Assistant Director, MPA Programs

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Master in Public Administration (MPA) Programs at HKS include an intensive one-year mid-career program (MC/MPA) and a two-year program. The MC/MPA Program enhances the knowledge and skills of established, high-performing professionals who are looking to move up in their public service careers or transition from the private sector to leadership positions in the public or nonprofit sectors. And the two-year program equips students who have prior work experience and have taken graduate-level courses with the skills, perspectives, and nuanced understanding they need to be effective leaders in solving public problems.

This position designs and delivers programs and services and manages special projects for MPA Programs and students. This includes:

• Coaching and advising students across MPA Programs (350 total students) on course selection, degree requirements, career goals and planning, and academic and personal concerns
• Independently defining goals of and identifying enhancements to the design of MPA Orientation week. Responsibility for the hiring and supervision of a team of Orientation Leaders and the implementation of MPA Orientation sessions
• Managing and overseeing the MPA Programs budget of $750k including discretionary decisions about program spending
• Developing and implementing comprehensive program-related student events and seminars, workshops and tailored initiatives
• Managing communications-related projects. Developing online and print communications.
• Supervising one full-time staff member, additional student employees, and seasonal staff
• Managing related and special projects and handling other responsibilities, as neede Admissions and Recruitment
• Meeting and counseling prospective applicants on their candidacy, financial aid and scholarship resources
• Designing and delivering recruitment and information sessions for applicants
• Participating as a member of the MPA Admissions Committee (objectively reviewing and evaluating applications and applicants’ qualifications; representing the needs and priorities of the MPA Programs to the larger Committee; making recommendations to the Committee) and the Admissions Working Group

• Designing and implementing relevant and timely Summer Program content: academic sessions, workshops, events, and lectures
• Coordinating the hiring process for over 40 instructors for the Mason Summer Seminar and Mid-Career Summer Program from a variety of hiring categories including HKS and non-Harvard faculty, in conjunction with the Academic Dean’s Office, the Office of Administration and Finance, and the Harvard International Office.
• Managing the relationships with Summer Program instructors and departments across HKS and Harvard University including Information Technology, Human Resources, International Office, Catering, and Media Services

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills
• Ability to work with students, student organizations, colleagues, clients and external organizations
• Communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Experience with MS Office Suite.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Qualified candidates will have proven problem solving, time management, verbal and written communication, and project management skills.
• Candidates must have excellent attention to detail, be self-motivated, creative, collaborative and discrete.
• Experience working in student services with diverse graduate population is strongly preferred.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the Kennedy School and Harvard University is desirable.

Additional Information

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

Please note:This is an in-person/on campus position based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work options.

Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Salary Range: $62,700 - $102,500
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. 

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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, inclusion, and belonging.
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. Our teaching, research, and engagement with practitioners focus on these priorities:

• Protecting security, freedom, and human rights
• Strengthening democracy
• Advancing social justice
• Increasing economic well-being
• Enhancing sustainability
• Improving public leadership and management

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Job Code

S0356P FSS Student Services Officr II

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.