Job Summary: 

RISD’s Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks a Development Associate to provide proactive administrative support to the Executive Director of the RISD Fund. Daily responsibilities include coordinating internal meetings, preparation, travel logistics and follow-up for internal meetings. The ideal candidate will provide excellent customer service to IA and campus colleagues and alumni, families, and friends in response to phone, email inquiries, and requests for information. The Development Associate also provides operational and administrative support to the team, and assists in coordinating and implementing a variety of logistics, activities, and projects such as RISD and Reunion Weekends, Commencement and Founders Day.

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.

RISD offers competitive wages and benefits, which includes but is not limited to:

• Four (4) weeks of paid vacation
• Personal and sick time, 14 paid holidays
• Robust medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Professional development opportunities

Essential Functions: 

• Provide proactive administrative support to the Executive Director of the RISD Fund and the team including:
  • serving as an initial point of contact for telephone calls and visitors.
  • maintaining and updating the Executive Director’s calendar, including but not limited to proofreading, preparation of meeting agendas and communications, and conference travel itineraries and travel arrangements. Ensure that all materials and documents related to meetings and any resulting assignments or information are recorded and distributed as appropriate.
  • serving as team project manager for intra- and inter-team projects and initiatives as needed, including but not limited to direct response marketing campaigns, phonathon campaigns, and FALC and RISD Fund Committee meetings.
  • processing invoices and expenses for the Executive Director and team; working with the Manager of Operations, preparing Work Day budget reports and budget projections for the Executive Director.
  • entering/updating data in the database (Raiser’s Edge) as needed.
  • working collaboratively and proactively with other administrative support staff to coordinate meetings and other events.  Schedule routine meetings including, but not limited to staff meetings, and Executive Directors’ meetings.
• Manage the RISD Fund calendar and present upcoming activities and deliverables for the RISD Fund unit at team meetings. Act as scribe for team meetings and retreats.
• Address inquiries to the RISD Fund team via email and phone, answering questions and disseminating to other staff when appropriate and other general inquiries.
• Support and staff on-campus events, including RISD and reunion weekends, Commencement and Founders Day

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience: 

• 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. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and engaging nature.
• Ability to comfortably and effectively speak in public and make presentations in meetings. Ability to write persuasively and strong interpersonal skills. Ability to interact and correspond professionally with senior staff and distinguished alumni + families.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of divisional and institutional colleagues, within an environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to monitor and track budgets and expenses. Must have experience with the Microsoft Office suite–Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Demonstrated database entry and reporting experience (Raiser’s Edge preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to three years of experience in an office setting required; experience in the higher education or nonprofit sector greatly preferred.

Work Schedule: 35 hours per week, 12 months per year

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.