Associate Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations

Founded in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution steadfastly committed to academic excellence through a dynamic core curriculum, a distinctive Development of Western Civilization Program, and abundant experiential learning opportunities. The only U.S. higher education institution administered by the Dominican Friars, PC is committed to providing a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Providence College believes that cultural and intellectual pluralism is essential to the excellence of its academic programs, and strives to foster an academic culture and campus community reflecting the global environment in which we live and work.

The approximately 105-acre campus is situated in Rhode Island’s capital city and is close to the many cultural and educational offerings of Rhode Island’s “renaissance city.” Additionally, Providence is located an hour from Boston and just a few hours from New York City.

For years, Providence College has been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report “Regional Universities – North Category” and has been commended by several other ranking publications.

Conducted under the auspices of the Dominican Friars, Providence College is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor. We seek candidates who can affirm and contribute to our mission.

Providence College is also an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a Beloved Community — an environment that reflects the rich diversity of the human family and is marked by justice, charity and the promotion of the common good and flourishing of all. We invite applications from qualified individuals who possess the experience, knowledge and commitment to develop the diverse learning environment envisioned as part of the Beloved Community. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The College’s Non-Discrimination policy can be found Notice of Non-Discrimination (PDF document) (Download PDF reader)

Overview

Assist the AVP for Government Affairs and Community Relations in managing the day-to-day operations for government, community, and neighborhood both internally and externally, advancing the college’s agenda in these areas. Contribute to community service initiatives, event coordination, and the preparations for external meetings, while fostering positive relationships with community partners, government officials, and neighbors.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist in identifying and analyzing new legislation introduced at both the federal and state levels, including assessing potential impacts on and benefits to the college and its students, faculty, and staff. Conduct daily reviews of congressional and general assembly websites for new legislation while the U.S. Congress and Rhode Island General Assembly are in session. Communicate with the AVP and other on-and off-campus partners as needed to determine legislative implications and opportunities. (40%)
2. Assist in managing the FriarServe Program, including oversight of recruitment, volunteer management, transportation, budget, and program communications. Collaborate with Athletics and faculty members to develop and coordinate volunteer opportunities. Serve as the primary point of contact for the FriarServe Principals, the Diocese Catholic School Office, the Diocese Office of Compliance, and the Attorney General’s BCI Office. Oversee several annual program events. (30%)
3. Assist in managing the department’s community activities, including community relations programs and initiatives, outreach to neighbors, and responding to inquiries from community members. Work closely with Student Affairs, Public Safety, the Providence Police, and other internal and external partners involved in the college’s community relations efforts. Serve on the Neighborhood Relations Committee, co-chair the Service Board, and attend monthly Smith Hill Partners Initiative (SHPI)meetings. Oversee the Catholic Book Awards. (20%)
4. Provide administrative support to the department, including but not limited to maintaining and updating the departmental web pages; plan and provide logistic support for events and activities involving the department, such as external visitors to campus, FUSION, commencement, the Corliss Park Clinic, and Junior Friars programs. Process all departmental vouchers and manage budget tracking for the department. (10%)

MARGINAL DUTIES:

1. Perform all other duties as may be required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.
• Three to five years’ experience in a similar work environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced computer literacy.
• Basic WordPress experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Sensitivity to confidential information.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time
• Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction
• Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard
• Communication skills using the spoken word
• Ability to see within normal parameters
• Ability to hear within normal range
• Ability to move about

DISCLAIMER:

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.