Staff Career Architecture Project will help staff explore career pathways

Kory Samuels has grown professionally throughout his time at RIT, starting as a student employee and progressing to his current leadership position as associate vice president of Auxiliary Services. He says continuous learning has allowed him to navigate the organization and find ways to thrive.

Samuels is among the more than 2,600 RIT employees included in the Staff Career Architecture Project, a universitywide initiative built to improve career pathways and professional development opportunities for all staff.

Upon implementation in about 18 months, the large-scale project, which launched in summer 2024, will offer staff members and their managers a clear framework for how jobs, career levels, and pathways for growth are structured across the university. RIT has engaged Segal, a national consultant firm, to guide the work of the project and advisory teams. The multiple phases of the project include gathering input and ongoing feedback from campus community members. To date, through a series of interviews, focus groups, and a survey, staff has provided input on the university’s strengths and challenges heading into the project.

Samuels has been involved in several workshops so far and is enjoying the collaboration among campus partners. He’s looking forward to the impact the project will have on current and future generations of staff, particularly within his area of Auxiliary Services.

“Given that the industries of housing, dining, and the support services of business operations, compliance, technology, facilities, finance, and retail services change so often, this framework will help us navigate changes in our organization to meet the needs of our evolving community at a faster pace,” he said.

Jo Ellen Pinkham, associate vice president and chief human resources officer, is pleased that “in today’s dynamic and evolving work environment, RIT is demonstrating a strong commitment to staff and their growth and success through its support of this transformative work. The new architecture will ensure RIT continues to attract, retain, and grow talent, and foster staff engagement. This contemporary framework will offer valuable insights and opportunities for staff and managers alike.”

For more information and updates, go to the Staff Career Architecture Project website.