Job Summary

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.

Position Description

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

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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