Vice President, Community and Government Relations

Job Description:

Institutional Profile:

Berklee is the preeminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs at its campuses in Boston, Massachusetts and Valencia, Spain, and through its award-winning distance learning program, Berklee Online. Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni—hundreds of whom have been recognized with Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Emmy awards.

At Berklee, students explore interdisciplinary approaches to music, dance, theater, film, business, healthcare, education, technology, and more. With students and alumni from more than 100 nations and educational partners across the world, we are forging new connections among art forms, musical traditions, and technologies to build a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative global arts community.

With a focus on global learning, Berklee’s student body represents more than 95 countries. Berklee has campuses in Boston, Massachusetts and in Valencia, Spain and a new facility in New York City, while Berklee Online serves distance learners worldwide with extension classes and degree-granting programs. Berklee Online is the dominant player in online music education and continues to grow at a rapid pace - more than 1.5 million people worldwide have registered for Berklee massive open online courses., 

Berklee’s alumni form an ever-widening network of industry professionals who use their openness, virtuosity, and versatility to take performing arts in surprising new directions. Notable Berklee College of Music alumni include Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Juan Luis Guerra, Branford Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, Aimee Mann, Danilo Pérez, St. Vincent, Gillian Welch, Miguel Zenon, Susan Tedeschi, John Scofield, Imagine Dragons, Arif Mardin, BT, Alan Silvestri, John Mayer, Christian Scott, Howard Shore, and Gary Burton. Notable Boston Conservatory alumni include Chad Kimball, Erin Davie, Shoba Narayan, Jennifer Simard, Keesha Sharp Fleth, Stephanie Umoh, Bradley Gibson, Ebony Williams, Rukmini Vijayakumar, Kylie Jefferson, Jonathan Heyward, Gabi Reyes, Victoria Livengood,, and Lily Afshar.

Berklee has experienced rapid growth, especially over the past 10 years. More than 4,543 undergraduate students and 406 graduate students are taught by 984 faculty members and are supported by a staff of 800.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, the Vice President, Community and Government Relations leads the cultivation and management of the institutional relationships, partnerships, and programs that advance Berklee and contribute to the cultural, educational, and artistic development of the Boston area and our society. 

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in working with elected officials, government agencies, and community-based organizations and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability and success in influencing public policy, urban affairs, or economic development issues.
• Proven ability to work and lead effectively in a highly diverse community
• Exhibits a consistent record of personal and professional actions that promote an inclusive climate
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations reflecting a broad range of identities, perspectives & experiences
• Ability and willingness to represent and promote the interests of Berklee and Berklee students in interactions with neighbors, community groups, political entities and others

Essential Functions/Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic insight and advises Berklee’s most senior leaders regarding community issues, local-state-federal governmental matters, and efforts for the enrichment of society and intercultural understanding.
• Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and other internal and external committees as appropriate.
• Oversees the activities of the Community and Government Relations department staff; develops and carries out the mission of and formulates goals and objectives for Community and Government Relations in alignment with the college’s strategic direction. Oversees the fostering and maintenance of positive relations and strategic alliances with local residents, municipal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, property owners, elected officials, and other cultural and educational institutions.  Works closely with the Real Estate and Finance offices in managing PILOT program participation. This area works closely with departments such as Public Safety, Student Affairs, and Student Employment.
• Maintains close contact with and gathers information and data from appropriate community and governmental entities.  Serves as a primary point of contact between the college and elected officials and community leaders.
• Tracks and analyzes legislation and related information that may directly or indirectly affect the college. Provides recommendations to college’s most senior leaders as appropriate to address those considerations.
• Advises Berklee’s most senior leaders on the development and execution of an annual state and federal legislative agenda.  Assists in development of public statements and responses to public inquiries and institutional issues.
• Drafts speeches, articles, presentations and other public statements for, and on behalf of, the President as required.
• Represents the college to, and works with, the local and regional business and industrial communities as appropriate. 
• Maintains and enhances cooperative relationships with local officials of neighboring and peer institutions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Proven in-depth knowledge of applicable professional disciplines and associated legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements and best practices 
• Tangible experience of expansion and cultivation of both internal and external working relationships/partnerships
• High level of cultural competence, values, ethics, and principles that align with the Berklee community, in which every voice is valued and respected and where a diverse, inclusive, work and learning environment is essential. As a senior executive at Berklee, actively strives to foster and maintain a workplace climate that is supportive of all employees regardless of their identity, respectful of difference and genuinely open to multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrated success in hiring, developing, leading, and guiding a team.
• Good working knowledge of budgeting, financial forecasting, and expense monitoring/control
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and a nimble, flexible, adaptable, working style
• Excellent leadership abilities and the judgment and confidence to successfully make and implement decisions
• Highest standard of personal ethics and integrity
• Ability to inspire trust and build consensus among disparate groups
• Enthusiasm for joining a strong leadership team to advance the strategic direction for Berklee at a time of extraordinary opportunity
• Commitment to Berklee’s vision to nurture the growth of the world’s most inspired musicians and artists so that they may fully realize their artistic, creative, and career potential

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct supervision of professional and/or administrative/support staff members. Works collaboratively with various areas of the College to achieve goals, including Office of the President, Real Estate, Finance, External Affairs, Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc.

