Department Assistant, Interior Architecture

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Department Assistant to join its Interior Architecture (IntAR) department. Architecture, conservation and design, are at the core of Interior Architecture and the department takes an innovative approach to the reuse and transformation of existing buildings.

The Department Assistant is a highly-valued member of the InTAR community who assists in providing administrative support tasks required to run a dynamic academic department including clerical and routine administrative duties in support of the department, department head, other faculty and students. This position may also serve as point of contact for departmental internal and external relations.

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

Student Support: As a point of contact for the Department, guide the Department’s students toward successful resolution of their concerns. With a broad knowledge of institutional processes and resources, resolve routine issues and facilitate resolution (i.e. support and counsel students through various institutional processes) for more complex academic issues. Refer students in need of first aid, health issues, counseling, advising, financial aid and other issues to appropriate College resources. Develop and maintain knowledge of department’s degree requirements. As needed, act as liaison between student and Department Head and/or faculty advisor in order to facilitate resolution of student issues consistent with Department’s standards and objectives. As needed, act as Department representative for resolution of student issues from external departments such as admissions, registrar’s office, etc.

Budget Responsibility: Monitor, track and maintain Department’s budget(s). Write and track purchase requisitions and manage procurement card and debit card statements; resolve statements to appropriate budget lines. Process check requests, honoraria, invoices and departmental expenses. Coordinate as necessary, bulk purchases, supply orders, and other related department purchases.

Department Head/Faculty support: Assist Department Head and faculty in support of their work. As needed, assist with maintaining Department Head’s calendar, scheduling meetings, and advising appointments. Assist and provide support for faculty for course related assistance.

Course Tables: Update and maintain course tables, scheduling, course section revision forms and course proposals, in accordance with faculty salary budget, workload, and course announcements.

General Administration: Receive all visitors to the department, respond to in-person and remote inquiries about the undergraduate/graduate program(s) and escalate as appropriate. Facilitate the work of the department as an administrative liaison with other areas of the College such as the Registrar’s Office. Perform a wide variety of administrative duties including but not limited to processing academic paperwork such as readmission forms, grade changes, academic petitions and independent study applications. Complete registration of students through means preferred by Department which may include student self-registration, registration lists, manual entry, or lottery and complete functions on enrollment system such as adds and drops and monitor class section/class size. Work with the Department Head to maintain archives related to accreditation. Coordinate as necessary, equipment and space needs, report and arrange repairs with the Facilities department and ensure building maintenance meets department’s needs. Provide logistics support for field trips, visiting artists, and other department initiatives.

Website support: Update and maintain content on department’s faculty resource web space on intranet.

Graduate Program Support: Provide administrative and logistical support to graduate program which may include sending information packages to prospective applicants, arranging for individual campus visits and interviews, tracking of applicant information, supporting the distribution of graduate assistantship/fellowship awards, and related administrative activities.

Additional Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned by Department Head and Dean.
  
  
• Supervise work study students, as needed including processing of work-study time cards.
  
  

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience required. One to two years administrative support experience required with experience working in an academic environment preferred. Experience and knowledge of PC and/or Apple computer/s used in office administration required; experience and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, ability to adapt to new software including student enrollment management systems. Proven problem solver with resourceful approach; demonstrated initiative, excellent interpersonal skills; attention to detail; basic math skills; strong oral and written communication skills; ability to multitask; and work in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated experience working cooperatively with and exhibiting sensitivity to the diverse populations of RISD’s community.

Union:

Yes



Work Schedule:

20 hours/week

Employment Status:

Non-Exempt/Part-Time Regular



Grade:

06/CT-ASA



Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

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:

Administrative Support Services