Assistant Director, Project Open Door

Rhode Island School of Design•Providence, RI

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director, Project Open Door (POD) is a key staff position who takes major responsibility for the successful implementation and evaluation of POD’s programs, including supporting POD staff and volunteers. They guide and support teens throughout their time in POD, often serving as their primary point of contact, and advising them about POD opportunities and college prep. The Assistant Director also engages in the development and advancement of relationships between POD and the local community (RISD, Providence, and local cities), determining that culturally responsible and equitable relationships/programs are in place. They collaborate closely with the Director to train and support POD staff and teaching artists on visual arts curriculum and pedagogy, and ethical/respectful relationships with teens of diverse backgrounds. They are responsible for POD daily administrative operations, including scheduling and coordinating all POD programs and activities, program data collection, recordkeeping, alumni relationships, program evaluation, surveys, POD email accounts/social media, and the purchasing of supplies. Additionally, they create and publish content for the POD newsletter, website, and social media platforms. As requested by Director, they participate and provides input in participant (teen) recruitment and staff hiring processes, stands in for them in their absence, and partners with them to respond to requests and needs broadly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in art, design or art education
Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience with high school students either during the school day or out-of-school time, or college advising experience with teens.
Minimum of 1 year of program operations experience.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to connect with faculty, staff, teachers, teens, parents and external partners from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Detail-oriented, proficient with core computer software, such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience supervising, leading and/or mentoring staff
Ability to create and disseminate communication and marketing materials which elicit interest and share information about Project Open Door’s mission with a diverse audience.
Demonstrated ability to effectively recognize students experiencing difficulties and/or in need of additional support and respond appropriately.
Demonstrated success advising, mentoring, challenging and supporting students.
Ability to promote and foster a positive learning community of respect and a culture which supports and celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion.

Nice To Haves

Experience with community-based art education preferred.
Graduate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the successful implementation of POD’s Core Programs (Saturday Portfolio Program, POD+ Schools Afterschool, and POD+ Partner Programs) and unique programs (field trips, pop up workshops, smaller specialized classes, all POD exhibitions on or off RISD campus, etc.).
In collaboration with Director, develops and leads training for POD teaching artists and graduate teaching assistants.
Develops new and maintains existing relationships between POD and the local community to recruit students and inform academic program content (within RISD, Providence + the core cities POD works with, and other RI based community programs).
Creates and sustains meaningful relationship with teen participants (who are the focus of POD) and guides them through the program.
Responsible for directing and supervising POD/RISD work study students, and supports/mentors POD staff.
Designs, and publishes content for the POD newsletter, website, and social media platforms.
Collaborates with the Director to determine support structures and programs needed for all POD programs, including transportation to/from programs, college campus visits, college portfolio prep support and essay workshops, etc. based on teen participant needs.
With a detailed understanding of POD’s curriculum, mission, and outcomes, advises and connects with current and prospective students, families, and other interested parties on programs, expected outcomes, available services, and admission to program.
Responsible for POD daily administrative operations, including scheduling and coordinating all POD programs and activities, program data collection, record keeping and data entry, alumni relationships, program evaluation, surveys, POD email, accounts/social media, purchasing of supplies, etc.
As requested, stands in for the Director in their absence, and partners with them to respond to routine and ad hoc requests/needs under their guidance.