Director of Research in Democratic Practice

11-Apr-2024

Harvard Kennedy School

65556BR

Job Summary

The Director of Research in Democratic Practice is responsible for a dynamic portfolio of projects that generate, explore, and disseminate bold scholarship and real-world solutions to strengthen democracy at a fundamental level in the U.S. and beyond. Candidates must exhibit a deep understanding of the field of democratic reform and innovation, demonstrate organizational, creative problem-solving and analytical skills, and approach our shared work in a creative and collaborative spirit. The Ash Center is a global and values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. In fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity, we value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values.

In close collaboration with Professor Archon Fung, Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Director or Research plays a critical role in ensuring research and program impact through the production and dissemination of written publications, multimedia materials, and other outputs. They are responsible for a robust content agenda, growing network, and student engagement. The Director of Research also helps with raising gifts and grants, positioning the initiative as a leader in the field, and representing the initiative among key constituencies and external stakeholders. Specific responsibilities include:

Position Description

 Develop and oversee a robust portfolio 

• Work closely with Faculty Director to lead the strategic planning and development of a portfolio of writing and research. 
• Build relationships with faculty from multiple disciplines, help the Center enable and support faculty research collaborations, and provide input on proposals from faculty and fellows. 
• Clarify objectives, set milestones, and review materials to ensure the highest quality and alignment with the content agenda. 

Lead the production of original written materials and research 

• Undertake writing and research projects, either independently or alongside co-authors and contributors including faculty, fellows, students, or practitioners. 
• Ensure all projects have clearly defined scope and design, deliverables and timelines, and plan for evaluation and revision as necessary. 
• Recruit, train, and manage research team: clarify individual contributor roles and expectations; provide feedback, guidance, and support; and ensure effective collaboration. 

Contribute to executive sessions, conferences, and other programming 

• Contribute directly or oversee the writing of analytic cases, research, or written materials in support of programs, including collaborating with participants in developing case studies or commentary capturing best practices and lessons learned. 
• Help organize executive sessions, help set the theme and direction for our annual conference, and suggest opportunities for inviting scholars and practitioners. 
• Work with faculty chairs and participants to propose and prioritize questions and topics for further investigation or research. 

Oversee outreach and grow a robust network 

• Provide leadership to grow strategic collaborations within Harvard, such as the Labor and Democracy Project at Harvard Law School, and with other institutions. 
• Maintain a public profile as an expert within the field, preparing and delivering presentations of research findings and helping identify and solicit potential donors and funders. 
• Work with Ash Center team on the publication and dissemination of research, including webinars and other efforts at contributing to the public and professional discourse. 

Engage students in the work of Ash Center 

• Advise and mentor students pursuing careers in advancing U.S. democracy, including finding opportunities to contribute to research projects and programming. 
• Leverage relationships in the field of practice to help students with professional networking as well as applied learning projects. 
• Work with Ash Center team to explore ideas for events, field learning, and other opportunities to build the community of Harvard students interested in U.S. democracy. 

Basic Qualifications

Advanced degree (master’s level or higher) and fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

•Research background and publication record on topics related to project activities including voting, elections, democratic institutions, and democratic norms and practices.
•Excellent writing, public speaking, relationship building, and organizational skills.
•Collaborative working style with excellent consultative and problem-solving skills.
•Demonstrated history of working collaboratively in a variety of cross-cultural settings including officials from all levels of government.
•Experience fundraising and launching new programs

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.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

RS0059 Senior Researcher II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

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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