Program Coordinator

Harvard University Kennedy School, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Cambridge, MASSACHUSETTS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

The William Monroe Trotter Collaborative for Social Justice is an innovative initiative of the Harvard Kennedy School to promote excellence in the practice of social justice by supporting applied research and the use of evidence in advocacy and activism. The collaborative will facilitate the understanding and advancement of social justice by connecting faculty, students, scholars, practitioners, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of faith. Named for William Monroe Trotter, the first African American Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Harvard and founding influence of the NAACP, the William Monroe Trotter Collaborative for Social Justice will expand the civil rights and social justice legacy of William Monroe Trotter, leveraging the expertise of Harvard faculty, staff and students to build capacity in directly affected communities to address today's social justice challenges.
Working as an integral part of the Trotter Collaborative, the Program Coordinator will report to the Staff Director and will be responsible for a variety of complex administrative, communication, and program-related activities. The Program Coordinator will play a key role in the development, execution, and evaluation of operations and strategic programming for this effort as well as serving as a contact for external stakeholders, students, faculty members and organizations interested in advancing the cause of social justice and civil rights.


The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Faculty Director and the Staff Director to implement the strategies and convenings of the Trotter Collaborative. Specific responsibilities include the successful planning, administration, and overall support of the Trotter Collaborative as well as contributing to strategy development.
Job Activities include:
Communications/Liaison

  • Serve as a liaison between the Trotter Collaborative and other CPL and Harvard-wide collaborators.
  • Partner with internal departments for individualized programs/projects, assist with community engagement programs, and serve as a liaison to other university agencies.
  • Partner with CPL and the HKS communications teams to promote the Trotter Collaborative locally and nationally. Update website/social media and draft marketing materials, developing coordinated, consistent marketing and brand messages across programs.
  • Attend Trotter Collaborative events as an ambassador of the Trotter Collaborative (including occasional evenings, weekends and travel).
  • Develop databases of donors, partners, and projects.
  • Create and nurture relationships with community members as well as across the Harvard community.
    Programmatic
  • Contribute to strategic development of the Trotter Collaborative in concert with Directors.
  • Contribute to development and coordination of research, policy and funding partnerships.
  • Develop, implement, organize and manage day-to-day events, program logistics, and special events.
  • In collaboration with the directors, establish timelines for accomplishing Collaborative goals and keep the team on track in adhering to the time lines.
  • Identify and explore new areas for program focus, such as environmental and food justice issues.
    Finance/Operations
  • In collaboration with Staff Director and CPL finance, manage project accounts and budgets, including coordinating with other units at Harvard or externally, as needed.
  • Develop, maintain, and improve organizational processes and systems to enable efficient execution of various work tasks.
  • Provide additional administrative support to the directors, as needed.


    This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with very strong possibility of renewal.
    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: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens.
    We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.
    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


  • Minimum of 3 years of professional experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Suite and GSuite.


  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Prior program management experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with and/or willingness to learn Oracle Business Intelligence, Mailchimp, Salesforce WordPress, Qualtrics, Tableau, and website administration
  • Knowledge of and interest in the field of social justice and civil rights.
  • Exhibit a high degree of problem solving, judgement, professionalism, and technical competency.
  • Ability to take initiative, plan and manage complicated projects while navigating ambiguity and risk.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit, flexible, nimble, adaptable, and ready to respond to ever changing needs and priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with others.
  • Capacity to manage multiple time-limited activities with calmness, deliberation and resilience.
  • Very strong administrative, organizational, and procedural practices including self-organization, time management, financial management and attention to detail.
  • Ability to exercise independent leadership, prioritize multiple tasks, and work collaboratively with a variety of constituencies.


    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.


    • Internal Number: 54918BR

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