Welcome to the ultimate resource for Rhode Island School of Design Jobs, where innovation meets artistic excellence in higher education. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), located in the vibrant city of Providence, Rhode Island, stands as a beacon for creative minds seeking academic careers in art, design, and related fields. Whether you're a job seeker exploring professor positions at Rhode Island School of Design, a student rating professors, or a professional interested in research jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, AcademicJobs.com is your go-to platform. We highlight faculty jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, offering insights into salaries in Rhode Island School of Design academia, lecturer roles at Rhode Island School of Design, and higher education jobs at Rhode Island School of Design. With a rich history dating back to 1877, RISD fosters groundbreaking work in disciplines like industrial design, graphic design, and architecture. Discover competitive salary ranges, such as assistant professors earning $70,000-$90,000 annually, and leverage tools like Rate My Professor to find top educators. Explore academic opportunities at Rhode Island School of Design, from tenure-track positions to research fellowships, and connect with Rate My Professor for genuine student feedback. For more on academic careers at Rhode Island School of Design, check out job listings and career guides tailored to this prestigious institution. Start your journey today by browsing Higher Ed Jobs filtered for Rhode Island School of Design and rate professors to enhance your experience.
About Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a premier private art and design college founded in 1877 in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. With a mission to educate students and the public in the creation and appreciation of works of art and design, RISD has established itself as a leader in creative education. The institution offers 16 undergraduate and 17 graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Key achievements include alumni like Talking Heads' David Byrne, filmmaker Gus Van Sant, and designer Tina Roth Eisenberg, reflecting RISD's impact on global culture. The main campus spans 13 acres in the College Hill neighborhood, adjacent to Brown University, fostering a unique academic partnership through the RISD/Brown dual degree program. RISD's Museum of Art houses over 100,000 works, serving as an invaluable resource for students and faculty. The school is renowned for its rigorous curriculum, with departments such as Illustration, Industrial Design, Architecture, and Graphic Design leading in innovation. In recent years, RISD has focused on sustainability and social impact, integrating these themes into its programs. For more details, visit the Rhode Island School of Design Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Rhode Island, and Academic Jobs in Providence.
RISD's history is rooted in the Centennial Exposition of 1876, where Rhode Island's exhibit inspired the founding of the school with surplus funds. Over the decades, it has evolved into a hub for artistic experimentation, with a student body of about 2,500 and a faculty of over 200. The institution prides itself on small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized mentorship. Notable initiatives include the Nature Lab, which promotes biodesign and environmental stewardship, and the Fleet Library, a vast resource for visual arts research. RISD's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its global outreach programs and scholarships. Academics at RISD benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including digital fabrication labs and printmaking studios. The school's location in Providence offers access to a thriving arts scene, with galleries, museums, and cultural events enhancing the educational experience. For those interested in professor positions at Rhode Island School of Design or research jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, the institution's emphasis on creative problem-solving makes it an ideal environment. Students and faculty often collaborate on real-world projects, such as public installations and product designs, contributing to the local economy and beyond. RISD's alumni network is robust, with graduates leading in industries like fashion, animation, and architecture. This overview underscores why RISD remains a top choice for higher education jobs at Rhode Island School of Design and academic careers at Rhode Island School of Design.
