Job Information
Boston College Executive Director, Rappaport Center in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Boston College Introduction
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,484 full-time undergraduates and 5,250 graduate and professional students. Ranked 35 among national universities, Boston College has 888 full-time and 1,281 FTE faculty, 2,711 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.5 billion.
Job Description
Established at Boston College in 2015, the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy at Boston College Law School galvanizes the region’s top policy makers and thought leaders to engage in dynamic discussions on critical public policy issues through the Rappaport Distinguished Public Policy Series. The discussions include forums, conferences, and symposia to address societal issues with leaders from government, business, academia and the nonprofit world. In addition, each summer the Center runs the Rappaport Fellows Program, a summer internship program for 12 exceptional law students from Boston College and other local Law Schools, to inspire future public policy leaders.
The Executive Director will work with the Faculty Director of the Center to encourage student, faculty and public dialogue on critical questions of public policy affecting Boston and the region, and will lead a comprehensive, cooperative and effective fellowship program to advance government and public service career opportunities for law students.
The Executive Director will manage all aspects of the Rappaport Fellows Program in Law and Public Policy, a highly competitive fellowship program run in conjunction with the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at Harvard University. The Fellowship provides summer stipends, internships, mentors, and experiential opportunities for 12 law school students selected from among eight accredited law schools across Massachusetts.
In addition, the Executive Director will promote Boston College Law School as an important venue for research and programming on public policy issues by conceptualizing and hosting lectures, symposia and debates on current issues.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Strategy & Planning
Collaborates with the Faculty Director and Advisory Board, as well as other internal and external stakeholders on developing the strategic direction, administration of the Center, and the production of high-quality events and programs.
Collaborate with other members of the Law School and University communities
Manage external relations with the Rappaport Center Advisory Board, the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at Harvard University, interested alumni/ae, and potential donors.
Work with other key University partners, such as the Dean and Advancement, in stewardship of Phyllis Rappaport and the Rappaport Foundation
Rappaport Distinguished Public Policy Series
- Develop and execute Rappaport Center programs, symposia, conferences, and debates on issues of public policy.Recruit speakers for the series and market the events to the community.
Rappaport Fellows Program in Law and Public Policy
Promote the Rappaport Fellowship in Law and Public Policy through presentations at eligible law schools in Massachusetts on the rewards and requirements of the Rappaport Fellowship in Law and Public Policy, craft and disseminate application materials, review applications, conduct interviews, and select annual Fellows
Design and implement a summer program, including matching students with mentors and placements in a state or local government office, and providing experiential opportunities to connect Fellows with public officials and lawyers engaged in public policy.
Academic & Research
- Collaborate with the Faculty Director on academic and research endeavors. Produce white papers, op-eds, press and marketing materials growing out of such endeavors as needed, targeted at both internal and external audiences.
Administrative:
Identify and recruit Rappaport Visiting Faculty for the academic year
Supervise the administrative assistant
Manage the Center’s operating and gift budgets
Coordinate with other members of the University such as BCPD, Parking and Transportation, Event’s Management as necessary
Other various ad hoc projects related to the Center
Serve on various committees at the Law School, at the request of the Dean.
Competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience.
Requirements
Education:
- Law Degree from an ABA accredited Law School. [Required]
Experience:
A minimum of five years' professional experience in public policy work (i.e., government, law, or non-profit management involving public advocacy).
Deep understanding of Massachusetts state and local government and a demonstrated interest in public affairs.
Demonstrated ability to forge relationships with public sector officials and policy advocates.
Successful program and event planning experience.
Skills
Excellent communication and marketing skills and familiarity with social media platforms including web-based and electronic communication.
Appreciation of the higher education mission.
Demonstrated ability to advise, mentor, and counsel law students.
Ability to develop a budget and engage in financial forecasting and reporting.
Strong planning and management skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others.
An entrepreneurial spirit and a track record of successful management of innovative programs and new initiatives.
There may be times during the year, such as conferences or other situations where evening or weekend work is required.
Closing Statement
Boston College offers a broad and competitive range of benefits depending on your job classification eligibility:
Tuition remission for Employees
Tuition remission for Spouses and Children who meet eligibility requirements
Generous Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Low-Cost Life Insurance
Eligibility for both University-Funded 401k and Employer-Sponsored 403b Retirement Plans
Paid Holidays Annually
Generous Sick and Vacation Pay
Additional benefits can be found on https://www.bc.edu/employeehandbook
Boston College conducts pre-employment background checks as part of the hiring process.
Boston College is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. In concert with our Jesuit, Catholic mission, Boston College is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications for women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. To learn more about how BC supports diversity and inclusion throughout the university please visit the Office for Institutional Diversity at https://www.bc.edu/diversity .
Boston College's Notice of Nondiscrimination can be viewed at https://www.bc.edu/nondiscrimination .