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Posted: 10-Jan-26
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Internal Number: 51cc0981-9721-4033-a42e-6315e4497a8b
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 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.
About the Institute of Politics
The Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School bridges the worlds of academia and practice in order to expose students to the "real world" of politics and public policy, with a mission to inspire young people-especially undergraduates-to become leaders in the world of politics and public life.
The IOP offers wide-ranging opportunities for Harvard students and acts as a convener for the broader Harvard community with the goal of stimulating and nurturing a passion for politics and public service regardless of party affiliation. Many of the most significant political figures over the last six decades-Presidents and presidential candidates, Governors, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, award-winning journalists, and international policymakers, among others-have either been Fellows at the IOP or participated at events in which they imparted their practical insights about navigating the world of politics and public service.
The activities of the IOP are extensive, spanning highly sought-after fellowships, high-level events, trainings for new members of Congress and U.S. mayors, student internships, polling initiatives, and numerous student-organized programs. For nearly 60 years, the IOP has welcomed Fellows who participate in semester-long residential programs. These individuals have served in senior positions at all levels of government-federal, state, local, and tribal-and represent the full breath of the U.S. political spectrum. Campaign managers, political consultants, international political leaders, representatives from advocacy organizations, and journalists have also served as IOP Fellows. The Fellows run student study groups and participate in other student programs. The IOP also runs an extensive public service internship program; conducts educational seminars for elected officials; organizes conferences that bring together academic, political, and government leaders; and hosts world leaders and other high-level speakers at events in the John F. Kennedy, Jr., Forum at the Kennedy School.
Reporting to the Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, the Director is charged with setting the IOP’s overarching strategy and establishing and executing on its priorities. The Director should have a demonstrated record as an inspirational leader and an exceptional manager, and will lead a team of roughly 20 staff, including an Executive Director. He or she should conceptualize and execute innovative and policy-relevant programs that serve to encourage and educate the next generation of public leaders and that build on the IOP’s reputation as a national platform for discourse spanning the political spectrum. The Director should have a compelling vision for how to encourage engagement in politics and public service and to foster meaningful conversations across difference at a highly polarized time.
The Director will collaborate closely with the IOP’s Senior Advisory Committee (SAC), and will advise the Dean on the SAC’s membership. The Director will also oversee the IOP’s Student Advisory Committee, which comprises undergraduate Harvard students who are especially committed to the IOP’s mission.
The Director will also work collaboratively with a wide range of other constituent groups internal and external to HKS and Harvard. In particular, the Director works closely with Harvard undergraduates who are interested in politics and public service, and should have a demonstrated commitment to mentorship and desire to work with students. Frequently representing the IOP, HKS, and Harvard in public settings and with national and international leaders, the Director should likewise have a demonstrated track record of integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior. He or she should have the ability to serve as a model of principled leadership for students and the broader Harvard community, and the courage to stand up for institutional values including academic freedom and open inquiry.
Additionally, the Director must be a dynamic leader who cares about engaging respectfully across political and ideological difference, and who is committed to thoughtfully elevating a range of voices and perspectives within the U.S. and international political contexts. Finally, the Director must be innovative and ambitious: successful candidates will bring both a vision to strengthen the IOP’s existing initiatives and new ideas that expand the IOP’s reach and impact.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree; 10 years’ experience or more at senior levels of electoral politics or other government positions at the federal, state, local, or tribal levels, or equivalent public service experience, including in the non-profit sector, the military, and/or in journalism.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
As noted in the Job Summary, interpersonal skills needed to represent the IOP publicly, to work successfully in an academic environment (particularly with academic leaders and graduate and undergraduate students), and to interact with a variety of prominent people active in public affairs; demonstrated success in managing teams, budgets, and organizations; excellent written and verbal communication skills; a demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovatively, and critically; and a demonstrated willingness to engage across various forms of difference.
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 062. 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.