Associate Director, Expanded Education

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design is actively seeking an Associate Director of Expanded Education. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join the Continuing and Expanded Education Division whose mission is to educate students of all ages in art and design with high-quality accessible programs. In alignment with its Strategic Plan, Rhode Island School of Design is developing a new initiative: RISD Expanded Education. RISD ExEd will provide a new set of in-person, online, and hybrid educational offerings to corporate, non-profit, and government partners. RISD ExEd offerings will enable our partners to transform their organizations through the power of art & design. In serving our partner organizations, RISD ExEd will also strengthen ties between the school and industry, create new spaces for innovation in teaching and learning, secure additional revenues to support the mission of the school, and expand our reach and impact in the world.

The Associate Director is a critical member of the Expanded Education team, who reports to and collaborates closely with the Director, to build this new team and set of offerings. With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity, and equity in executing key responsibilities, the Associate Director leads the development and delivery of standard and custom programs. This requires coordinating the collaborative efforts of colleagues across RISD and managing a mixed team of employees, external contractors, and service providers. The Associate Director is responsible for routine client interactions. They also manage key technology and business processes for the team.

The Associate Director role calls for exceptional program management skills, a solid understanding of corporate learning and development, and a genuine curiosity about the intersection of art and business. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, where they can have an active voice and hand in shaping something new and exciting.

Essential Functions

Program Development

• Leads the development of program content and activities, consistent with design frameworks and the high-level solution designs of custom engagements
• Coordinates and integrates the contributions of subject matter experts, faculty, and external partners to program content
• Ensures that all programs and content are well integrated with relevant learning technology platforms
• Manages program updates and continuous improvement based on internal and customer feedback
• Tailors program experiences and versions program content for custom engagements
• Creates and manages detailed project plans and budgets for program development

Delivery Management

• Leads delivery of all programs to a high standard of excellence including scheduling, logistics, materials, and technology for all virtual, on-the-job, and in-person program components
• Supervises program delivery staff and. directs the work of RISD faculty, adjunct facilitators, external speakers, webinar producers, event staff, etc.
• Manages program scope and budget for each program and cohort
• Develops and executes processes for client onboarding and ongoing communications
• Leads regular team meetings with client counterparts to review progress and feedback

Client Relationship Management

• Serves as the day-to-day contact for Expanded Education clients
• Identifies unmet needs of existing partners and surfaces additional business opportunities.
• Participates in strategic account reviews with the Director and other staff from across RISD
• Participates in sales meetings with prospective clients and the Director
• Conducts scoping, scheduling, and costing exercises during proposal development

Technology and Process Management

• Collaborates with RISD colleagues and external vendors on the implementation, evaluation, integration, and testing of learning technology tools and platforms
• Serves as point-person for RISD internal business processes and systems

Additional Functions:

• Perform related assignments as directed by the Director, Expanded Education.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Desire to integrate a focus on sustainability, social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunity throughout the work of the department
• Demonstrated customer focus and relationship building skills
• Strong verbal and visual communication skills
• Experience using a structured approach to scope and manage complex projects
• Experience navigating complex organizations with multiple stakeholders
• Experience with online learning technologies such as LMS, LXP, LCMS
• Ability to represent the school appropriately across levels and cultures
• Ability to collaborate productively with colleagues across functions, departments, and levels
• Ability to manage operational ambiguity and uncertainty while pursuing strategic goals
• Ability to quickly become literate in content from multiple disciplines
• Desire to learn and develop new knowledge at the intersection of art, design, and business
• Desire to be part of an entrepreneurial team that is shaping a new and exciting function for the school
• Strong technical and digital literacy
• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in online education, corporate learning & development, or executive education required

Union

None

Work Schedule

35 hours/week; 12 months/year

Employment Status

Full-Time; Exempt

Grade

09/AD

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:

CE - Operations