Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is seeking an Alumni Relations Officer, Lifelong Learning, to join its Institutional Engagement Department (IE). IE cultivates and stewards relationships from a variety of sources to support the priorities of the college. IE understands that art and design drive human progress and produce innovations that shape our world. It is deeply committed to building an inclusive community enlivened by a determination to address the most important challenges of our time, and this includes RISD alumni and families. The Alumni + Family Relations Office values the people, projects, and passions that make our creative community so extraordinary.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni + Family Relations, the Alumni Relations Officer, Lifelong Learning, is responsible for developing scalable life and career programming for 30,000+ global alumni across alumni life stages and geographic regions, such as but not limited to career transitions, networking, continuing education, and job searching. This includes the management of the Lifelong Learning Webinar Series, in-person and virtual workshops, and the administration and oversight of the RISD Network. Successful candidates must be committed to working in a diverse and inclusive environment and embrace our vision and mission.

The Alumni Relations Officer, Lifelong Learning, is also responsible for the management of the life-long learning budget, serves as the liaison between Alumni + Family Relations and Continuing Education, RISD Careers, and its staff. The person in this position also serves as the liaison to the Alumni Leadership Council Mentorship/Careers Committee and the Families Association as appropriate.

As an employer, RISD offers a supportive, collegial, and inclusive work environment, and a competitive benefits package.

Essential Functions

• Develop programming to bring lifelong learning opportunities to alumni across life stages and geographic locations, through:
  • Building a suite of learning opportunities for alumni, with a balance of programming for the fine art, business skills, and design, the RISD Museum, and RISD Careers and organizations outside RISD to provide joint program/discounted programs on campus and in regional clubs. Collaborate with travel programs on career-focused programming.
  • Representing Alumni Relations to Career Center, assuring complementary and collaborative programming, flow of information, mutual support for programs:
    • Share, cross-promote, and partner on Career Center presentations when able            
    • Develop “business etiquette” workshops that focus on business-minded career transitions
    • In partnership with volunteer leaders and campus partners, including RISD Careers, develop, promote, and manage RISDTrek programs.
• Support Alumni Association Leadership Council Mentorship/Career Committee, and provide logistical support for meetings, conference calls, etc. Also, works to support the connection with the Families Association.
• Facilitate the administration, oversight, and development of the PeopleGrove Platform which delivers the mentorship and RISD Network opportunities.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent in years of related experience
• Three years progressively responsible alumni relations and program development to execution experience required with some experience managing and fostering productive relationships with alumni and campus partners
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of divisional and institutional colleagues, within an environment that values diversity as defined by, race, color, religion, age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law
• Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and under deadlines
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated experience with strong computer skills in programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps
• Ability to write persuasively and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and engaging nature
• Ability to comfortably and effectively speak in public and make presentations that are external facing
• Ability to interact and correspond professionally with staff and alumni

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.