Job Description:

About Brown:

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 Associate Director of Strategic Communications in the Carney Institute for Brain Science develops and oversees all communications, outreach, and engagement efforts in support of the Institute’s strategic plan, including all research centers under the Institute. The incumbent oversees a broad and fast-paced communications portfolio aimed at elevating the profile and impact of the Carney Institute and its research, disseminating trusted knowledge about brain science, and building Carney’s internal and external community. The position is responsible for cultivating an understanding among the Institute’s many audiences and stakeholders of the Carney Institute’s faculty, centers, programs, and research in order to support the Institute’s wide-ranging engagement with the Brown community on campus, alumni, parents, and friends, as well as many external stakeholders and audiences.

 

Responsibilities:
 

Reporting to the Director of the Carney Institute, the role requires a strategic, collaborative, and impact-focused strategist and communicator who is a deeply experienced writer and storyteller. The incumbent will have primary responsibility for developing, assessing, and updating the Institute’s communications strategy to align closely with the Institute’s research goals and strategic priorities. The position also oversees implementation of the communications strategy, including web presence and social media platforms; print, visual, and video content; events and outreach activities to engage stakeholders; and advancement communications. Successful execution of the communications plan depends on productive collaboration with other members of the Carney Institute team, including a communications specialist, which reports to this position, as well as with communications experts across campus and at affiliated hospitals.

 

The Associate Director is responsible for all communications related to the institute, including the quality and accuracy of content, distribution, and assessment of impact. The position also assumes primary responsible for ensuring that institute communications are aligned with University messaging, style, and other guidelines. The position requires exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, collaboration, and the ability to develop and implement a strategic vision to advance the Institute’s priorities and reach a range of internal and external communities including student and trainees, faculty, scientific researchers, alumni, parents and friends of Brown, and members of the general public seeking trusted information about brain science and brain disorders. This position handles confidential information and is expected to maintain and secure privacy.

 

 

Major Responsibilities:

Maintain and implement an evolving communications strategy for the Carney Institute and its research centers - 60%

Supervise & Collaborate with Institute Employees (Team Management) - 20%

Lead a Portfolio of Strategic Initiatives & Projects - 20%

 

Qualifications:
 

Education and Experience

●  A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field is required

●  Degree in science or significant number of undergraduate level courses in science preferred.

●   A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, development and outreach, with a preference for research communication related to the life sciences.

●   Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans in communications or marketing preferred.

●   Interest and experience in communicating life sciences required.

●   Experience supervising or mentoring communications staff/writers preferred.

●   Higher education or non-profit work experience is preferred.

 

Job Competencies

●   Outstanding written communication and presentation skills with a very high attention to detail, accuracy, and audience, and a strong command of MLA, Chicago, and/or AP editorial style.

●   Ability to develop and execute a strategic plan related to communications, outreach, and marketing.

●   Ability to learn and understand academic research and program goals, and to devise a communications strategy to meet those goals.

●   Demonstrated ability to translate scientific content and concepts into language for a lay or non-technical audience.

●   Highly proficient in a variety of standard communications tools/systems with a strong ability to learn new systems, including: Microsoft Office Programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Web based programs and tools (e.g., Google Apps, Mailchimp); Social media platforms; and Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Premier).

●    Ability to collaborate with other professionals, supervise/mentor writers and other content producers, and manage vendors.

●   Ability to sustain a high level of productivity and work independently while being part of a collaborative team.

●   Sound judgment, discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.

●   Flexibility in adjusting to changing demands.

●   Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students and support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

Salary Grade:

11

Additional Information: 

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter.

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

Brown University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2024-11-26

Job Posting Title:

Associate Director of Strategic Communications

Department:

Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science

Grade:

Grade 11

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Submission 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.