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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 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 Summary:

Established in 2024, the Culture and Civil Society Initiative (CCSI) is an engine for innovation at the intersection of culture and democracy. The Program Director will support Professor Anthony Foxx, Emma Bloomberg Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership, in leading the Center for Public Leadership's (CPL) Culture and Civil Society Initiative. The Program Director will work in close coordination with CPL staff and faculty, arts and culture leaders across Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and Harvard University (HU), cultural leaders and artists across the country, and students to shape the work of CCSI. 

Operating within the Center for Public Leadership within the Harvard Kennedy School, the Program Director will play an important role in developing cultural policy leadership programs and opportunities on campus, as well as supporting CPL’s strategic priorities. The Program Director will also assist CPL’s leadership team on Center-wide strategy and operations.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

CCSI Program Strategy and Implementation 

• Work with CCSI Faculty Director to plan and execute strategic priorities for CCSI and support CPL 
• Partner with HU organizations across campus to implement campus programming, such as public events, workshops, and study groups, that advance CCSI’s mission
• Establish executive education programming
• Advise on educational material development, including cases and curricula
• Establish and manage CCSI advisory board
• Provide updates for Faculty Director, CPL leadership, and donors on program progress, anticipating where input or intervention might be necessary to ensure successful execution of project plans

CCSI Administration, Finance, and Communication

• Work with CPL staff to manage gift and grant financials
• Work with CPL and Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD) on funding requests, donor communication, and stewardship processes
• Recruit, hire, orient and supervise staff, research assistants, and temporary employees, as needed
• Collaborate with CPL communications team to share materials, stories, and publicize the work

CPL Administration

• Work with CPL leadership to implement strategic plan
• Assist CPL Executive Director and Faculty Director to build and strengthen CPL activities for long-term sustainability

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree 
• 7+ years’ experience in project/program management
• Must have knowledge of and experience with cultural and public sectors

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strongly preferred: Master's degree and 10+ years' experience
• Experience working on cultural and public service issues  
• Familiarity with public leadership theory and practice 
• Experience in curriculum development 
• Strong team-builder with ability to foster collaborative and creative learning environments 
• Ability to plan and facilitate multi stakeholder meetings on complex topics  
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills 

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire with possibility of renewal
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and is not eligible for remote work
  
  
  
  
   
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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.

About Harvard University

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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