Brandeis Magazine

Ira A. Jackson, a leader with deep roots in Boston who has served in government, business and academia, has joined the university as senior vice president for communications and external relations. Jackson will spearhead Brandeis’ relations with the community, government, businesses and other institutions locally, nationally and globally, and will assist the president and others in advancing and communicating Brandeis’ intellectual and institutional contributions.

“Ira brings a wonderful combination of skills, ideas and relevant experience to Brandeis,” says President Ron Liebowitz. “His ability to communicate and to implement new approaches will be useful as Brandeis embarks upon a period of renewal and transformation.”

Jackson served as chief of staff to former Boston Mayor Kevin White and later as commissioner of revenue under former Governor Michael Dukakis. He served as senior associate dean at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government during its formative years and later as director of the school’s Center for Business and Government. He also served as president of the Arizona State University Foundation, as dean of the Peter F. Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University and, most recently, as vice provost at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

He served for a dozen years as executive vice president and director of external affairs at BankBoston. He has played leadership roles in many civic initiatives, including chairing the boards of the United Way’s Success by Six Campaign, the New England Council and the World Affairs Council of Boston, as well as being deeply involved with City Year, Facing History and Ourselves, and the New England Holocaust Memorial.

Jackson is a graduate of Harvard College, received an MPA at the Kennedy School, and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

“I am thrilled to join Ron Liebowitz and his talented colleagues at an institution that plays such a unique role in higher education,” Jackson says. “Brandeis’ commitment to social justice and to research that matters for society totally aligns with my values and life’s work.”

Judy Glasser, who has been interim senior vice president for communications for two years, will remain with the university, ensuring continuity and working closely with Jackson.