Research and Program Manager, Psychedelics and Spirituality

26-Feb-2024

Harvard Divinity School

65132BR

Job Summary

This is a benefits-eligible one-year term limited position, with the possibility of a one-year extension, based on funding and the business needs of the department.

The Research and Program Manager works with the senior leadership at the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) to develop and implement research and programming efforts within the Center’s Transcendence and Transformation initiative, with a special focus on efforts related to the Harvard Study of Psychedelics in Society and Culture. The Manager leads a wide range of public outreach and engagement efforts, pursues independent research, and engages in writing for both academic and mainstream audiences. The Manager works under the supervision of the Center’s Executive Director and in close collaboration with the faculty, academic, researcher and student collaborators from across Harvard University and from affiliated institutions

Roles and Responsibilities:

Research and Writing 

• Publish original research in the field of psychedelics and spirituality, such as peer-reviewed academic journal articles and book manuscripts. 
• Publish writing (e.g., in magazines and other popular outlets) to make original research and initiative activities accessible to broader audiences. Create related posts for the CSWR-based blog. 
• Oversee editorial calendar for the CSWR’s op-eds on the topics of psychedelics, spirituality, and TT experiences, including contacting guest contributors, editing posts, authoring original content, and publicizing blog content via social media and other channels. 
• Maintain an active presence in the psychedelics research community by conducting independent research and/or collaborating with research teams. 
• Work with the CSWR leadership and Communications specialist on envisioning, designing, and producing the Center’s new bi-annual magazine, “Entheogens”.

Position Description

Program Management

• Plan, organize, and execute an annual conference, including but not limited to developing a team of collaborators, inviting speakers, managing a call for papers, navigating logistics, managing the budget, running the event, and organizing conference anthologies.
• Organize, host, and expand the “Psychedelics and the Future of Religion” and the “Psychedelics & Ethics” series.
• Develop and manage new programming offerings that span all three schools in the Study of Psychedelics and/ or are offered University-wide. Programs may include workshops, interdisciplinary working groups, roundtables, tours, and site visits.
• Work with administrators and researchers from partner institutions (at Harvard Law School, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and at the UC – Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics) on joint initiatives and projects.
• Cultivate relationships with major psychedelic research organizations, drug-policy organizations, HMS teaching hospitals and psychedelically oriented religious non-profits to foster opportunities for students to conduct research and develop new initiatives at Harvard and beyond.
• Design and implement approaches to foster interdisciplinary collaboration on psychedelic studies across the University, may include forming close relationships with relevant department leads, identifying gaps in awareness, creating opportunities to share knowledge and work on interdisciplinary projects, and maintaining pathways for research that spans disciplines.
• Develop and maintain close relationships with researchers and industry leaders; identify collaboration opportunities with leading researchers, scholars, and practitioners in the field of psychedelics studies. 
• Attend psychedelic and religious studies conferences, this may also include presenting independent research or material about the Study at events and supporting student researchers who are interested in conference participation.
• Be a point of contact for professors and faculty interested in incorporating psychedelic studies into their course work, this may include providing research resources, conducting information sessions on the state of psychedelic studies, assisting with syllabus design, or facilitating connections within the field.
• Serve as a liaison for the Psychedelic Chaplaincy Program at the Divinity School and collaborate closely with the program’s lead to support students and expand psychedelic chaplaincy field education offerings.
• Work with CSWR Faculty Director and Associate Director to develop new programming within the broader T&T Initiative.
• Coordinate with University IT to update and maintain all relevant CSWR and/or Study materials online, including a repository of past talks, research materials, and upcoming opportunities,
• Supervise student research assistants.
• Monitor and compile key metrics to evaluate the success of various programming offerings, including conference, speaker series,’ workshops and tours attendance; qualitative feedback from participants; publications and original research.
• Collaborate with CSWR staff on budgeting, program development, and publicity to ensure that programming is aligned with broader CSWR goals and needs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in humanities, biology, environmental sciences, or related field. 
• 3+ years of relevant experience in a project management or program development role 
• Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Preference given to candidates with experience managing cross-functional projects in academia or similarly complex organizations.
• Background in the academic study of religion and the humanities, preferred candidates will have a graduate degree in religious studies and/or significant experience working within a religious studies department.   
• Active participation in the field of psychedelic studies, including but not limited to published research, courses taught, graduate degree with psychedelics focus, conference presentations, and/or prior industry experience related to psychedelics. 
• Demonstrated record of conducting and publishing original academic research.
• Proven success working within an academic institution to shepherd new initiatives and grow projects, preferred candidates will be familiar with Harvard University specifically. 
• Demonstrated creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to work independently to support programs and navigate ambiguity.  
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, experience building interdisciplinary initiatives, and proven history of network building, ideally in the psychedelic or religious studies space.
• Background in large event planning and management, especially in the planning and execution of academic conferences.
• Experience collaborating with and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Cover letters are required for every position at Harvard Divinity School.
  We regret that the Harvard Divinity School does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Working Conditions

This position is based in Cambridge, MA and requires an on-campus presence. All HDS positions have a regular schedule of Monday - Friday, 9am - 5 pm. A hybrid schedule, involving some remote work, may be possible, subject to business needs and manager and HR review/approval. HDS may adjust flex schedules as necessary or appropriate. Harvard has an established Flexwork Policy .

Please Note: We are currently conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates. Final interviews may be conducted on campus.

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. 

Additional Information

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 Cambridge, Massachusetts. Work is expected to be performed in an office setting, but may be remote, as directed by HDS. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which are currently Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

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:

• Flex-work options at HDS, including an optional summer compressed workweek (end of May through mid-August)
• 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

RS0056 Researcher II Humanities

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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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