JOB SUMMARY (OVERVIEW):

The Assistant Director, Project Open Door (POD) is a key staff position who takes major responsibility for the successful implementation and evaluation of POD’s programs, including supporting POD staff and volunteers. They guide and support teens throughout their time in POD, often serving as their primary point of contact, and advising them about POD opportunities and college prep. The Assistant Director also engages in the development and advancement of relationships between POD and the local community (RISD, Providence, and local cities), determining that culturally responsible and equitable relationships/programs are in place. They collaborate closely with the Director to train and support POD staff and teaching artists on visual arts curriculum and pedagogy, and ethical/respectful relationships with teens of diverse backgrounds. They are responsible for POD daily administrative operations, including scheduling and coordinating all POD programs and activities, program data collection, recordkeeping, alumni relationships, program evaluation, surveys, POD email accounts/social media, and the purchasing of supplies. Additionally, they create and publish content for the POD newsletter, website, and social media platforms. As requested by Director, they participate and provides input in participant (teen) recruitment and staff hiring processes, stands in for them in their absence, and partners with them to respond to requests and needs broadly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

Responsible for the successful implementation of POD’s Core Programs (Saturday Portfolio Program, POD+ Schools Afterschool, and POD+ Partner Programs) and unique programs (field trips, pop up workshops, smaller specialized classes, all POD exhibitions on or off RISD campus, etc.). This includes collaborating with the Director to contribute to the assessment of all programs, as well as the development of new programs based on teen interest, feedback, and community need. Involves ongoing communication and dialogue with various parties (including teens, teaching artists, public school partners, RISD departments, etc.) to ensure that the program will run successfully and all parties’ needs are met.
In collaboration with Director, develops and leads training for POD teaching artists and graduate teaching assistants. Provides guidance, feedback, and assistance for POD staff and volunteers related to classroom management, pedagogy, curriculum, and student needs/wellbeing as needed.
Develops new and maintains existing relationships between POD and the local community to recruit students and inform academic program content (within RISD, Providence + the core cities POD works with, and other RI based community programs). Ensures that these relationships foster authentic collaboration, are meaningful/reciprocal, and meet the needs of the POD teens. This also involves staying up to date on the work of current programs and arts leaders who POD collaborates with to make sure our partnerships are appropriate and connect with POD’s mission.
Creates and sustains meaningful relationship with teen participants (who are the focus of POD) and guides them through the program. Provides general advising/mentorship, support and initiates regular check-ins. Follows up with participants regarding absences and mental health check-ins. Identifies when participants are experiencing difficulty or in need of additional support and responds sensitively and appropriately to provide guidance and/or connect them to other resources. Initiates communication and follow-up regarding their participation in POD, RISD pre-college, partner programs, and regarding their college application status.
Responsible for directing and supervising POD/RISD work study students, and supports/mentors POD staff.
Designs, and publishes content for the POD newsletter, website, and social media platforms. Delegates tasks associated with this work to graduate assistants, TA’s, or work study students in conversation with Director.
Collaborates with the Director to determine support structures and programs needed for all POD programs, including transportation to/from programs, college campus visits, college portfolio prep support and essay workshops, etc. based on teen participant needs. Responsible for coordinating all such support structures.
With a detailed understanding of POD’s curriculum, mission, and outcomes, advises and connects with current and prospective students, families, and other interested parties on programs, expected outcomes, available services, and admission to program. Collaborates with Director on outreach and recruitment for POD programs.
Responsible for POD daily administrative operations, including scheduling and coordinating all POD programs and activities, program data collection, record keeping and data entry, alumni relationships, program evaluation, surveys, POD email, accounts/social media, purchasing of supplies, etc. Develops and institutes new and improved forms of data collection/entry as they see fit. Monitors and tracks spending to the program budget.
As requested, stands in for the Director in their absence, and partners with them to respond to routine and ad hoc requests/needs under their guidance.

Job Qualifications/ Specifications

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in art, design or art education
Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience with high school students either during the school day or out-of-school time, or college advising experience with teens.
Minimum of 1 year of program operations experience.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to connect with faculty, staff, teachers, teens, parents and external partners from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Detail-oriented, proficient with core computer software, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience supervising, leading and/or mentoring staff
Ability to create and disseminate communication and marketing materials which elicit interest and share information about Project Open Door’s mission with a diverse audience.
Demonstrated ability to effectively recognize students experiencing difficulties and/or in need of additional support and respond appropriately.
Demonstrated success advising, mentoring, challenging and supporting students.
Ability to promote and foster a positive learning community of respect and a culture which supports and celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with community-based art education preferred.
Graduate degree preferred.

Union

No

Work Schedule

35 Hours

Employment Status

Full-Time, Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid

Grade

530EX

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (optional)

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:

Academic Affairs

Rhode Island School of Design

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Assistant Director, Project Open Door