures. 

• Serve as the point person for a selection of special and day-to-day projects, coordinating between teams and staff. 

• Communicate deadlines to support teams in being on track with tasks, and liaise cross-functionally to support seamless collaboration across functions, including: 

  • Liaising between student services, operations, programming, and marketing on projects related to enrollment management, student intake, and registration requirements

  • Collaborating with programming, operations, and hiring on special projects related to instructor recruitment, training, and pay.

  • Engaging with programming, technical services, and operations on projects related online systems, student intake, and course management

• Support the day to day functioning of new and existing key processes and workflows, including maintaining online trackers and updating spreadsheets. 

• At the discretion of the Director (CYP) and Associate Director for Programming (CYP), engage in a portfolio of course development projects. This includes but is not limited to: 

  • Reviewing processes and systems throughout the full “lifecycle” of specific CYP programs from research and planning to implementation and evaluation. 

  • Supporting project management tasks associated with a selection of CYP online and/or in person courses including instructor onboarding/accountability, course build/deliverable deadlines, and reviewing course materials (descriptions, Canvas builds, supply lists, etc). 

  • Research and make recommendations to the Associate Director, CYP Programming.

  • Act as the main point of contact for assigned courses including answering questions about policies, instructor needs, or general questions related to programming.

Additional Functions:

• Support the implementation of new programs, and revisions to old ones, within CYP vertical. This includes the development of new systems and practices brought about by changes to a program’s scope, format, content, and/or audience.  

• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Desire to integrate a focus on sustainability, social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunity throughout the work of the department

• Minimum of three years of experience in programmatic, logistical or administrative duties. 

• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and database skills 

• Strong attention to detail, organization and project management skills required

• Experience using a structured approach to scope and coordinate complex projects

• Demonstrated understanding and ability to stay abreast of current relevant trends. 

• Experience navigating complex organizations with multiple stakeholders

• Ability to collaborate productively with colleagues across functions, departments, and levels

• Ability to manage operational ambiguity and prioritize strategic goals

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (i.e. Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle). 

• Knowledge of social media platforms and digital advertising tools (Google, Facebook)

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Non-exempt; Regular

Grade:

830NE

Work Modality

Hybrid Eligible

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

 

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

CE - Operations