ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, PARDEE CENTER, Pardee Center

The Assistant Director oversees the Centers strategic communications, operations, and outreach initiatives to advance its academic and public engagement mission. Working under the Director and in collaboration with Pardee School leadership, the Assistant Director develops and implements strategies to enhance visibility, manage program budgets, support events, and ensure effective coordination across all Center activities. This position supports the Graduate Summer Fellows, Faculty Research Initiatives, as well as current and new programs and initiatives. This position works closely with the Director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center.

Communications and Outreach:

• Develop and manage a strategic communications program for the Center in coordination with the Director and the Office of Strategic Affairs.
• Oversee all aspects of content creation and dissemination across web, print, and digital media.
• Maintain and update the Centers website and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn), producing and supervising content in collaboration with the Pardee Strategic Affairs Office.
• Supervise work-study students assisting with digital communications.
• Prepare periodic reports on website and social media performance (e.g., Google Analytics) and recommend improvements.
• Develop and oversee projects related to the Centers strategic communications and outreach programs.

Program and Relationship Management:

• Develop content for the Centers communications and outreach activities, including podcasts, video interviews, and event recordings.
• Initiate and maintain regular communication with faculty, outside experts, collaborators, and funders regarding the Centers programs and public engagement efforts.
• Provide coordination and support for research initiatives and public presentations aligned with the Centers mission.
• Manage and provide oversight for the annual Summer Fellows Program, including all activities related to the program.
• Manage the appointment process for all unpaid academic appointments in collaboration with the Faculty Affairs Office.

Operations and Event Management:

• Oversee logistics and communications for all Center events, including workshops, symposia, conferences, and lectures.
• Manage contracts and budgets for services such as catering, venues, and media production, ensuring compliance with University policies.
• Communicate with invited speakers, arrange travel, coordinate reimbursements, and facilitate post-event follow-up.
• Develop, manage, and schedule a broad range of Center events, including series led by Pardee Center affiliate faculty and faculty fellows.
• Coordinate all aspects of event planning, execution, and post-event reconciliation, including venue reservations, lodging arrangements, internal service requests, facilities requests, and related needs.

Administrative and Financial Management:

• Collaborate with the Pardee Business Office on operational budget management, reporting, and financial tracking.
• In partnership with the Pardee Executive Director of Finance and Administration, oversee the Centers operational budget and assist with preparation of the annual budget.
• Process all accounts payable, travel reports, and payments associated with Center operations.
• Assist the Director in preparing and submitting grant applications in coordination with the Pardee Business Office and BU Sponsored Research Administration.
• Provide oversight of all sponsored research activity to ensure compliance with University and School policies.
• Draft and coordinate all required financial and progress reports for funded projects.
• Serve as a key point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and external partners regarding Center activities.
• Manage project budgets and timelines, ensuring activities are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Work closely with the Finance Administrator, Pardee Business Office, and other BU service providers to ensure smooth financial and operational transactions.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external vendors, contractors, and partners.

Required Skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) required; Master's degree preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in communications, program administration, higher education, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with budget tracking, event planning, and communications management tools, including content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Premiere, Photoshop), WordPress, Constant Contact (including some HTML), and social media aggregators.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a complex academic environment.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to create high-quality content for diverse audiences.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

#LI-Hybrid