The Assistant Director for the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics (Berry IOP) plays a pivotal role in supporting the daily operations of the institute by overseeing a wide array of programs and initiatives that promote student political participation and civic engagement. This position involves collaboration, leadership, and strategic planning to ensure the success and sustainability of the institute’s objectives.

This role requires a dynamic individual with strong leadership capabilities, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for public service and civic dialogue. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Executive Director and various stakeholders to develop, implement, and assess impactful programs. Additionally, this position includes responsibilities related to fundraising, donor relations, and public relations efforts to enhance the institute's presence and effectiveness.

Salem State University values and appreciates diversity in all its forms and endeavors to create a space that reflects the campus community population which it serves. Our students come to Salem State University from 38 states and 48 countries and reflect the demographics of the greater Boston community in which we live. We are passionate about providing an experience for them and our fellow staff and faculty, where everyone can feel supported while they explore, learn, and celebrate their identities, similarities, and differences. We invite you to become a member of our community.

1. Assist in the overall management of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics which includes supporting and working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, community partners, public officials, and political leaders.
2. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate graduate and undergraduate student staff. Develop and maintain staff manuals and protocols. Coordinate payroll processes for graduate and undergraduate student employees.
3. Coordinate the implementation of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics programming including Political Debates (local, regional, and statewide), Running for Office Workshops, Pizza & Politics Dialogues, Internship Scholarships, and other campus-wide political programming.
4. Lead the Vikings Vote initiative which includes recruiting, training, and supervising 10-15 Vote Ambassadors as well as developing programs and partnerships to collaboratively integrate voter engagement across campus.
5. Coordinate the Berry IOP Fellowship program which invites prominent elected officials, journalists, activists, lawyers, policymakers, and other public servants to campus to inspire and mentor students through class visits, meetings with students, and events.
6. Lead the Berry IOP’s annual Alternative Spring Break to the Massachusetts State House.
7. Work closely with Salem State’s Institutional Advancement to fundraise, acquire sponsorships, and coordinate donor relations.
8. Work closely with Salem State’s Public Relations to prepare press releases, promote upcoming events, and earn media attention.
9. Manage the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics social media presence.
10. Assist in leading the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board consisting of elected officials, business owners, and other public leaders.
11. Assist in managing the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics budgets including processing honorariums using the MMARS system.
12. Represent the Executive Director of the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics in their absence.
13. Serve on various university committees and ad hoc committees as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and two years’ experience in a professional, post-degree capacity with public policy, politics, government, or similar public service OR Master’s degree in public policy, social justice, political science, or related degree
• One to three years of experience in State politics, preferably at a State House.
• An understanding of government, politics, policy, and its connection to social change.
• Experience working with college students to organize voter engagement and political advocacy campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Sensitivity to diverse populations of students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team setting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with the North Shore community 

Working Conditions:

This is an on-site position with on-campus, in-person responsibilities in Salem, MA which requires the willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends during peak periods.

Office activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and interaction with computer equipment; occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 5-10 pounds.

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter.

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university. 

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

EEO Statement:
Salem State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly urged to apply.

Please Note: If there is no application deadline associated with a position, it may be removed at any time and additional applications will not be accepted.