Manager, Institutional Advancement Operations - Rhode Island School of Design

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a highly skilled Manager for the Division of Institutional Advancement (IA). This role is responsible for completing a wide range of complex and politically sensitive operational support services for Institutional Advancement, ensuring the highest level of customer service to internal and external clients. The Manager, IA Operations oversees the day-to-day administration of a complex and growing divisional office including the budget, policies and procedures, space and equipment allocation, technology, on-boarding of new staff, facilitating professional development (including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) planning for all staff, managing of the summer internship program, and manages the division’s committees and special initiatives such as the IA Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Committee and Spirit Committee, and complete special projects as assigned. This position serves as the primary liaison between Institutional Advancement and RISD’s Budget Office and the Human Resources Department.

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

• Manage and monitor nine unit budgets of approximately $6.5M for entire staff, interns; student workers; and volunteers. Regularly provide the VP Institutional Advancement (VPIA) and budget managers with budget reports including forecasting. Work with the budget office to identify report anomalies, and process corrections/modifications using RISD controls and accounting-related forms. Meet with divisional budget managers to audit accounts and to resolve issues with regard to management, accounting procedures, and/or to review expenditures that conflict with RISD policy. Serve as IA’s primary vendor relations manager as the divisional liaison with the Office of Procurement, General Counsel, other relevant internal stakeholders, and IA managers. Ensures that vendor procurement and processes follow RISD policies. Monitors compliance with IA diversity, equity, and inclusion standards when contracting with vendors.
  
  
• Evaluates division and departmental needs and effectively and efficiently manages supplies, merchandise, and tracks inventory of purchases. Coordinate, plan and attend support staff meetings to ensure office-wide projects are completed and performed as required. Monitor, track and manage project timelines and goals. Follow up on issues and action items as identified. Prepare status reports for projects as requested. Follow-up with teams to ensure the work is completed as assigned.
  
  
• Liaise between the Facilities & IT and other internal and external technical support staff regarding staff computers/technology, the data network, server, and phone systems, assuring that problems are dealt with in a timely manner. Track and monitor equipment needs and upgrades and coordinate the same with appropriate technical resources. Maintain and order inventory of supplies and equipment, including for new hires. Orders office equipment and assures ongoing maintenance.
  
  
• Work with the VPIA and Senior Management Group on office space planning and office assignment, including support for remote, hybrid, and in-person work.
  
  
• Serve as point of contact and works closely with Human Resources to assist with the development of positions and hiring process. Working with IA managers, develops and plans on-boarding for new employees, including interns and student workers, including introductions to policies, procedures, resources, materials, etc. Identifies and organizes opportunities for division-wide professional development including, but not limited to, webinars, guest speakers, and Lunch + Learns. Track divisional goal setting and performance management responsibilities to ensure completion in a timely manner.
  
  
• Support the IA DEI plan including trainings, the work of the DEI committee, and as the interface to campus-wide DEI efforts.
  
  

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Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience



Bachelor’s degree required. Three to five years of office and/or project management experience in a dynamic, deadline-oriented environment. The ability to work independently, and as part of a team, is essential. Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are important, including an 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. Excellent skills and proficiency in the use of all Microsoft Office products and related software. Demonstrated ability to apply mathematical skills, manage and monitor budgets and apply basic analytical principles; detailed understanding and use of spreadsheets and familiarity with financial reporting. Handling matters with a high level of professionalism, confidentiality and the ability to interact with diverse populations. Ability to liaise and network with various departments in order to leverage systems, tools, and relationships.

Union:

No



Work Schedule:

12 months per year; 35 hours per week

Employment Status:

Full-time, Exempt



Grade:

11/AD



Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume

Cover Letter

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.

For certain positions, RISD is currently supporting remote work arrangements due to the pandemic. When work resumes in person, employees are expected to perform work on campus.

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:

Administrative Support Services