Director of Strategic IOP Initiatives - Military veterans preferred

2025-07-03
Harvard University
Other

/yr

  employee   contract


Cambridge
Massachusetts
02138
United States

Director of Strategic IOP Initiatives


ID: 67982BR
JOB FUNCTION: General Administration
LOCATION: Cambridge
WORK FORMAT: Hybrid
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard Kennedy School

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.


Job Description

The Director of Strategic IOP Initiatives is an exciting role for a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for developing, managing, and executing a range of innovative programs and projects that align with the Institute of Politics’ (IOP) mission. This role will involve identifying opportunities to expand the institute’s impact, overseeing special projects, and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders including students, fellows, political practitioners, and colleagues across the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and the Harvard community, and institutions and stakeholders outside of Harvard.

Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

  • Work with IOP leadership to develop actionable plans for implementing the Director’s vision and oversee implementation of new initiatives.
  • Proactively suggest ideas, gather input and feedback, develop workplans.
  • Work with other members of the IOP team to look for opportunities to leverage existing programming and opportunities for synergy.

Program Development and Management:

  • Develop plans for and execute programming that reflect different points of view in dialogue, including sessions specifically designed for students with opposing views to engage in discussion.
  • Work with leadership to think strategically about how to make sure programming across the IOP reflects diverse and opposing views.
  • Work with students and other emerging leaders to build their capacity and skills to be effective political leaders and engage meaningfully across different perspectives, backgrounds and ideologies around issues. Mentor and encourage the next generation of leaders.
  • Develop an annual convening based on training the next generation of prospective leaders to be successful.
  • Assist in the development and execution of a political leadership seminar.
  • Assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives through regular evaluation and feedback.

Partnerships and Collaboration:

  • Build and maintain relationships with other institutions and stakeholders to execute the mission of developing the next generation of political leadership.

Team Leadership and Management:

  • Lead and collaborate with staff and students dedicated to special initiatives.
  • Foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment that encourages innovation and excellence.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, government, or other directly related social science field.
  • Minimum of 7 years of program or project management experience. Prior work experience in public policy or politics is required.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Master’s degree in political science, public policy, government, or other directly related social science field is preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in program management, public policy, or politics, with a track record of successful strategic leadership.
  • Strong understanding of the political landscape and public service sector.
  • Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience in fundraising and resource development is highly desirable.
  • Passion for public service, political engagement, and the mission of the IOP.
  • Experience working with students a plus.

Additional Information

  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Education,Identity
  • Other Information: Important Application Instructions:
    Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.

    Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

    #LI-SC1

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit? Harvard's Salary Ranges? to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.





Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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