Berklee College of Music has appointed Robert Chambers as associate vice president of community and government relations. In his new role, he will oversee the development and management of the institutional relationships, partnerships, and programs with community organizations; city, state and federal governmental affairs; and efforts that contribute to the cultural, educational, and artistic development of the Boston area.
Chambers’ life-long commitment in service of others has shaped and guided his career for the past 25 years. Prior to Berklee, he was the legislative director for the Legislature’s House Ways and Means Committee where he served as the liaison to the 200 legislative members, as well as other administration offices. Chambers was a pivotal member of the committee that crafted the state’s $42 billion budget for FY19.
“It’s unlike any experience I have ever had,” says the former political aide. Throughout the process we were guided by the chairman’s belief that “This budget meets people where they’re at in their lives, and supports the most vulnerable amongst us.” It was truly an honor to serve the commonwealth in that capacity.
His previous positions include his role as chief of staff for the president of Cambridge College, and a two-year stint as vice president and dean of students at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (SMFA). He also worked at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) for 17 years, where he had the opportunity to work in various positions within Student Affairs before transitioning to the president’s office as the assistant to the president for government and community affairs. During his tenure at MassArt, Chambers, with the leadership of the president, established the office of Government and Community Relations, which he led in its first six years.
Having held key leadership roles in higher education and politics over the years, he was fortunate to have crossed paths with several people who worked at Berklee and spoke highly of the institutional culture.
“Working around students, especially creative students who are so passionate and driven by what they do, I find very energizing. So, that was another factor in my decision to pursue this opportunity,” says Chambers.
