For every staff position at Brown there should be a corresponding job description that accurately and fully describes the job. This document provides an understanding of the position’s major responsibilities, details how the responsibilities are accomplished, and identifies the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job. A copy should be on file with University Human Resources, and shared with employees at the time of hire.
A well written job description not only describes the position’s responsibilities, it supports effective human resources management in a variety of ways. It sets the foundation for recruiting, developing and retaining talent and also sets the stage for optimum work performance by clarifying responsibilities, expected results, and evaluation of performance. It is also an important component to maintaining an equitable compensation system and ensuring legal compliance. The document should be revisited and updated in line with the yearly performance evaluation cycle.
A job description should contain sufficient information to describe major responsibilities and essential functions; however, the document should not include every detail of how and what work is performed so that it remains useful even when minor changes occur. Staff members or supervisors may write the job description, but the supervisor must approve it.
Job description templates, samples and some guidance on building the document can be found below and in the related forms section to the right.
Here are some writing style recommendations to help staff and supervisors write a clear, easy to understand job description.