IOP Program Manager - Military veterans preferred

IOP Program Manager

ID: 68301BR
JOB FUNCTION: General Administration
LOCATION: Cambridge
WORK FORMAT: Hybrid
JOB TYPE: Full-time
BRAND: Harvard Kennedy School

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.

The IOP Program Manager will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the Institute of Politics (IOP) by partnering with the Executive Director, Director, senior leadership, and student leadership teams. The incumbent will develop strategies, conduct research, and support innovative programming across all core functions of the IOP—including Communications, JFK Jr. Forum, Conferences and Events, Fellows and Study Groups, Internships and Career Services, and other key initiatives. This highly collaborative position is central to fostering impactful programming, expanding outreach, and engaging the next generation of public leaders.

The successful candidate will possess:

• A demonstrated deep knowledge of political issues and experience working in politics and government.
• Strong program management experience, ideally some experience in higher education or academic institution.
• A desire to work with students to encourage involvement in both public service and the political process required.

This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire.

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

Reporting to the IOP Executive Director and working closely with the IOP Director, senior leadership and student leadership teams, the incumbent will be responsible for, including but not limited to, the following:

• Collaborating with IOP leadership teams to design, implement, and manage operational strategies that align with the Institute’s academic and programmatic priorities.
• Building and maintaining relationships with external partners, including policy organizations, think tanks, alumni, and community groups to broaden the reach and resources of IOP programs.
• Developing metrics for gathering feedback and assessing the effectiveness of events, forums, and initiatives. Recommending enhancements for future programming based on data and participant input.
• Proactively identifying and conducting outreach to high-level, diverse speakers and potential fellows across fields, ideologies, and backgrounds for the JFK Jr. Forum and Fellows program. Partnering with HKS staff and faculty, as well as University-wide collaborators, to develop and execute compelling forum and fellow events. Providing onsite event assistance, including occasional evening work during the academic year.
• Leading research projects from initial concept through development, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducting in-depth research to guide and advise the Directors on developing a comprehensive strategy for outreach, recruitment, and selection of Forum speakers and fellows. Overseeing and supporting the engagement, interviewing, and onboarding process.
• Inspiring and mentoring students, fostering their involvement in public service and the political process through innovative programming and direct interaction.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on program outcomes and participation metrics. Developing impact assessment tools and produce regular reports for leadership, donors, and other stakeholders.

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of program management experience in academia, politics, or government required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

If you possess some, but not all of the following, you are encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, higher education administration or other directly related area and 7+ years of experience in academia, politics, or government preferred.
• Experience with long term strategic planning, student engagement, and running selection committees preferred.
• Experience planning and organizing public events.
• Experience working with and mentoring students, ideally undergraduate student populations.
• Previous experience managing or supervising staff and/or students.
• Supervisory skills, a high level of detail orientation, and exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment required.
• An ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels from elected public office, journalism, and other associated fields.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to set priorities and work collaboratively with a high degree of initiative and ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously required.
• Previous experience and familiarity with an academic setting preferred.

• 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 IOP. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.
  
  This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.
  
  Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

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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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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