Director of Computational Policy Lab

20-Mar-2024

Harvard Kennedy School

65364BR

Job Summary

The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is a Harvard University research center dedicated to exploring and illuminating the intersection of media, technology, politics and public policy in theory and practice. Through teaching and research at the Kennedy School of Government and its program of visiting fellows, conferences and initiatives, the Center is at the forefront of its area of inquiry.

Professor Goel’s Computational Policy Lab at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Program Director. The Program Director will lead the lab’s mission to use technological and computational approaches to tackle pressing issues in criminal justice, education, voting rights, and beyond. 

This individual will develop, produce, and oversee the lab’s diverse and complex research initiatives supported by a range of sponsored grant and gift support, and will be responsible for confidential administrative duties in support of these efforts. The incumbent will work independently and collaboratively, will anticipate and resolve problems, and will update Professor Goel and other lab members on the status of program efforts. 

The Program Director will also help support the project’s growth and mission by performing a broad range of research and strategy related activities including: strategizing with the PI and team about the research project, research portfolio and grant deliverables; coordinating and implementing research at the lab in accordance with strategy, policy and procedures and funder requirements; and managing lab staff to meet the direction of these efforts.

Position Description

• Manage, coordinate, and collaborate with lab members to help ideate, develop, and execute research projects and programming to advance the lab’s strategic plan.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities that fit with the lab’s mission; work with current funders to meet grant reporting requirements and proposed grant milestones.
• Coordinate resources, protocols, and hiring as needed to support the lab’s ongoing projects, including IT resources, research protocols, and summer interns.
• Work with outside partners (e.g., government agencies) to establish new partnerships and strengthen existing working relationships, e.g., by identifying alignment of efforts and interests.
• Foster the lab’s growth as a leader in the academic, research, and policy worlds in inquiry and programming concerning computational approaches to public policy.
• Support the written needs of the project researchers, e.g. writing research summaries, grant check-in statements, grant proposals, policy briefs, etc.
• Coordinate, arrange, and lead manager meetings and project meetings as needed, including with outside partners like government agencies.

Basic Qualifications

Master’s degree along with a minimum of 7 years of professional experience related to research and administration in a public policy setting.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills;
• Ability to work with a diverse range of outside partners;
• Experience writing about complex themes in a relatable and engaging way;
• Ability to execute a wide-variety of writing styles for multiple stakeholders;
• Comfortable working independently as well as part of a hard-working team;
• Ability to build trust with a range of academic and nonacademic stakeholders;
• Ability to prioritize work; and manage multiple project and staffing needs 
• Strong writing and editorial skills
• Effective leadership and management skills
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
• Deep familiarity with mixed methods of research

Additional Information

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.

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.

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: $99,300 - $173,900
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. 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

361059 Administrative Manager

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

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At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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