Assistant Director of Admissions

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Assistant Director of Admissions. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Admissions team whose primary mission is to ensure the enrollment goals of the college by bringing in new degree program students as well as first-year, transfer, visiting, post bac, and graduate students.

The Assistant Director of Admissions will play a critical role in achieving the strategic goals of the Admissions to ensure the recruitment and enrollment of a dynamic, diverse and talented student body, Office. The Assistant Director will support Admissions leadership by conceptualizing, building, implementing and managing designated aspects of the graduate and undergraduate admissions process which includes, but is not limited to, virtual recruitment strategy and delivery, diversity outreach and programming, evaluation and implementation of recruitment technology and tools, supervision of the remote application reader team, support of the Brown|RISD Dual Degree program and the engagement of alumni to support recruitment initiatives. In addition, the Assistant Director of Admissions must perform all of the functions of an Admissions Officer, including virtual and in-person travel to high schools and participation in portfolio review events, fairs, open houses, or events to promote Rhode Island School of Design. The Assistant Director will serve as a key point of contact for staff and prospective students and make recommendations to improve policies and procedures. Review undergraduate applications for admission to the college and serve as a voting member of the Admissions Committee. The Assistant Director will provide guidance and mentorship to new staff members.

We seek applications from equity-minded candidates who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, manage and analyze the success of important aspects of the graduate and undergraduate admissions processes. Present findings to the Associate Director and make recommendations for best practices that support short- and long-term recruitment initiatives and activities.
  
  
• Manage a comprehensive alumni relations and stewardship program to engage alumni with prospective students through portfolio reviews and new initiatives. Develop and implement training policies and procedures for alumni. Collaborate with colleagues across campus to increase the efficiency of portfolio review events, strengthen relationships with alumni reviewers, and provide superior and comprehensive customer service to prospective students.
  
  
• Work with the Associate Director to strategize, build and execute an inclusive undergraduate virtual recruitment strategy. Support the delivery of graduate virtual recruitment initiatives.
  
  
• Hire, train and support application readers to ensure informed, consistent and timely assessment of admissions applications.
  
  
• Work with Admissions’ Diversity, Inclusivity and Anti-Racism working group to strategize the implementation and execution of diversity, equity and inclusion recruitment initiatives.
  
  
• Serve as a voting member of the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Committee and as a primary contact and liaison to RISD and Brown University. Manage list sharing between Brown and RISD and work with Admissions Operations to coordinate, distribute and gather ratings for program finalists.
  
  
• Meet with and counsel prospective students, families, and other interested parties on graduate and undergraduate degree programs, expected outcomes, student services and admission to ARISD. Serve as a key point of contact and subject matter expert for applicants, parents and teachers concerning the graduate and undergraduate application processes and bring clarity to our expectations through language on the web and print. Serve as the strategist and primary contact regarding portfolio development.
  
  
• Liaise and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Admissions Communications and Outreach and the Media Group to provide input and ensure all presentations and scripts align with RISD’s identity framework. Research recruitment trends and recommend adjustments to images, scripts, medium and layouts of existing webinar presentations to be relevant, accurate and impactful.
  
  
• Serve as a voting member of the Admissions Committee. Conduct evaluations of applicant credentials; prepare materials; attend meetings; and actively participate in the decision process.
  
  
• Serve as a leader on the Event Planning Committee to strategically plan and execute in-person, online, internal to RISD, and public-facing events. Including sub committees focused on fall Open House and yield events.
  
  
• Provide guidance and support to Visitor Services which may include, but is not limited to, implementing best-practice policies and procedures for visitors and visiting school groups, opportunities for SEI outreach and opportunities with local schools.
  
  
• Research, compile, and synthesize a variety of statistical data to understand and predict enrollment/admissions trends. Present findings and make recommendations to the Associate Director to help plan short and long term recruitment initiatives and activities.
  
  
• May complete various other administrative tasks/projects and serve as a mentor to other recruitment and admissions staff and as needed.
  
  

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Ability to contribute to RISD’s commitment to diversity and excellence, in addition to working collaboratively and effectively in 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.
  
  
• Computer skills and prior experience with MS Office, CRM, and database systems required, Slate preferred.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability in problem-solving, excellent customer service skills, and proven resourcefulness.
  
  
• Proven ability to adjust to variable workloads and deadlines and keen attention to detail
  
  
• Proven technical experience and ability to stay abreast of emerging tools and technology in the admissions field.
  
  
• Higher education experience is required.
  
  
• Ability to quickly become well versed in general information about RISD and the admissions process.
  
  
• Ability to represent RISD in a positive manner.
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience required, or equivalent combination.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience guiding, mentoring or supervising others strongly preferred
  
  
• Experience in Database system Slate
  
  

Union:

No.

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year.

Employment Status:

Full-time; Exempt; Regular.

Grade :

11/AD.

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:

Admissions