Director/Associate Director of Communications

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity:

The Office of the Provost works in close collaboration with the University’s academic leadership, and with the senior officers reporting to the provost, including: the Dean of the Faculty, Dean of the College, Dean of the Graduate School, Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences, Dean of the School of Public Health, Sorensen Family Dean of Engineering, Dean of the School of Professional Studies, Vascellaro Family Dean of the Watson School of International and Public Affairs, Dean of the Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs, Vice President for Research, the Joukowsky Family University Librarian, Associate Provost of Enrollment, and Chief Financial Officer.

Responsibilities:

The Office of the Provost is seeking to fill a role of Director or Associate Director of Communications. The candidate's education, experience and qualifications will determine if the position is filled at the Associate Director or Director level.

The Associate/Director of Communications in Brown University’s Office of the Provost is a communications strategist and thought partner responsible for developing constituency-based communications and engagement strategies supporting the provost’s role of chief academic officer and chief budget officer. Reporting to the Deputy Provost with a dotted reporting line to the University’s Senior Vice President for Communications, the Associate/Director is a collaborative and impact-focused manager of internal and external communications based on a well-developed understanding of the University and its people to support the Provost’s wide-ranging engagement with the Brown community and the institution’s many stakeholders and audiences.

Leveraging exceptional writing, research and editing skills, the Associate/Director advances the Provost and University’s priorities by coordinating and developing messages, correspondence and strategic content across the full range of communications platforms in support of the Provost and the executive staff in the Office of the Provost. This includes developing remarks, announcements, speeches, OpEds, presentations, talking points and other mission-focused communications that capture the Provost’s distinctive voice for internal and external audiences including, but not limited to faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents, donors and civic leaders. The Associate/Director also maintains the website for the Office of the Provost and distributes communications across digital and e-platforms for a wide range of initiatives.

As part of advancing the goals of enhancing academic excellence, building community and promoting operational excellence, the Associate/Director plans and executes a range of events and activities, including major lecture series and seminars, including responsibility for marketing and promotion. The Associate/Director supports engagement and outreach by conducting research to inform initiatives and projects. 

The Associate/Director coordinates closely with the Office of the President, Office of University Communications, Advancement Communications, and other offices, developing and maintaining relationships with colleagues from across the University to ensure effective, clear and consistent messaging that advances the institution’s priorities and cultivates a diverse and inclusive community. The Associate/Director exhibits a range of qualities including decisiveness, accuracy, attention to detail, diplomacy, trustworthiness, discretion, originality and creativity.

This is a dual graded position posting. The candidate's qualifications/experience will determine if the position is filled at the Associate Director or Director level.

Qualifications:
 

Director

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in related field or Bachelor’s degree plus equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

• 8+ years of professional experience in communications, speechwriting, journalism, public relations or a related field required. 

• Prior experience in a university setting or similar complex organization is strongly preferred.

Associate Director

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience required.

• 7+ years of professional experience in communications, speechwriting, journalism, public relations or a related field required. 

• Prior experience in a university setting or similar complex organization is preferred.

Job Competencies for both levels:

• A deep understanding of higher education and the governance structures of a university or the demonstrated ability to learn quickly

• A track record of successful execution and implementation of complex communications plans and projects.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, including proficiency in MLA and Associated Press writing styles.

• Full proficiency in standard software products including the Microsoft Office suite and Google applications.

• Ability to work with data and generate graphs and charts for reports and presentations.

• High attention to detail.

• Proven experience managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.

• Demonstrated ability to research information, conduct effective interviews and write well and quickly.

• Expertise in developing effective messaging in a variety of media tailored to different audiences.

• Ability to quickly learn new systems and adapt to changing organizational practices.

• Experience managing and editing content for public-facing websites, including proficiency in using web content management systems.

• Ability to guide vendors providing marketing and event services.

• Proven track record demonstrating exceptional judgment, diplomacy, commitment to confidentiality and responsible decision-making.

Salary Grade:

11/12

Additional Information: 

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter.

The Director/Associate Director of Communications in the Office of the Provost is expected to work occasional nights and weekends, aligned with special events that occur at times during the academic year, as well as special projects.

Candidates selected for initial and final rounds of interviews may be asked to complete a writing exercise. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.