Managing Resources

Generic Job Descriptions

Recognizing that creating a job description can be a time-consuming process we have created some generic job descriptions with similar major responsibilities and qualifications for positions at Brown. Our intent is for staff/faculty to download the generic job description and edit it to correspond to the specific job-related criteria in their department. Please note that while we have included a corresponding grade for each generic job description, the appropriate grade level depends on many factors, e.g., reporting relationships, the extent to which work and decisions are delegated, dimensions, etc. Human Resources will continue to review job descriptions to determine the appropriate grade for new and revised job descriptions.

Is a B.A. or a M.A. really "required"?

Consider the competencies required. Can the knowledge and skills be acquired on the job with specialized training, courses, or seminars? Generally, a year of college translates to two years of experience.

Is University experience really required? The skills applied in a different environment often can be transferred to support work at the University.

Is Word or Excel really needed? Word processing and spreadsheet applications are very similar, so avoid specifying brand software whenever possible.

Preferred Skills. Consider how long will it take to learn required skills/knowledge. Are they essential for performing the work from the beginning, or can they be acquired within a reasonable period of time? If this is the case, these skills should be expressed as desirable or preferred.

Related experience. Essential skills have been demonstrated in a different role or environment, e.g., an Administrative Assistant may have demonstrated the communication skills required for a Customer Service position.

Compose e-mail, edit form letters, and update materials.

Triage calls, share information, and assist in maintaining effective workflow and working relationships. Draft correspondence and reports; write documentation for job related procedures, etc.

Probe as needed to ensure responses effectively meet constituent needs. Initiate and draft correspondence, reports, and document procedures. Many positions at this level serve as the central point of contact between senior administrator (s) and direct reports and/or similarly situated internal and external constituents; take notes at meetings, distribute to participants, and follow-up to ensure agreed upon actions are taken.

Jobs at this level require effective communication skills to seek out information-probing as needed to clarify inquiries-to prepare oral and written responses that effectively meet constituent needs; uses tact to gain understanding and cooperation. The level of expertise is driven by the specific job.

Many jobs at this level initiate communications for distribution internal and external to the department with input from appropriate constituents/supervision.

Many jobs at this level require skills of negotiating and persuasiveness as well as sensitivity to the other person's point of view to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around.

Many jobs at this level are required to prepare, or assist in preparation of budget and other financial documents; track expenses; identify, research, and resolve variances. Prepare projections and re-allocations. Create formulas for spreadsheets.

Works within clearly defined policies; the incumbent largely determines how to carry out the work.

Independently perform or manage complex work that is intellectual and varied and requires the use of judgment and discretion involving relatively significant matters.

Jobs at this level require effective communication skills to seek out information-probing as needed to clarify inquiries-to prepare oral and written responses that effectively meet constituent needs; uses tact to gain understanding and cooperation. The level of expertise is driven by the specific job.

Many jobs at this level propose, draft and with input from appropriate constituents finalize written communications and policies, and develop written procedures to ensure effective and consistent implementation. Able to tailor communications to appropriate audiences.

Many jobs at this level require skills of negotiating and persuasiveness as well as sensitivity to the other person's point of view to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around.

Many jobs at this level are required to prepare, or assist in preparing budget and other financial documents; track expenses; identify, research, and resolve variances. Prepare projections and re-allocations. Create formulas for spreadsheets.

Works within clearly defined policies; the incumbent largely determines how to carry out the work.

Independently perform or manage highly complex work requiring additional professional training and experience that is intellectual and varied, broad in scope and requires the use of judgment and discretion involving relatively significant matters organization wide.

Jobs at this level require effective communication skills to seek out information-probing as needed to clarify inquiries-to prepare oral and written responses that effectively meet constituent needs; uses tact to gain understanding and cooperation. The level of expertise is driven by the specific job.

Many jobs at this level propose, draft and with input from appropriate constituents finalize written communications and policies, and develop written procedures to ensure effective and consistent implementation. Able to tailor communications to appropriate audiences.

Many jobs at this level require skills of negotiating and persuasiveness as well as sensitivity to the other person's point of view to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around.

Many jobs at this level are required to prepare, or assist in preparing budget and other financial documents; track expenses; identify, research, and resolve variances. Prepare projections and re-allocations. Create formulas for spreadsheets.