Career Center

Job Summary

Position Description

Relationship Management

• Independently tracks elections and leadership changes, and develops relationships with a diverse mix of state, county, and city elected officials, appointed senior leaders, and civil servants throughout the United States.
• Proactively and strategically identifies the priority needs of state and local government leaders with whom we collaborate to better connect them to HKS resources and create opportunities for HKS students, faculty, and alumni. This includes summer fellowships, research projects (including the Policy Analysis Exercise), and full-time job opportunities in state, county, and city governments
• Collaborates with the ED to attend priority state, county, and city government conferences to increase awareness and engagement of key stakeholders in order to advance the mission of the Taubman Center

Launching and Managing Communities of Shared Learning for Practitioners

• Works with the ED and key stakeholders to lead the development of the strategic direction and priority goals for new communities of shared learning for current state and local government leaders
• Using own discretion, guides and helps develop convening agendas, content, and overall attendee experience to create a meaningful community of shared learning for participants
• Using independent judgment, identifies and analyzes trends in state and local government challenges and solutions that should be incorporated into the community of practice agendas and content
• Implements and operationalizes strategies, tracks and evaluates progress on priority goals, captures stakeholder feedback, and recommends opportunities for continual improvement
• Collaborates with the Center's Program Coordinator to host engaging in-person and virtual convenings for these communities of shared learning
• Collaborates with the Center's Director of Communications to identify and disseminate informative stories and substance developed via these communities of shared learning
• Oversees the involvement and work of fellows and student research assistants

Managing the Transition Term program

• In collaboration with the ED and key stakeholders, leads the development of the strategic direction and priority goals for the Transition Term program. Implements and operationalizes developed strategies
• Manages all aspects of the program including, tracking, and evaluating progress on priority goals, capturing stakeholder feedback, and recommending opportunities for continual improvement
• Guides and helps develop convening agendas, content, and overall experience to create a meaningful community for participating administrations and students
• Using independent judgement, identifies and analyzes trends in state and local government transitions that should be incorporated into the student orientation agendas and content.
• Independently develops and manages a knowledge sharing library that can benefit newly elected administrations and students who will be serving them through Transition Term
• Collaborates with the Program Coordinator to provide operational support needed for all aspects of Transition Term, including the recruitment and selection of administrations and students, project scoping, student orientation and stipends, logistics of student travel and lodging, and the post-deployment debrief
• Proactively and independently identifies and implements strategies for the engagement of Transition Term alumni
• Oversees the selection, involvement, and work of fellows and student research assistant

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience; or the equivalent of education plus relevant work experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Passion for public service, supporting students, and helping state and local governments improve their outcomes and solve social problems.
• Clear capacity and interest to deliver on both strategy and implementation.
• Proven ability to build trust and strong, authentic relationships with colleagues and a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience leading communities of practice or shared learning a plus.
• High level of maturity, empathy, and cultural competency, with outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Exceptional follow up on a wide range of inquiries and requests for support.
• Creative thinking and problem solving, with an interest and ability to improve what we offer and how we offer it.
• Excellent communication skills required, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, and effectively prioritize time and tasks while adapting to changing needs and priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a process from start to finish, and to work collaboratively to achieve agreed-upon objectives.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a proven ability to handle sensitive data and information with discretion.
• Expertise with Microsoft Office tools. Experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Master's degree a plus.

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with strong possibility of renewal.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.

Salary Range: $81,000 - $138,400
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Salary Grade: 058

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

About Harvard University Kennedy School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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