Operations & Engagement Coordinator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Research and propose workshops and events relevant to the Nature Lab mission, and organize proposals by other groups and individuals collaborating with the Nature Lab.
  
  
• Coordinate and organize an ongoing schedule of workshops in cooperation with all internal and external stakeholders, including finding dates and times that work for all parties; setting up and paying contracts, including processing receipts and reimbursements; purchase any necessary supplies; coordinate travel, dinners, audio- visual support, security, refreshments, room reservations, sign-ups, and other logistics.
  
  
• Create and distribute digital and physical promotional materials for events, including hanging posters throughout campus and posting the event on the Nature Lab website and social media.
  
  
• Document events and create follow-up content with photos and text for social media and the Nature Lab website and newsletter.
  
  
• With a detailed knowledge of Nature Lab fiscal operations, track departmental and project expense budgets; create and track purchase orders; prepare check requests; submit expense reports; process payments and invoices; monitor budgets and identify areas of concern and/or opportunity; create a comprehensive annual budget report for review by staff; identify and resolve budget discrepancies; monitor cash intake and make regular deposits at the Accounting office; and maintain subscriptions and renewals.
  
  
• Serve as liaison to Finance and Administration on budget, purchasing, and accounting issues as needed.
  
  
• Meet regularly with the Director to organize workflow and prioritize tasks.
  
  
• Under the direction of the Director, process major purchases, payments, expense approvals. Work with Accounts Payable and the Director to set up contracts for new vendors and suppliers.
  
  
• Monitor consumable supplies and replenish as needed.
  
  
• Coordinate/fulfill interdepartmental and external administrative requests.
  
  
• Maintain order of shared digital files, assuring all assets are readily available for team use.
  
  
• Coordinate meeting logistics for Nature Lab staff, including scheduling, reserving rooms, catering arrangements, and any necessary equipment/materials.
  
  
• Schedule and take notes for weekly team meetings.
  
  
• Organize work flow and work priorities for Nature Lab staff using a computer-based project management system.
  
  
• Design and print signage advertising hours of Nature Lab spaces for spring and fall semesters, summer, and winter session, and update hours on all digital platforms.
  
  
• Stay up to date on Nature Lab activities and document classes, projects, research and daily occurrences within the Nature Lab spaces.
  
  
• Work with RISD Marketing & Communications to facilitate media inquiries and other publicity.
  
  
• Create and schedule regular social media posts on Instagram and Facebook; monitor all social media accounts daily and respond to comments and messages; keep Nature Lab LinkTree updated with relevant links; design collaborative posts with project stakeholders as needed.
  
  
• Hire and supervise Communications Graduate Assistant.
  
  
• Attend and represent the Nature Lab at RISD communicator network meetings.
  
  
• Keep the Nature Lab website up-to-date and ensure content is presented in a consistent and clear manner; work with IT/Digital Experiences in an ongoing capacity to address any issues with website performance and distill analytic data to guide website design.
  
  
• Create all visual and written content for a quarterly newsletter describing key activities at the Nature Lab.
  
  
• Compile information and assemble data for the review and approval of the Nature Lab Director to ensure the Nature Lab’s State (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management) and Federal (Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service) specimen collecting and holding permits are in good standing.
  
  
• Prepare annual reports and submit permit renewal applications.
  
  
• Regularly compile and present report data on Nature Lab activities and usage of spaces/collections.
  
  

Additional Functions:

• Provide for front-line operations of Nature Lab facility and collection access and oversee student workers responsible for circulation activities as needed.
  
  
• Serve as the liaison between the Nature Lab and the student-led Regenerative Earth Collective, including scheduling and attending bi-weekly meetings; assisting with workshop planning, publicity, and execution; and monitoring the REC budget and facilitating purchases.
  
  
• Provide logistical support as needed for HMG
  
  

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or experience in natural history, science and/or art/design and demonstrated ability and professional experience to comprehend the connections between, and to advocate for, the study of both art and science in a natural science setting.
  
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience promoting collections and/or events across a range of platforms. Strong organizational skills, budget management, and computer experience required. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within and across RISD departments and functions in a service-oriented environment.
  
  
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team committed to maintaining an inspirational learning environment.
  
  
• Knowledge and experience with website content management systems and social media platforms preferred.
  
  
• Technical ability to understand and operate imaging/camera equipment available for checkout or loan preferred.
  
  
• Experience supervising students or other personnel in an educational setting preferred.
  
  
• Previous experience working in a living or non-living natural history collection environment (i.e., museum, zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, science center or other informal learning setting) desirable.
  
  
• A positive attitude and the ability to relate well to diverse internal and external constituents and to help foster a community environment.
  
  

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Non-exempt; Regular

Grade:

825NE

Work Modality

Hybrid

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:

Nature Lab