At Tufts, the job description is used for a variety of purposes:

• Job descriptions are written or updated for use during the recruitment process. A job description is required for every vacant staff position.
• Descriptions are used by compensation staff to price vacant positions or to evaluate responsibilities and recommend pay changes for current employees.
• Managers use the job description (along with the annual performance plan) to review job performance and set goals under the Performance Development program.

Managers may contact their campus compensation specialist when creating a new position to get feedback on the draft and a sense of the anticipated salary range for the position. The manager is responsible for the content and completeness of the job description.

Incumbents may help write the job description.

Compensation staff are available to provide advice and guidance during the process.

Generic job descriptions are available for certain administrative, research and program or project positions and may be obtained from your campus compensations specialist. An outline of the range of responsibilities for each of these job families is available below. These outlines may be used as a guide or tool in creating a job description. However, pertinent and specific details related to the department and individual position need to be included in the final job description document.

Job Family Outlines

• Administrative positions
• Research positions
• Program or project positions

Forms (downloadable in Microsoft Word format)

• Job Description – Open Position
  Use this form to replace an incumbent or create a new vacant position.
• Job Description – Compensation Review
  use this form to request a review of an existing position.