Research and Program Manager, Thinking with Plants and Fungi

26-Feb-2024

Harvard Divinity School

65133BR

Job Summary

This is a benefits-eligible one year term limited position. 

Cutting-edge scientific research is shedding light on the sophisticated ways in which plants and fungi sense, make sense of, and interact with the world: plants and fungi communicate, behave, and cooperate. The Thinking with Plants and Fungi Initiative at the Center for the Study of World will engage in interdisciplinary exploration into how cutting-edge plant science can help humans live with greater resilience and in deeper connection with other species.  Initiatives will focus on decentering the anthropocentric focus within the academy by deepening and accelerating scholarship on the “more-than-human” world within the humanities that foster philosophical, theoretical, and theological engagements with plant science that illuminate applied questions of intelligence, consciousness, and biocentric cooperation in the face of a changing world.

The Research and Program Manager, Thinking with Plants and Fungi, works with the senior leadership at the Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) to develop and implement research and programming efforts with the Center’s new initiative, “Thinking with Plants and Fungi.” 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 postdoctoral fellow in environmental humanities, as well as faculty, academic and student collaborators. 

Position Description

Research and Writing 

• Publish original research in the field of plant studies, 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 plant and fungi for CSWR blog, including contacting guest contributors, editing posts, authoring original content, and publicizing blog content via social media and other channels. 
• Attend plant studies conferences, this may also include presenting independent research or material at events and supporting student researchers who are interested in conference participation.
• Maintain an active presence in the plant studies research community by conducting independent research and/or collaborating with research teams.

Program Management

• Plan, organize, and execute a “Thinking with Plants and Fungi” conference in May 2025, 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.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate a biweekly reading group open to Harvard students, faculty, and staff. Develop and implement an outreach campaign to advertise and expand the reading group’s reach and attendance.
• Propose and manage an experiential field trip for Harvard students in Spring 2025.
• Develop and oversee new events and series within the University and beyond. Events may include guest speaker series, interdisciplinary working groups, workshops, and site visits.
• Design and implement approaches to foster interdisciplinary collaboration on plant and fungi 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. 
• Be a point of contact for professors and faculty interested in incorporating plant studies into their course work, this may include providing research resources, conducting information sessions on the state of plant studies, assisting with syllabus design, or facilitating connections within the field. 
• Coordinate with University IT to update and maintain content on the dedicated program website, including blog posts, repository of past talks, research materials, and upcoming opportunities. 
• Collaborate with CSWR staff on budgeting, program development, and publicity to ensure that programming is aligned with broader CSWR goals and needs. 
• Monitor and compile key metrics to evaluate the success of the initiative, including reading group, conference, and guest speaker attendance; qualitative feedback from initiative participants; publications and original research by initiative participants. 
• Produce the final program report based on the Program’s activities between January 2024 and May 2025.
• Coordinate with CSWR staff and Harvard Divinity School Development office to report relevant updates to initiative donors.
• Supervise student research assistants.

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.
• Active participation in the field of environmental humanities, including but not limited to published writing, courses taught, graduate degree with environmental focus, conference presentations, or prior industry experience related to plants and the environment. 
• Demonstrated creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to work independently to support programs and navigate ambiguity.
• Background in event planning and management, especially in the planning and execution of academic conferences.
• Demonstrated record of conducting and publishing original academic research.
• Experience authoring popular writing that translates academic research for wider audiences.
• 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.

Harvard Divinity School seeks to respect, understand, and learn from all cultures, beliefs, and faith backgrounds, including those who are unaffiliated with a traditional denomination, of the members of our diverse community. HDS actively seeks and welcomes people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and people at intersections of these identities.

Founded in 1816, Harvard Divinity School is most religiously diverse divinity school in the United States and is one of 12 graduate/professional schools at Harvard University. HDS is grounded in pluralism and fosters the kind of thoughtful, respectful exchange of ideas that is vital for human flourishing. The School’s degree programs prepare students for careers in academia, ministry, and a wide range of roles across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors.

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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