Joseph N. Gebbia Assistant Director of Athletics

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a new Joseph N. Gebbia Assistant Director of Athletics to join its Center for Student Involvement (CSI) . CSI is an on-campus hub that offers RISD students several opportunities to grow as critical thinkers and global citizens.

With a commitment centered on student wellness and community-building, the Assistant Director of Athletics will manage all operations of the Student Fitness Center (SFC) including but not limited to the direct management of the Athletic Club Coordinator position, the selection, training, and supervision of student leaders, systems management, daily operation of the Fitness Center, and equipment safety protocols. In addition, the Assistant Director will also research, determine, and staff a wide range of fitness class offerings and develop physical wellness programs, including those that explore the intersectionality of art and fitness.

The Assistant Director will work with the student body and the Athletic Club Coordinator to continue to develop RISD’s athletic club program in line with area colleges’ club sports teams. This includes providing strategic oversight in line with RISD’s commitment to student wellness, identifying and pursuing areas of growth for the athletic program, and overseeing athletic club budget administration and policy development. This position will also recruit and manage coaching staff as well as supervise the Athletic Club Coordinator. The Assistant Director will consult with the Director of Risk and Emergency Management to develop appropriate safety measures for the Fitness Center and club sports, and is responsible for implementing safety measures, training, and processes for liability waivers for students engaging in the SFC and athletic organizations. Sourcing and selecting vendors, and negotiating contracts for coaches, equipment, fitness instructors, referees, athletic facility use and others as needed is also under the purview of this role. The Assistant Director will work with appropriate staff, faculty, student organizations, and community partners in order to build and foster a community around athletics, fitness, and physical wellness at RISD. The successful candidate 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/Duties

Fitness Center Operations:

• Manages all fitness center operations including budget management, regular equipment maintenance, supply inventory and ordering, developing structure, policies, handbooks, and processes for efficient operations, and designing and updating signage and advertisements.
  
  
• Oversees SFC student employment program including hiring, developing and implementing training, supervising, and developing schedules of 20 student workers.
  
  
• Regularly updates handbooks and job descriptions for student-worker positions.
  
  
• Develops processes for data tracking for the fitness center facility use and attendance at fitness classes, and analyzes data to make informed decisions regarding student staff needs and resource allocation
  
  
• Facilitates equipment maintenance with providers, submits and follows up on work orders, and works with Facilities to ensure cleaning of SFC.
  
  
• Consults with Risk and Emergency Management to regularly update the student fitness center waiver forms and to ensure safety protocols are met and followed
  
  
• Consults with Disability Support Services to ensure that the SFC meets the needs of students who require accommodations.
  
  
• Creates a full year calendar of SFC hours, including breaks, and pre-college operations, and distributes to appropriate campus networks including managing SFC social media platforms.
  
  
• Determines and implements a wide range of group fitness classes in alignment with research of student interests and needs.
  
  
• Establishes First Aid and AFib training for student workers.
  
  
• Represents the Student Fitness Center at fall Block Party, resource fairs, and other events as necessary.
  
  
• Hosts walk-through opportunities at the SFC.
  
  
• Oversees SFC social media accounts and content creation related to fitness at RISD in accordance with Marketing & Communications guidelines.
  
  

Athletic Club Program:

• Recruits, supervises, and evaluates the Athletic Club Coordinator.
  
  
• Provides strategic oversight and identifies and pursues areas for growth for the RISD athletics program
  
  
• Develops, maintains, and updates an active list of schools with similar athletic programs to facilitate competitive sports teams.
  
  
• Sources, selects, and negotiates contracts for coaches, referees and other service providers.
  
  
• Engages HR to initiate the background check process for new contractors. Processes invoices to initiate payments for service.
  
  
• Consults with Risk Management on athletic club waivers and safety protocols
  
  
• Consults with Health Services to develop a concussion protocol and policy, and trains team captains, coaches, and staff on the same.
  
  
• Hires, trains, and supervises the Athletic Club Coordinator and student workers related to athletic club support
  
  
• Represents RISD athletics at fall Block Party, resource fairs, and other events as necessary. Holds information sessions for students to learn more about club sports opportunities.
  
  

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience in college/university programming, preferably in athletics, intramural or club sports.
  
  
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students representing diverse backgrounds, circumstances, and perspectives.
  
  
• Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.
  
  
• Experience with budget planning and maintenance.
  
  
• Strong understanding of best practices in student fitness and athletics.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suites, and social media platforms.
  
  
• Self-starter and solution minded approach to projects and initiatives. Detail oriented with the ability to work independently and with very little guidance.
  
  
• Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, the mission of an arts and design school.
  
  
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
  
  
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  
• Minimum of two years’ experience working in gym/fitness center operations.
  
  

Union

No

Work Schedule

35 hours/week; 12 months/year

Employment Status

Full-Time; Regular. Exempt.

Grade

530EX

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:

Student Affairs