Assistant Director City Relations

Job Description:

This position works with the Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations to develop and execute strategies to advance Brown’s institutional mission and interests in the City of Providence. The position will represent Brown publicly, working with neighbors, community leaders, elected officials and staff. The Assistant Director of City Relations (ADCR) will focus on policy issues, communications, and project management. The ADCR brings the community to campus, develops and produces community communications, and oversees neighborhood relations. This position requires someone who is a self-starter, who is comfortable working independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Support and Logistics

• Recommend community events for senior administrators; write memos to prepare them for events, and staff events as requested.
• Collaborate on urban initiatives; identify and elevate issues of importance to University.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management: coordinate neighbor engagement process for Institutional Master Plans, including planning and executing a broad range of meetings; notify neighbors of FM projects as needed.
• Work with colleagues in Residential Life, Student Conduct, DPS, Athletics and others to prevent and mitigate neighborhood issues and educate neighbors about resources for dealing with off-campus issues.
• Conceive, create and execute events to bring community constituencies to campus to highlight Brown’s local contributions and strengthen relationships.
• Support and participate in University working groups.

Policy

• Work closely with the AVP for Government & Community Relations and other colleagues to support the University’s and the Office’s goals.
• Identify and implement projects that achieve the University’s strategic objectives within the City of Providence.
• Monitor and evaluate city legislation, attend Council and committee hearings and review proposed rules and regulations for impact on the University.
• Represent the University before the City Council, city agencies and Boards.
• Attend neighborhood meetings on behalf of Brown, including occasional evening or early morning meetings.
• Make connections between Brown and Providence-based partnerships or initiatives for mutual benefit.
• Receive and respond to inquiries from neighbors and public officials and work with appropriate Brown colleagues to address issues.

Communications

• Coordinate with Office of University Communications on production of Community Currents monthly newsletter
• Produce and maintain “Brown & Providence” accounts on social media and amplify content from other departments and schools at Brown
• Maintain regular communications with neighbors on university activities

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience working in higher education, public service, or demonstrated interest in government and civic participation.
• Deep familiarity with Brown University, the City of Providence, Rhode Island, local non-profit and civic organizations and leaders.
• Understanding of city and state government.
• Experience in event planning and logistics.

Competencies

• Exceptional communications skills, including diplomacy in verbal interactions as well as written materials.
• Extremely collaborative nature: able to work effectively with small teams or larger groups.
• Personal drive for taking initiative; able to effectively complete own work as part of a team, exercise prudence and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to get along with and build relationships with a broad range of people.
• Extremely organized, good attention to detail, able to accept, prioritize and follow-through with a high volume and wide range of requests.
• Fluency and experience with producing communications.
• Demonstrated ability to support diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

Additional Information

Position based at South Street Landing with frequent in-person meetings and ability to move around in downtown Providence, on College Hill and in the Jewelry District. Occasional evenings, early mornings or other off-hours meetings are strongly preferred.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal and education records check satisfactory to Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:2024-01-25Job Posting Title:Assistant Director City RelationsDepartment:Government and Community RelationsGrade:Grade 11Worker Type:EmployeeWorker Sub-Type:RegularTime Type:Full timeScheduled Weekly Hours:37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid EligibleSubmission Guidelines:Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.Still Have Questions?If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.EEO Statement:Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.