As part of a continuing effort to revamp Harvard's sometimes troubled relations with its neighbors, Minneapolis lawyer Travis McCready has assumed the post of director of community relations for Cambridge.

He replaces Mary H. Power, who was promoted from the position last year to become senior director of community relations, a more strategy-based position that is not focused on a particular area.

Both McCready and Power work in the office of the vice president for government, community and public affairs, Paul S. Grogan, whose arrival a year and a half ago heralded major changes for relations with Cambridge and nearby communities.

McCready's appointment is the result of a nationwide search with more than 100 applicants, according to a news release. He heard about the job on the Internet, when he put his criteria for an ideal job into a search website.

"We're very happy to have him on board. We were not expecting to look beyond the local community," Power said. "His qualities and background were so perfectly suited to this position that it seemed the right thing."

Power pointed to McCready's diverse experience--from education to law--as a significant strength.

"We were immediately very impressed with his background and personal qualities," she said. "He has tremendous experience with difficult negotiations, [and] experience as a fifth grade teacher."

McCready and Power are now in the process of transition for the duties of the position.

"It's a large job one with many challenges," Power said. "He'll be very involved in a range of community discussions. He'll be working closely with me...to develop better relations with the city of Cambridge."

"Our hope is that Travis can handle [those responsibilities] so Mary can get freed up for more strategic thinking and programmatic initiatives," Grogan said.

"We needed more help. It's a huge amount of work," Grogan said. "I wanted a little more strategic thinking, and if you're consumed by the day-to-day thinking, it's very, very hard to do that."

Power added that the office is interested in expanding outreach to local officials and inviting officials to participate in executive education.

"We've been working to bring better visibility to Harvard's positive impact on the community," she said.

She cited a report on University students' impact through community service as proof of Harvard's growing links to the city.

She added that the office will be exploring new partnership initiatives.

McCready did not return a call for comment last night.