Research Associate, Rebuild Initiative - Military veterans preferred

Research Associate, Rebuild Initiative

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 Graduate School of Design?

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers an unparalleled setting for interaction through the combination of disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design engineering, real estate and housing—with an emerging research program and a robust public program of lectures and exhibitions.

Job Summary:

The ReBuild Initiative at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design aims to develop a new approach to urban planning and design focused on transforming the built environment with a focus on sustainability and quality of life for all. ReBuild is an initiative launched by Dean Sarah Whiting and chaired by Maurice Cox, Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design. It will accomplish its goal through multi-disciplinary research, engagement with practice, development of new curricular materials, and executive education training for city leaders in close collaboration with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative .

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly motivated individual to join our team as a ReBuild Initiative Research Analyst. The role will help develop a foundational analytic framework through literature review, faculty engagement, case-study research, and engagement with expert practitioners. This framework will serve as the foundation of the bi-annual executive education program for city leaders working on urban planning. The ambition is to make a transformative contribution to the field of urban planning and design by adopting a comprehensive approach connecting city planning, urban economics, climate studies, public policy and management, and organizational leadership, among other disciplines.

The Research Analyst will report to Professor Cox at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, under the guidance of David Giles, the Curriculum Development Director at the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of continuation. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that Harvard University cannot sponsor a work VISA now or in the future.

Position Description: TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Developing the Framework: Research and Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews in various relevant fields.
• Analyze challenges and key priorities related to the built environment of mayors enrolled in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership mayors program.
• Identify and/or conceptualize and write case-studies on current and historic comprehensive planning efforts in cities.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop a vision and intellectual framework for the ReBuild initiative and executive education program.
• Provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis and interpretation to develop original content. Work with a high degree of autonomy and serve as a collaborator and thought partner.

Developing the Executive Education Program: Curricular materials

• Contribute to the drafting of a seminal working paper outlining the project's framework and methodology.
• Conduct reviews of case study collections to identify relevant existing teaching materials.
• Collaborate on development of teaching cases and educator guides as well as other curricular materials for executive education and degree programs.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and organize focus groups and interviews with faculty at GSD and other schools at Harvard and expert practitioners in urban planning. Take notes and write-up takeaways.
• Help develop communication materials, including designing and writing a brochure, webpage and social media content.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Interested candidates should submit the following: a resume, a cover letter detailing their fit for the role and contributions to urban planning, a writing sample from relevant research work, and an example of a visual presentation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.

Physical Requirements:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Urban Design, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in the public sector, including urban planning, urban design, or public management is essential.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing and visualization skills with a proven track record of publications, visual presentations, and/or curricular materials. Digital visualization skills are essential.
• Experience working in or supporting learning environments.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with academic and municipal stakeholders, including multiple faculty members and staff partners across university departments, units, and schools, as well as with numerous city officials in both the US and internationally.
• Ability to manage, balance, and prioritize tasks, directions, and guidance from GSD and HKS faculty leads and their staff designees.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills as well an ability to communicate well, both visually and verbally.

??????PLEASE NOTE: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of continuation. Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that Harvard University cannot sponsor a work VISA now or in the future.

• Standard Hours/Schedule:35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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 057. 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.

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