Job Details

Manager, Dean'S Initiatives

Position Number: 6625557
Location: Providence, RI
Position Type: Deans - Other

Manager, Dean'S Initiatives
Brown University

To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/111-Thayer-Street/Manager--Dean-s-Initiatives_REQ204541

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:

On July 1, 2025, Brown University launched The Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs, further building on its commitment to expand and strengthen research and teaching on the world's most pressing economic, political, social and policy challenges. The Watson School will serve as home to a robust Master of Public Affairs program and a thriving undergraduate concentration, as well as faculty who conduct influential research with a global perspective. Through rigorous scholarship that crosses traditional academic boundaries, the Watson School will be driven by the conviction that policy-focused learning experiences and informed policy research solutions can change systems and societies for the better.

The launch comes at a pivotal moment for the University, the nation, and the world. The School builds on more than a decade of growth within Brown's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, which will serve as the foundation of the school, and offers significant opportunities for expansion in faculty, research, and educational programming.

Responsibilities:

The Manager, Dean's Initiatives is a key strategic partner to the Dean who works to ensure the effective management and operation of the School. This role acts as a trusted advisor to the Dean, managing priorities, overseeing strategic initiatives, supporting the Dean's communications, and providing data analysis and research to support the growth of the School. The Manager provides high-level analytical, managerial, and operational support, enabling the Dean to focus on strategic leadership and external engagement.

The successful candidate will be outcome-oriented and responsive in their approach to their work.

The successful candidate will also have outstanding organization and project management skills, to ensure that tasks do not fall through the cracks in a fast-paced environment.

This position will also work with a broad range of partners across the School, University, and broader policy world in order to promote the work of the Dean. This requires being acutely attuned to workplace and team dynamics to as to navigate relationships with other senior staff, with staff and faculty within the School, and with academic and policy leaders.

Major Responsibilities:

Works directly with the Dean to organize and execute on all matters requiring the Dean's attention.
Manages and prioritizes access to the Dean's time to ensure appropriate allocation to strategic priorities and key constituencies.
Collaborates with others to set effective meeting agendas and tracks the status and progress of ongoing projects.
Assigns responsibility for issues not requiring the Dean's direct involvement and ensures timely completion.
Supports the Dean's internal and external communication by preparing memos, presentations, and briefings.
Writes and drafts memos, emails, and other correspondence on behalf of the Dean.
Prepares compelling presentation slides and briefing documents for various audiences.
Creates clear and effective data visualizations to support communications.
Supports the Dean's decision-making and public engagement by conducting data analysis and research assistance.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in public policy, business administration, higher education, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in project management, strategic planning, data analysis, or a related field. Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting is highly desirable.
Analytical Skills: Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, Python) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau) is a plus.
Project Management: Outstanding organizational and project management skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception to completion.
Communication: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to prepare executive-level presentations and briefings.
Discretion & Judgment: Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and to navigate complex professional and political dynamics with sound judgment.
Initiative: A proactive, self-starter who is motivated, outcome-oriented, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Salary Grade:

10

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 cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.
This is a hybrid position based on Brown's Providence campus, with the possibility of remote work for a day or more per week.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

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

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-09-30

Job Posting Title:
Manager, Dean's Initiatives

Department:
Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs

Grade:
Grade 10

Worker Type:
Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:
Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5

Position Work Location:
Hybrid Eligible

Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment.

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 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.