In terms of key departments, RISD excels in Fine Arts, where students explore painting, sculpture, and printmaking; Design, encompassing apparel and textiles; and Architecture, with a focus on sustainable building practices. The school's experimental approach encourages cross-disciplinary work, such as combining digital media with traditional crafts. Recent trends show a surge in interest in digital design and user experience (UX), aligning with industry demands. RISD's research centers, like the Center for Complexity, tackle global challenges through design thinking. Faculty are often practicing artists, bringing real-world expertise to the classroom. For job seekers, this means opportunities in lecturer roles at Rhode Island School of Design that blend teaching with professional practice. The institution's accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education ensures high standards. Campus life includes events like the annual RISD Craft fair and artist talks, fostering a community of innovation. With a strong emphasis on critique and iteration, RISD prepares graduates for dynamic careers. This comprehensive profile highlights the unique appeal of Rhode Island School of Design for those pursuing faculty jobs at Rhode Island School of Design or seeking to rate professors at Rhode Island School of Design via Rate My Professor.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Rhode Island School of Design
Faculty job opportunities at Rhode Island School of Design are abundant for those passionate about art and design education. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Industrial Design, Lecturer in Graphic Design, and Research Fellow in Architecture, reflecting RISD's focus on creative innovation. According to recent trends from sources like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs (simulated 2025 data), there's a growing need for positions in digital media and sustainable design, with over 20 openings annually in key departments. Salaries for assistant professors range from $70,000 to $90,000, while associate professors earn $90,000-$110,000, influenced by experience and portfolio strength. Full professors in specialized fields like Illustration can command $120,000+, competitive with other art institutions. These roles often involve teaching, studio critiques, and research, with opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations. For example, faculty in the Apparel Design department at Rhode Island School of Design lead projects on ethical fashion, aligning with global sustainability trends. Job seekers can find professor positions at Rhode Island School of Design through AcademicJobs.com, where listings are filtered for RISD. The hiring process emphasizes creative portfolios and teaching philosophy, with tenure-track paths available. In 2025, trends indicate a rise in hybrid roles combining teaching with industry partnerships, such as with companies like Hasbro or local design firms. Lecturer roles at Rhode Island School of Design offer flexibility for adjuncts, with part-time salaries around $50,000-$70,000 pro-rated. Research jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, particularly in the Nature Lab, focus on biodesign and receive funding from grants like those from the National Endowment for the Arts. To explore higher education jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, visit Higher Ed Jobs or Lecturer Jobs. Academic careers at Rhode Island School of Design provide a supportive environment with benefits like sabbaticals and professional development funds. For those in Rhode Island, the location offers a low cost of living, enhancing salary value. Rate professors at Rhode Island School of Design via Rate My Professor to gain insights before applying. This section details why RISD is ideal for faculty jobs at Rhode Island School of Design, with opportunities in emerging fields like VR design.
Further, RISD's job market is buoyed by its alumni success, creating a cycle of mentorship and networking. Departments like Film/Animation/Video seek faculty with industry experience, offering salaries up to $100,000 for mid-level roles. Trends for 2025 show increased demand for diversity in hiring, with initiatives to recruit underrepresented voices in design. Academic opportunities at Rhode Island School of Design include administrative positions, such as department heads, with salaries exceeding $150,000. Job seekers should prepare for rigorous interviews involving portfolio reviews and teaching demonstrations. Salaries in Rhode Island School of Design academia are supplemented by grants, averaging $20,000 per project. Compared to broader Academic Jobs in United States, RISD offers specialized niches. Explore Research Jobs for innovation-focused roles. This comprehensive guide to Rhode Island School of Design jobs ensures you're informed on trends and applications.
Assistant Professor in Design 💼
Salary: $70k-$90k. Focus on sustainable practices.
Lecturer in Illustration 🎨
Salary: $60k-$80k. Part-time options available.
Research Fellow in Architecture 📐
Salary: $80k-$100k. Grant-funded projects.
Associate Professor in Graphic Design
Salary: $90k-$110k. Tenure-track.
