Rhode Island School of Design is actively seeking an Alumni + Family Relations Officer, Reunion + Family Programs to join its Institutional Advancement Office (IA). This is an exciting opportunity to develop inclusive and engaging reunion class programs and expand programming for families and students at signature on-campus events.

With a commitment to centering diversity and inclusion in executing key responsibilities and the ability to build and foster an environment of respect, the Alumni + Family Relations Officer, Reunion + Family Programs is responsible for the development and execution of a Reunion Program. The person in this position plans, designs, and implements diverse and inclusive programs, events, and communications for all domestic families.

Institutional Advancement understands that art and design drive human progress and produces innovations that shape our world. It is deeply committed to building an inclusive community enlivened by a determination to address the most important challenges of our time, and this includes RISD alumni and families. The RISD Alumni + Family Relations Office (A + FR) values the people, projects, and passions that make our creative community so extraordinary.

Essential Functions: 

• Develop inclusive and engaging reunion class programs: identify and work with alumni volunteers to plan class celebrations during RISD Commencement + Reunion Weekend. Collaborate with the development team to introduce a class gift program.
• Expand programming for families and students at signature on-campus events, especially RISD Weekend, Senior Week, and Orientation. Develop communication plans and webinars to keep parents informed and engaged with the life of the campus, collecting news and information from campus partners, and information on how to support their student at RISD.
• Manage the logistics for RISD Craft. Work with IA Communications team to create publicity, prepare correspondence, initiate telephone calls, and schedule appointments with events related personnel (i.e. vendors, committee members, volunteers, and various internal departments). Monitor cost and cost efficiency of each event.
• Develop and facilitate volunteer training and volunteer management including outreach and recruitment of volunteers for succession planning for reunion and family volunteer leadership roles.
• Serve as the liaison to council committee focused on alumni traditions and support the Ambassador Program Committee of the Family Association Leadership Council.
• Utilize Institutional Engagement database system to track alumni and family participation, including registrations, attendance, and oversees the maintenance of RISDmade.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to individuals of varying backgrounds, including but not limited to, racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, ability, sexual orientation and socioeconomic.
• Must have knowledge of, or experience with digital, social media, and diverse mediums of communication.
• Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and under deadlines.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated experience with alumni and development databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and strong computer skills in programs such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
• Ability to write persuasively and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and engaging nature.
• Ability to comfortably and effectively speak in public and make presentations in meetings.
• Ability to interact and correspond professionally with senior staff and distinguished alumni.
• Ability to manage and monitor budgets and expenses.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of three years progressively responsible alumni relations and/or development experience with some experience managing and fostering productive relationships with leadership volunteers.

Work Schedule: 

35 hours/week; 12 months/year

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.