What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survivor Advocate position at Berklee College of Music?
Job Description:
Berklee is seeking a dedicated, trauma-informed Survivor Advocate to join our Student Health and Wellness team. Reporting to the Director of Counseling & Advocacy Services, you will provide confidential, survivor-led support to students who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. This is a role for a compassionate strategist who believes in the empowerment model—helping students navigate barriers so their creative voices can continue to be heard. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.
The Mission: Empowerment & Advocacy
You will act as a confidential resource, guiding students through the complex aftermath of trauma with a focus on intersectionality and social justice. You aren't just providing a service; you are building a bridge to safety and academic persistence.
Key Responsibilities:
We need a professional who can balance empathetic listening with high-level administrative consultation.
Berklee is a vibrant, global community where creativity is at the core of our daily lives. We take care of our staff so they can take care of our artists.
Hiring Range: $73,000 to $86,340; salary dependent on experience and education.
Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Staff
Berklee is seeking a dedicated, trauma-informed Survivor Advocate to join our Student Health and Wellness team. Reporting to the Director of Counseling & Advocacy Services, you will provide confidential, survivor-led support to students who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. This is a role for a compassionate strategist who believes in the empowerment model—helping students navigate barriers so their creative voices can continue to be heard. At Berklee, your work directly supports the next generation of creative leaders.
The Mission: Empowerment & Advocacy
You will act as a confidential resource, guiding students through the complex aftermath of trauma with a focus on intersectionality and social justice. You aren't just providing a service; you are building a bridge to safety and academic persistence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Confidential Support & Psychoeducation: Lead individual or drop-in meetings to help survivors identify coping skills, understand trauma reactions, and develop personalized safety plans.
- Resource Navigation: Coordinate care across the Berklee network (Title IX, Public Safety, Case Management) and off-campus resources (medical care, forensic evidence collection, and legal advocacy).
- Accommodations & Support Measures: Facilitate vital interventions, including housing relocations, no-contact orders, academic schedule changes, and transit safety via the Public Safety escort system.
- Reporting Options: Ensure survivors fully understand their rights and options for reporting—on-campus through Equity and Title IX or off-campus through law enforcement—while respecting their right to decline.
- Education & Outreach: Lead planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). You will also train student leaders (RAs, Orientation Leaders) on survivor support and prevention.
- Team Leadership: Supervise student employees with a focus on allyship and anti-racist learning, ensuring outreach efforts are inclusive and impactful.
We need a professional who can balance empathetic listening with high-level administrative consultation.
- Education: Master’s degree required (Counseling, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field).
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years providing advocacy, case management, or counseling. Experience in higher education is a major plus.
- Certification: Current certification as a rape crisis counselor in Massachusetts (or willingness to obtain it within 6 months of hire).
- Competencies: Proven track record in multicultural and social justice work. You must be able to engage effectively with a diverse, global student population.
- Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain calm, professional boundaries in high-stakes, sensitive situations.
Berklee is a vibrant, global community where creativity is at the core of our daily lives. We take care of our staff so they can take care of our artists.
- Mission-Driven Impact: Join a team that values your ideas and prioritizes the well-being of the creative community.
- Work-Life Balance: This position includes flex time to compensate for occasional evening or weekend event support.
- Cultural Access: Enjoy nightly access to world-class performances, guest artists, and events right on campus.
- Top-Tier Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental, a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions, and tuition benefits for you and your family.
- Time Off: Generous PTO and paid holidays, including a paid winter break.
Hiring Range: $73,000 to $86,340; salary dependent on experience and education.
Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about our benefits.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:
We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.
*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*
Employee Type:
Staff
Salary : $73,000 - $86,340