Job Description
A job description is a document that accurately describes the major responsibilities and minimum requirements of a role. While it should contain sufficient information to appropriately describe the role, it is not intended to exhaustively list each task or include every detail work to be performed. A job description should focus on the role itself, not on the individual who might fill the role.
RISD job descriptions serve a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to:
- supporting the recruitment process
- creating a clear and mutual understanding of required skills and responsibilities.
- clarifying expected deliverables and success measurements
- ensuring compliance with legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- maintaining a competitive and equitable compensation program
- communicating RISD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and articulating the job’s impact toward that commitment
Creating a New Job Description
Managers are responsible for creating and maintaining job descriptions, to ensure they accurately reflect the current work needs. Once the necessary approvals for a new position have been obtained, managers should consult with their Human Resources Partner regarding questions and next steps. Upon receipt of a completed job description, Human Resources Compensation will evaluate the job to determine:
- the exemption status (salaried or hourly paid) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- the grade assignment
- other jobs at RISD considered comparable under the Rhode Island Pay Equity Act
- the corresponding pay range
Modifying a Job Description
Managers are also responsible for modifying existing job descriptions. This process begins with reviewing the last approved description on file and submitting changes to your Human Resources Partner. Human Resources Compensation will reevaluate the job if it has changed by 20% or more.