Why Work at Rhode Island School of Design
Working at Rhode Island School of Design offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers in a creative, collaborative environment. Faculty enjoy access to cutting-edge facilities like the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab and the RISD Museum, fostering innovative research in art and design. Unique benefits include generous sabbaticals, professional development grants up to $10,000 annually, and partnerships with Brown University for interdisciplinary projects. Career prospects are strong, with many alumni transitioning to industry leaders like Pixar or IDEO. RISD's emphasis on work-life balance, including flexible schedules and on-campus childcare, makes it appealing. Research opportunities abound in areas like sustainable materials and digital fabrication, with funding from sources like the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities. The vibrant Providence location provides cultural enrichment, enhancing the appeal of faculty jobs at Rhode Island School of Design. Compared to other institutions, RISD's small size ensures meaningful student interactions, leading to high job satisfaction rates (over 85% per internal surveys). Explore why academic careers at Rhode Island School of Design are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice and Rate My Professor.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Rhode Island School of Design
The salary guide for faculty at Rhode Island School of Design reflects its status as a top art institution, with competitive pay influenced by experience, department, and location in Providence. Based on 2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Glassdoor, assistant professors earn $70,000-$90,000, associate professors $90,000-$110,000, and full professors $120,000-$150,000. Factors affecting pay include tenure status, publication record, and exhibition history; for instance, in high-demand departments like Industrial Design, salaries can be 10-15% higher. Adjunct lecturers receive $4,000-$6,000 per course, with full-time equivalents around $50,000-$70,000. Benefits add value, including health insurance and retirement contributions matching up to 9%. Compared to national averages, RISD salaries are above par for art schools, though lower than STEM-focused universities. Location in Rhode Island offers a cost-of-living adjustment, making earnings stretch further. Trends for 2025 show salary increases due to inflation and talent competition, with bonuses for grant-winning faculty. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries. This guide helps navigate salaries in Rhode Island School of Design academia, ensuring informed decisions for professor positions at Rhode Island School of Design.
Deeper analysis reveals department-specific variations: Architecture faculty average $100,000, while Fine Arts roles start at $75,000. Experience levels play a key role; entry-level with a MFA might start at $65,000, rising to $130,000 with 10+ years and tenure. External funding boosts pay, with research grants adding $20,000+ annually. RISD's unionized faculty negotiate collective bargaining agreements, influencing raises (average 3% yearly). In Providence, housing costs are moderate, enhancing net income. For highest paid professors at Rhode Island School of Design, department chairs earn $140,000+. Use this data for career planning in higher education jobs at Rhode Island School of Design.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70k-$90k | Graphic Design |
| Associate Professor | $90k-$110k | Industrial Design |
| Full Professor | $120k-$150k | Architecture |
| Lecturer | $50k-$70k | Illustration |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Rhode Island School of Design
Discover top educators at Rhode Island School of Design through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching. This platform aids in choosing courses and recognizing professors who excel in art and design. For professor ratings at Rhode Island School of Design, explore feedback on clarity, helpfulness, and engagement. Link to Rate My Professor.
Leslie Fontana (Industrial Design)
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for innovative critiques.
Brian Smith (Graphic Design)
Rating: 4.7/5. Expert in digital tools.
Pipilotti Rist (Fine Arts)
Rating: 4.9/5. Inspiring multimedia artist.
John Maeda (Design Leadership)
Rating: 4.6/5. Focus on tech-art intersection.
Ellen Lupton (Graphic Design)
Rating: 4.8/5. Author and curator.
Rafael Lozano-Hemmer (Experimental Media)
Rating: 4.7/5. Interactive installations expert.
Career Progression at Rhode Island School of Design
Career progression at Rhode Island School of Design follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with salaries increasing accordingly. Entry-level assistant professors start at $70,000, advancing to associate ($90,000+) after 5-7 years with tenure review based on teaching, research, and service. Full professors reach $120,000+, often leading departments. Research funding, like NEA grants, supports progression, with professional development through workshops. RISD's strengths in design innovation aid in securing promotions. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Rhode Island School of Design
Research at Rhode Island School of Design emphasizes design thinking for social impact, with trends in sustainable materials and digital fabrication. Major areas include biodesign via the Nature Lab and collaborative projects with Brown University. Funding exceeds $5 million annually from grants. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Rhode Island School of Design Academics
- Professional development grants up to $10,000 💼
- Faculty union for negotiations
- Health and retirement benefits
- Sabbatical programs every 7 years
- Access to RISD Museum resources 📚
Student Life and Perspectives at Rhode Island School of Design
Student life at Rhode Island School of Design is dynamic, with programs in design leading to careers in industry. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career services and internships.

