Administrative Assistant to the Museum Director

Rhode Island School of Design•Providence, RI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks an Administrative Assistant to the Museum Director to support the efficient operation of the Director’s office and contribute to the overall success of The RISD Museum. The role is the primary liaison between the Director and internal departments, external partners, and the broader RISD community. It manages the Director’s calendar, travel, high-level meetings, communications, and other administrative functions, while supporting strategic initiatives through research and reporting. The successful candidate will work in a campus environment committed to social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities. The position is hybrid eligible and scheduled for 35 hours per week, 12 months per year. It is full-time, exempt, and regular.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five years of experience in an administrative role; an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum educational requirement.
Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Professionalism, discretion, and adaptability.
Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, creative environment.
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Suites; and project management software such as Asana.
Strong technological literacy.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Ability to handle confidential information discreetly.
Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

Nice To Haves

Administrative experience within a nonprofit or arts organization is preferred.
Familiarity with donor management databases NXT and Altru.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Museum Director’s calendar, schedule appointments and meetings, and ensure preparation for engagements.
Coordinate with Museum staff and Institutional Advancement to prepare background information and briefing materials for donor conversations and institutional commitments.
Manage incoming and outgoing communications, including email, phone calls, and correspondence, and serve as the initial point of contact for inquiries.
Prepare presentations and communications for board members and college leadership, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and appropriate tone.
Arrange domestic and international travel, including itineraries and accommodations.
Prepare travel reports, credit card settlements, and reimbursement requests on the Director’s behalf.
Schedule and coordinate meetings for the Director’s Management Team and other staff, ensuring materials are prepared in advance.
Create and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-up communications as needed.
Conduct research and compile reports for special projects, strategic initiatives, and museum metrics.
Help organize departmental projects, track progress, and follow up on action items to support timely completion.
Coordinate assigned donor-engagement and educational programs, including timelines, contributors, communications, and logistics.
Collaborate with Institutional Advancement to coordinate the Patron travel program and support a seamless experience aligned with the museum’s engagement initiatives.
Maintain organized files and documentation in accordance with document-retention best practices.
Monitor office-supply and equipment inventory and place orders as needed.