Job Summary
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Director of Academic Administration to join its Academic Affairs group. Academic Affairs supports the work of faculty, departments and students across all divisions.
The Director of Academic Administration plays a central role in the establishment and application of academic policies, in the seamless operations of academic affairs at all levels, and in the compliance with contractual obligations. Directly reporting to the Provost, the Director ensures that divisional course allocations, staffing, leaves, and all matters related to faculty professional lives occur according to institutional priorities and accreditation requirements, and that they are systemically organized in an effective manner. The Director works collaboratively with other members of the Academic Affairs leadership team to translate curricular requirements into administrative tasks and to operationalize them for various constituencies at the institution. Because of the direct and frequent work with faculty, the Director holds deep knowledge of the collective bargaining agreements and participates in labor-relation conversations, as well as the articulation of various memoranda.
We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment and who is committed in all areas they oversee to actively advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
Applications received by February 26, 2024 will have first consideration.
Essential Functions:
1. Contracts & Compliance
● Responsible for administrating faculty hiring and for ensuring and maintaining accurate faculty employment and compensation records and ensuring alignment with HR for compliance matters. Issue adjunct contracts and prepare information for payroll. Troubleshoot pay issues independently or in concert with campus partners, as needed.
● Direct the production and related paper and digital student evaluations of faculty for each term of the academic year including the distribution of communication to faculty, students, and academic leadership. Ensure archiving of paper and digital evaluations and periodic purges of those no longer relevant in accordance with internal processes, including but not limited to the Bargaining Agreement.
● Serve as a resource for faculty and academic staff negotiations as needed. Serve as a resource relative to faculty issues for various offices on campus in accordance with collective bargaining obligations, institutional policies and processes.
● May provide documentation for and liaise with internal partners or external legal counsel regarding employment visas and permanent resident status for faculty.
2. Administrative Systems
● In collaboration with academic leadership, internal subject matter experts and with knowledge of best practices, review, evaluate and lead process reengineer efforts to simplify, streamline and ensure compliance with a range of operational processes.
● Coordinate course tables used for year-long curriculum and budget planning. Liaise with departments, divisions, and the office of the Registrar to set up and maintain course information in RISD’s system(s) of record and to produce course announcements.
● Acquire and maintain a deep understanding of Workday and related academic processes to ensure efficient and accurate workstreams, business processes, and tasks. Partners with ITS and internal subject matter experts to lead and ensure systems function as intended. Identify and recommend opportunities for improvement or efficiency and implement as approved.
● Implement faculty promotions, salary reviews, sabbaticals, and other leaves in Workday. Prepare for new academic year by completing testing, auditing, and documentation of processes and actively engaging with HR Partners.
3. Training, Orientation, and Education
● In collaboration with academic leadership, provide group orientations including but not limited to, dossier workshop and contract orientation and a range of other onboarding topics to provide faculty, and academic staff, and leaders with necessary tools that enable successful performance of their duties.
● Fact check Faculty, Department Head, and Graduate Student Instructor handbooks annually. Consult with the Associate Provost on content to be updated, removed, and/or developed.
4. Data and Reporting
● Ensure academic data is available, reportable, shareable with offices on campus charged with data oversight and management. In partnership with the Academic Budget office, provide information for academic planning, including but not limited to faculty searches, etc.
5. Committee on Faculty Appointments
● With a high degree of confidentiality, oversee and manage the process for RISD’s Committee on Faculty Appointments, including but not limited to the creation of faculty dossier sites and distribution of correspondence following CFA decisions.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. Experience with personal computers with word processing, spreadsheet and database software required.
Ability to use and leverage technology and platforms for information and administrative management in support of problem-solving and decision-making.
Experience facilitating immigration and visa applications and liaising with immigration counsel and representatives.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to liaise with a variety of constituents – both academic and administrative.
Strong organizational skills and excellent writing skills. Ability to help interpret academic projects and research needs and to translate these needs into budgetary systems.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where confidentiality and discretion is required.
Knowledgeable with proven experience working with a diverse group of individuals and a demonstrated ability to provide leadership in enhancing an atmosphere promoting diversity and inclusion.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Seven to ten years’ experience administering, interpreting and implementing bargaining unit contracts and academic policies to ensure compliance and consistency with at least three years providing supervision and or guidance to other academic support staff.
Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Union:
No
Work Schedule:
35 hours per week; 12 months per year
Employment Status:
Full-time; Exempt; Regular
Grade:
555EX
Work Modality
Hybrid Eligible
Documents Needed to Apply:
Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Required)
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
