Program Manager, Adult Extension

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Program Manager for Adult Extension in Continuing Education (CE). This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join the Continuing Education (CE) team whose mission is to provide an immersive and innovative art and design education for everyone, at all stages of life and all levels of experience .

The Program Manager, Adult Extension is responsible for researching, planning, staffing, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and implementing a select and diverse offering of programs. Actively engages the Associate Director, Adult Extension, other Program Managers, CE instructors and other key CE staff in order to develop, recommend, implement, and assess online, on-site, and hybrid learning initiatives. Hires, orients, supervises and evaluates course instructors. Maintains standards of current programs and proposes ideas for new programs. Makes suggestions for cross-disciplinary initiatives and for the integration of technology into traditional by-hand subject areas for both online and in-person classes. Serves as initial point of contact on a variety of inquiries/issues and engages faculty, staff, and students as appropriate to reply/resolve. This position requires strong communication and collaboration skills as it is the primary conduit of information and communication between instructors and all other CE personnel.

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:

• Research, design, and recommend courses and course descriptions for adult certificate and elective courses in order to cultivate students’ artistic, creative, social, and intellectual development in a supportive learning environment. Keep current with external trends, needs, and interests and actively consult with other practitioners to identify areas appropriate for development. Assess program outcomes and make recommendations to the Associate Director as appropriate.
  
  
• Serve as central point of contact for all assigned programs, and ensure that standards, procedures, and academic policies are maintained and updated as appropriate. Responsible for identifying and resolving issues regarding grades, instructor relations, and satisfaction with courses and course content.
  
  
• Recruit, train, contract, and evaluate selected instructors. Responsible for overall communication with instructors. Works collaboratively with CE staff to solve a variety of logistical and supplies issues.
  
  
• Supports the program evaluation process for adult certificate programs and classes on a rolling basis by reviewing curriculum, benchmarking programs against competitors, researching new trends in the field, meeting with relevant faculty, and reviewing student evaluations in preparation for each program review. Make recommendations to the Associate Director and Director for program changes and updates accordingly.
  
  
• Prepares comprehensive descriptions for all courses and programs for final review and approval by the Director. Ensures the timely flow of course descriptions/content and contract information.
  
  
• Proactively engages the Assistant Director, Advising + Registration on student advisement issues, and counsels current and prospective students as necessary.
  
  
• Advises the Director on program and instructor assessment initiatives, thus contributing to the establishment of annual goals, objectives, and action plans.
  
  

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Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Demonstrated cultural competence with an understanding of inclusion and diversity issues in an academic setting.
  
  
• Demonstrated understanding and ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in various art and design fields within the assigned program area.
  
  
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and database skills as well as familiarity with Learning Management Systems (i.e. Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle).
  
  
• Experience working on a team, ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines with agility and a high degree of administrative acumen.
  
  
• Experience working with diverse populations of students, families, and faculty.
  
  
• BFA, BA/BS in appropriate disciplines such as art, design, art education, arts management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in art education and/or program development/implementation in an arts or continuing education environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• MA, MFA in appropriate disciplines such as art, design, art education, arts management.
  
  
• Previous supervisory experience
  
  
• Experience teaching at the post-secondary level, in-person and online.
  
  
• Digital visualization and drawing tools and registration database software packages.
  
  

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Exempt

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:

CE - Academic Programs