The Placement Exchange Job Board

Program Coordinator, First Generation Student Support

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Program Coordinator, First Generation Student Support for a one-year term to join the Office of Intercultural Student Engagement Department. (ISE) which cultivates an environment that recognizes an ever-changing campus and global community. ISE nurtures the holistic growth and inspiration of emergent artists and designers to enhance social consciousness, cultural mindfulness, self-actualization, and inclusive dialogues. Learn more about RISD ISE.

The Program Coordinator for First Generation Student Support will directly support students who are the first in their families to attend college. The Program Coordinator will run Project Thrive and the First Generation to College Pre-Orientation Program (FGC POP) and will work closely with other key areas of RISD to deliver high-quality programming that supports first generation students as they transition into RISD and navigate their way to graduation.

Maintain relationships and partnerships with campus stakeholders to advance the recruitment, retention, and completion of first generation students. Make recommendations to the Director of ISE on future first generation student needs and opportunities to advance their academic, campus-wide, and personal successes.

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.

Essential Functions:

Programming

1. Ability to plan and execute the ISE portion of RISD's First Generation to College 2023 Pre-Orientation Program (FGC POP).

• Ability to work with Academic Affairs and Social Equity Inclusion partners to conceptualize, design, and deliver programming that transitions new students into RISD during the FGC POP program.
• Willingness to coordinate administrative & program logistics between key functional areas including Residence Life, Dining, and RISD Caters to ensure successful coordination of students' non- academic program needs.
• Ability to successfully plan, schedule, and deliver non-academic workshops and programs to FGC POP students.
• Serve as the primary contact and communicant for FGC POP applicants and admitted students including communication of FGC POP acceptance, pre-arrival materials/logistics, and on-site materials.
• Serve as the clearinghouse of information including providing the administrative cohesion to ensure coordination between various elements of the program.
• Support the selection of, training for, and supervision of FGC POP Student Leaders throughout all phases of the FGC POP orientation cycles (pre, during, and post)
• Order FGC POP program materials & items; supply participants with needed or requested materials.
• Collaborate with and or troubleshoot with key areas of the college to ensure successful program delivery and student needs are addressed. (ex. Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Support Services, Residence Life, etc.).
• Enact recruitment efforts including webinar presentations to first generation students and families through RISD Admissions.
• Support program assessment and evaluation (with Academic Affairs partners)

2. Plan and execute Project Thrive

• Plan and staff all weekly Project Thrive sessions for first year students.
• Plan and staff all sessions for students in years 2+ (Freshman - Senior) whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
• Oversee Project Thrive ordering needs (catering, transportation, etc.)
• Hire and supervise Thrive Peer Leaders, including providing appropriate training and mentorship to support their success in the role.
• Collaborate with campus partners to deliver programming (ex. Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Support Services, Career Services, RISD Arts and Language, etc.)
• Engage with campus partners such as Financial Aid, Residence Life, and Alumni to ensure adequate support for first generation students and recommend opportunities for improvement.
• Administer program assessment and surveys for Project Thrive workshops and other Thrive-related events
• Oversee Project Thrive mentorship program. Pair Project Thrive mentors and mentees.
• Plan and deliver orientation training for Project Thrive staff and faculty mentors and trouble-shoot issues arising from mentor-mentee pairings.
• Serve as the primary point person for Project Thrive staff and faculty mentors with periodic check-ins on progress or issues.
• Oversee and successfully manage/administer Project Thrive budget.

Cultural Advising Collaboration

• Provide individual, group, and programming advisement to first generation students based on social identity development, Imposter Phenomenon, oppression, privilege, and liberation theory and practice for first generation students who may hold a multiplicity of identities (ex. LGBTQIA+, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, low income, etc.)

• Proactively engage with campus partners such as Student Affairs and Financial Aid to ensure adequate support or advisement for first generation students and recommend opportunities for improvement.

• Potentially attend CARE Network meetings in order to engaging with action plans requiring direct outreach and support to first generation students, when relevant.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Ability to understand and sensitivity apropos to the intersections of ability, class, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion/spirituality, and sexual orientation.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and cultural competency.
• Experience engaging a wide spectrum of students that represent the intersectionality of social identities.
• Experience supporting/engaging first generation college students and/or personal experience as a first generation college student is highly preferred.
• Ability to foster and build relationships with internal and external partners in order to achieve common goals required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in personal development practices around social identities, oppression, privilege, liberation, and ally-ship.
• Knowledge of social identity theories for minoritized students and the ability to incorporate those paradigms in student development practices, services, and program development.
• Demonstrated proficiency in working as a team member and collaborator among a variety of constituents including faculty, staff, academic and student affairs practitioners.
• Ability to handle and address sensitive, personal situations with confidentiality, decorum, and protocol.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle financial oversight and adherence to budget requirements.
• Strong computer skills, i.e. MS Office (Excel, Word, Gmail and Google Docs). Strong familiarity with and ability to utilize social media platforms (facebook, Instagram).
• Ability to mentor and guide students. Ability to supervise student leaders.
• An appreciation for art and design, developed through education, employment, or personal interest is highly desirable.
• A Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience with demonstration in student support and advice focused on identity, culture, and inclusion.

Union:

No.

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week;12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time, Exempt, One Year Term Appointment.

Grade:

12/AD

Work Modality:

Hybrid Eligible

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.