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

At this dynamic cross-campus center, the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) , students and faculty conduct groundbreaking research and build creative solutions to complex 21st-century problems in climate and sustainability. Work at IBES combines an understanding of the natural world and human dimensions because environmental stewardship, human rights, and economic well-being are inextricably linked.

Through our unique interdisciplinary approach, IBES cultivates actionable research outcomes, while equipping and empowering the change agents of tomorrow through our rigorous and diverse academic programs.

IBES faculty, staff, and students play key roles in the global conversation about environmental issues – on campus, at the State House, in boardrooms, and at the United Nations.

Responsibilities

We seek an Associate Director of Communications to serve as a dynamic strategist and content creator, responsible for overseeing and contributing to the full portfolio of communications for the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES). The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for the development and execution of communications strategies and actions that help to communicate IBES’s mission to conduct cutting-edge research, train the next generation of leaders, and find solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The Associate Director of Communications also plays a key coordination role with IBES affiliated international initiatives and programs, with IBES partner departments, and with other related units at Brown.

Reporting to the Director of IBES, this position guides communications strategy for IBES, develops and manages all strategic communications plans in consultation with IBES senior leadership, and leads efforts to expand the brand recognition of IBES. The position oversees all internal and external communications activities, including press releases, annual reports, the IBES magazine, newsletters, publicity for all IBES-sponsored and co-sponsored events, and web and social media content. This position helps to identify news stories, working proactively with faculty, researchers and students in compelling ways through all available media.

An expert writer and communicator, the Associate Director of Communications ensures accuracy and consistency across all communications platforms; places a high priority on understanding issues that impact communication effectiveness across multiple types of media; and works to ensure that IBES is able to grow its audiences and constituencies. This position tailors messaging to key audiences across communications platforms to effectively disseminate information about IBES; this includes research by faculty with primary appointments in IBES and faculty elected as fellows and affiliates within IBES; it also includes highlights and accomplishments from two large undergraduate concentrations, as well as a thriving graduate affiliate program, a postdoctoral research program and a variety of public engagement activities.

A key aspect of the Associate Director of Communications responsibilities is coordinating communications across a complex landscape of environmental research and scholarship at Brown; this includes coordinating IBES communications activities with each of the departments at Brown that house IBES faculty and with the departments that house the IBES graduate affiliates. It also requires coordination with international initiatives housed at IBES, like the Climate Social Science Network (CSSN), the Climate Solutions Initiative; with the IBES’ jointly-produced NPR radio show and podcast “Possibly;” and with other units and initiatives at Brown with stated environmental goals.

The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for fostering strong relationships both on and off campus with local and national media, other communications professionals across campus, and external organizations.

The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for developing and maintaining a long-term strategy for staffing the communication needs of the unit, including developing and managing a communications team that may include full-time professionals as well as a number of student interns.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, integrated marketing or a related field, or a degree in environmental science or related field, with 6-8 years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field.
• Previous experience in higher education or with an environmental institution is preferred.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated expertise in developing communications and marketing strategies.
• Exceptional verbal communications, writing and editing skills with incredible attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong narrative storytelling skills.
• Proficiency with web content management systems for editing and updating web content.
• Extensive experience managing social media accounts and social media campaigns, and a proven track record of success.
• Knowledge of design principles for print and digital communications; capacity to work with design vendors.
• Experience managing complicated assignments with multiple contributors, editors and stakeholders.
• Excellent time management and ability to meet deadlines for projects with overlapping timelines.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships, with the energy and dynamism to inspire others and effectively engage internal and external constituents.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment

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.

 

Recruiting Start Date:

2022-07-15-07:00

Job Posting Title:

IBES Associate Director of Communications

Department:

Institute at Brown for Environment and Society

Grade:

Grade 11

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Classification:

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.

Vaccination Requirements:

In order to maintain 90% or greater universal vaccination rates on campus, all newly hired employees at Brown University must receive the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before they begin work, unless they are approved for a medical or religious exemption. All employees must also receive a COVID-19 booster within thirty (30) days of becoming eligible. For more information, please visit the Healthy Brown site.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu .

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.