Job Summary

The Writer and Research Assistant provides high-level research and writing support to the Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP). This role requires proactive anticipation of information needs, independent work across multiple units, and effective synthesis and development of information. This person will research and prepare briefings, talking points and presentations for various contexts, including individual meetings, lectures, and events. They will collaborate with multiple units and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) colleagues to draft briefings and remarks and gather necessary background information. In addition, they will provide research assistance to advance strategic priorities for the school and contribute to academic projects of the IOP. In consultation with the Executive Director, the Writer and Research Assistant will support the daily and long-term activities of the IOP and the Director of the IOP agenda.

Position Description

• Gather, synthesize, and further develop information from various units to create comprehensive briefings for the Director of the IOP daily activities, including meetings and events.
• Conduct background research and prepare reports and summaries for the Director of the IOP.
• Accompany the Director of the IOP to meetings as necessary, to synthesize information.
• Draft or revise talking points and other written documents tailored to different contexts, ensuring accuracy and relevance, in consultation with IOP colleagues, IOP Director of Communications, and the Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) where appropriate.
• Draft and revise formal written remarks, drawing on input from the Director and in consultation with IOP colleagues, OCPA, and research centers and departments where appropriate.
• Develop background materials as necessary, including financial data, historical context, and related background material.
• Work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality briefings and materials in a timely manner.
• Handle confidential data with utmost discretion and maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Undertake research and prepare briefings and reports related to the HKS Dean?s strategic priorities and research projects.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree required.
• Minimum of three years of related experience in research, writing, politics and administration. Relevant internships will count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in a related field (e.g., government, political science, public policy, public administration) is preferred.
• Strong understanding of the U.S. political landscape and public service sector is preferred.
• Passion for public service, political engagement, and the mission of the IOP.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated collaborative work style with a wide range of stakeholders; demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail required.
• Proactive mindset and ability to anticipate information needs; ability to work in a fast-paced environment, take initiative, and work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to synthesize complex information; proficiency in gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources.
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential information and data.

Additional Information

Note: The interview process will include research and writing exercises.

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

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

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.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Salary Range: $71,139 - $116,397
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.

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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