Associate Director of Strategic Communications

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 sci