The above information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions

Employee Type:
Executive

Job Description:

Institutional Profile:

Berklee is the preeminent institute of contemporary music and the performing arts, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs at its campuses in Boston, Massachusetts and Valencia, Spain, and through its award-winning distance learning program, Berklee Online. Dedicated to nurturing the creative and career potential of the world’s most inspired artists, Berklee’s commitment to arts education is reflected in the work of its students, faculty, and alumni—hundreds of whom have been recognized with Grammy, Tony, Oscar, and Emmy awards.

At Berklee, students explore interdisciplinary approaches to music, dance, theater, film, business, healthcare, education, technology, and more. With students and alumni from more than 100 nations and educational partners across the world, we are forging new connections among art forms, musical traditions, and technologies to build a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative global arts community.

With a focus on global learning, Berklee’s student body represents more than 95 countries. Berklee has campuses in Boston, Massachusetts and in Valencia, Spain and a new facility in New York City, while Berklee Online serves distance learners worldwide with extension classes and degree-granting programs. Berklee Online is the dominant player in online music education and continues to grow at a rapid pace - more than 1.5 million people worldwide have registered for Berklee massive open online courses., 

Berklee’s alumni form an ever-widening network of industry professionals who use their openness, virtuosity, and versatility to take performing arts in surprising new directions. Notable Berklee College of Music alumni include Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Juan Luis Guerra, Branford Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, Aimee Mann, Danilo Pérez, St. Vincent, Gillian Welch, Miguel Zenon, Susan Tedeschi, John Scofield, Imagine Dragons, Arif Mardin, BT, Alan Silvestri, John Mayer, Christian Scott, Howard Shore, and Gary Burton. Notable Boston Conservatory alumni include Chad Kimball, Erin Davie, Shoba Narayan, Jennifer Simard, Keesha Sharp Fleth, Stephanie Umoh, Bradley Gibson, Ebony Williams, Rukmini Vijayakumar, Kylie Jefferson, Jonathan Heyward, Gabi Reyes, Victoria Livengood,, and Lily Afshar.

Berklee has experienced rapid growth, especially over the past 10 years. More than 4,543 undergraduate students and 406 graduate students are taught by 984 faculty members and are supported by a staff of 800.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Administration and Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer, the Vice President, Community and Government Relations leads the cultivation and management of the institutional relationships, partnerships, and programs that advance Berklee and contribute to the cultural, educational, and artistic development of the Boston area and our society. 

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in working with elected officials, government agencies, and community-based organizations and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability and success in influencing public policy, urban affairs, or economic development issues.
• Proven ability to work and lead effectively in a highly diverse community
• Exhibits a consistent record of personal and professional actions that promote an inclusive climate
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals and organizations reflecting a broad range of identities, perspectives & experiences
• Ability and willingness to represent and promote the interests of Berklee and Berklee students in interactions with neighbors, community groups, political entities and others

Essential Functions/Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic insight and advises Berklee’s most senior leaders regarding community issues, local-state-federal governmental matters, and efforts for the enrichment of society and intercultural understanding.
• Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and other internal and external committees as appropriate.
• Oversees the activities of the Community and Government Relations department staff; develops and carries out the mission of and formulates goals and objectives for Community and Government Relations in alignment with the college’s strategic direction. Oversees the fostering and maintenance of positive relations and strategic alliances with local residents, municipal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, property owners, elected officials, and other cultural and educational institutions.  Works closely with the Real Estate and Finance offices in managing PILOT program participation. This area works closely with departments such as Public Safety, Student Affairs, and Student Employment.
• Maintains close contact with and gathers information and data from appropriate community and governmental entities.  Serves as a primary point of contact between the college and elected officials and community leaders.
• Tracks and analyzes legislation and related information that may directly or indirectly affect the college. Provides recommendations to college’s most senior leaders as appropriate to address those considerations.
• Advises Berklee’s most senior leaders on the development and execution of an annual state and federal legislative agenda.  Assists in development of public statements and responses to public inquiries and institutional issues.
• Drafts speeches, articles, presentations and other public statements for, and on behalf of, the President as required.
• Represents the college to, and works with, the local and regional business and industrial communities as appropriate. 
• Maintains and enhances cooperative relationships with local officials of neighboring and peer institutions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Proven in-depth knowledge of applicable professional disciplines and associated legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements and best practices 
• Tangible experience of expansion and cultivation of both internal and external working relationships/partnerships
• High level of cultural competence, values, ethics, and principles that align with the Berklee community, in which every voice is valued and respected and where a diverse, inclusive, work and learning environment is essential. As a senior executive at Berklee, actively strives to foster and maintain a workplace climate that is supportive of all employees regardless of their identity, respectful of difference and genuinely open to multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrated success in hiring, developing, leading, and guiding a team.
• Good working knowledge of budgeting, financial forecasting, and expense monitoring/control
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and a nimble, flexible, adaptable, working style
• Excellent leadership abilities and the judgment and confidence to successfully make and implement decisions
• Highest standard of personal ethics and integrity
• Ability to inspire trust and build consensus among disparate groups
• Enthusiasm for joining a strong leadership team to advance the strategic direction for Berklee at a time of extraordinary opportunity
• Commitment to Berklee’s vision to nurture the growth of the world’s most inspired musicians and artists so that they may fully realize their artistic, creative, and career potential

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct supervision of professional and/or administrative/support staff members. Works collaboratively with various areas of the College to achieve goals, including Office of the President, Real Estate, Finance, External Affairs, Education Outreach and Social Entrepreneurship, Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, etc.

The above information on this position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by individuals within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions

Employee Type:
Executive