Job Summary
RISD seeks a Special Assistant to the President & Secretary to the Board of Trustees to join its President's Office. Reporting directly to the President, the Special Assistant to the President serves as a trusted advisor to the Board of Trustees on matters pertaining to stewardship, governance and operations. The Special Assistant works in a leadership capacity to ensure both the Board and the Cabinet meetings are run efficiently, allowing both bodies to function as high-performing, effective stewards of RISD’s future. Leveraging positive relationships with internal and external constituents, the Special Assistant stays apprised on issues impacting RISD in order to keep the President well-informed on matters requiring their attention and to provide guidance on possible courses of action.
Recognizing social equity and inclusion as fundamental to our learning community and integral to an art and design education, the Special Assistant supports RISD’s mission by serving the entire community respectfully, efficiently, and ethically.
Essential Functions:
● Establishes and successfully navigates strong relationships with Trustees. Develops and leads a robust communications plan for trustees, including emeriti trustees, to inform them about relevant institutional issues, priorities, and progress. Oversees a comprehensive and strategic onboarding plan to ensure trustees are fully prepared to effectively fulfill their roles in service to the College. Acts as the internal liaison to resolve issues for trustees between meetings.
● Serve as the key point person for trustee matters that require presidential intervention. Work directly with the President to prepare for Executive Committee meetings and Board of Trustee meetings. Shapes meeting agendas, provides or oversees administrative support functions for the Board including but not limited to ensuring trustees have access to all meeting materials in advance. Ensures well planned and executed meetings. Collects and communicates progress updates to the President and other interested parties between meetings. Develops standards for staff committee liaisons and ensures they are trained to follow procedures according to governance.
● In a consultative role, stays current with and incorporates best practices for Board management and governance. Recommends policies and procedures to enhance the Board’s efficacy while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and institutional bylaws. Functions as Board Secretary and manages all budgets related to Board activities.
● As a member of the President’s Cabinet, consults with the President on agenda items and facilitates efficient meetings. Using knowledge of the President’s strategic priorities and objectives, advises on agenda items and ensures action items are captured for follow-up. Identifies opportunities to increase Cabinet effectiveness and collaboration.
● Keeps President apprised on topics of importance throughout the college through the creation of a daily synopsis. Provides insights, analysis, and recommendations on next steps / resolution.
● Troubleshoots a wide variety of complicated or sensitive inquiries or issues ensuring proper coordination, engagement of the president, when necessary, and ensuring follow-up. Ensure that all items of significance are appropriately reported, routed, delegated and answered in a timely and comprehensive manner. Deliver messages on President’s behalf and help navigate relationships with constituents as appropriate.
● Manages staff assigned to support the President’s House. Oversees work related to the planning and execution of high profile or special events connected to the president’s strategy for the office and institution, such as the annual honorary degree selection and award process and other institutional events, ensuring goals and outputs are aligned with the president’s vision.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience
● Must demonstrate a commitment to social equity & inclusion and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
● Previous experience working with a board of directors and/or executive leadership teams required.
● Ability to manage and drive projects and plans to completion and to influence others outside of span of control.
● Ability to synthesize complex information from various sources into meaningful summaries.
● Ability to think critically and strategically about issues and propose impactful solutions.
● Demonstrated ability to plan and manage budgets.
● Ability to develop trusting and productive relationships with a variety of constituents.
● Ability to act with tact, discretion and diplomacy. Must be able to maintain confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information.
● Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
● Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills required.
● Bachelor’s degree and eight to ten years of progressive administrative leadership in higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Master’s degree preferred.
● Previous supervisory experience preferred.
Union:
No
Work Schedule:
35 hours per week; 12 months per year. Must be available to work outside of normal office hours, as needed.
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:
Executive
