RISD’s Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks a Development Associate to provide proactive operational and administrative support to the Alumni + Family Relations team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni + Family Relations, the Development Associate is responsible for providing proactive administrative support to the Executive Director, coordinating internal meetings, preparation, travel logistics, and follow-up for external visits and meetings. This role provides excellent customer service to alumni, families, and others in response to phone, email inquiries, and requests for information. It also provides operational and administrative support to the team and assists in coordinating and implementing a variety of logistics, activities, and projects. IA is responsible for engaging RISD’s alumni, parents, students, and donors in meaningful ways, raising money from a variety of sources to support the priorities of the college. The Alumni + Family Relations team values the people, projects, and passions that make our creative community so extraordinary.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who 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.

RISD offers competitive wages and benefits, which include but is not limited to:

• Four (4) weeks of paid vacation
• Personal and sick time, 14 paid holidays
• Robust medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Professional development opportunities

Essential Functions: 

RISD’s Division of Institutional Advancement (IA) seeks a Development Associate to provide proactive operational and administrative support to the Alumni + Family Relations team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Alumni + Family Relations, the Development Associate is responsible for providing proactive administrative support to the Executive Director, coordinating internal meetings, preparation, travel logistics, and follow-up for external visits and meetings. This role provides excellent customer service to alumni, families, and others in response to phone, email inquiries, and requests for information. It also provides operational and administrative support to the team and assists in coordinating and implementing a variety of logistics, activities, and projects. IA is responsible for engaging RISD’s alumni, parents, students, and donors in meaningful ways, raising money from a variety of sources to support the priorities of the college. The Alumni + Family Relations team values the people, projects, and passions that make our creative community so extraordinary.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who 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.

RISD offers competitive wages and benefits, which include but is not limited to:

• Four (4) weeks of paid vacation
• Personal and sick time, 14 paid holidays
• Robust medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Professional development opportunities

Knowledge/Skills/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to three years of experience in an office setting is required; experience in the higher education or nonprofit sector is greatly preferred.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of divisional and institutional colleagues, within an environment that values diversity
• Must have knowledge of, or experience with digital, 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 database entry and reporting experience (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and strong computer skills in programs such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
• Ability to write persuasively and have 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 monitor and track budgets and expenses.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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.