Director of Special Projects (67970BR)

Job Summary

The Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is responsible for conceiving and directing the development and implementation of high profile political events and conferences, including: the Seminar on Transition and Leadership for Newly Elected Mayors; Program for Newly Elected Members of Congress; Campaign for President: The Managers Look at the Presidential Election and the National Campaign Conference which convenes over thirty colleges and universities for a three day conference at Harvard University.

In addition to overseeing these large-scale conferences, the Director of Special Events is responsible for multiple strategic collaborations with public service and political partnerships including the management and curation of John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the Profiles in Courage award with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The Director is expected to manage existing IOP collaborations with national organizations and to develop new opportunities for the IOP and the wider Harvard community.

The Director of Special Projects represents the IOP and the Harvard Kennedy School to students, invited speakers, faculty and program participants. Working directly with the Director of the IOP, the Director of Special Projects produces bi-weekly Director's Dinners for the university and greater Boston community. Additionally, the Director of Special Projects manages the Harvard Political Union and oversees the pizza and politics program and multiple IOP student leaders and groups.

The Director of Special Projects is a member of the IOP senior staff team and is a thought partner to the IOP Senior Advisory Board, various HKS centers and administrative offices, the IOP Director and Executive Director.

Position Description

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of all special event operations, including all aspects of logistics, faculty and speaker relationships and curriculum development; takes the lead in anticipating and resolving all issues in collaboration with the IOP Director and Executive Director for the IOP’s signature conferences.
• Develops strong working relationships with participating guests, media, and partner organizations.
• Responsible for program recruitment to achieve maximum participation, particularly from newly elected mayors and members of Congress.
• Develops program budgets and exercises full financial management and oversight of conferences and special events.
• Manages all aspects of recruitment and enrollment process, oversees participant outreach, and establishes admissions criteria. Oversees communication strategy and processes with prospective participants.
• Manages support staff assigned to program, ensuring a high level of professionalism, teamwork and focus on participant experience.
• Develops and maintains strong alumni relations through proactive outreach initiatives, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Cultivate meaningful connections with alumni to support ongoing institutional goals and initiatives.
• Establishes program timelines and coordinates all efforts with participants, speakers and staff.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and focus on program participant experience. Seeks to exceed participant expectations whenever possible.
• Responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with elected officials, senior staff and press.
• Oversees outreach strategy and strategic partnerships for all major IOP conferences and special events. Strategy may include outreach before and after elections, conference participation, third party relationships, recruiting meetings, and/or visits to target groups like US Conference of Mayors and Congressional leadership.
• Contributes to the improvement of programs and department processes and procedures.
• Mentors and supervises Harvard undergraduates and Harvard Kennedy School students in the development and involvement in all student programming aligned with major conferences and events.
• Works as a senior member of the Institute of Politics staff and participates in discussions around management and future initiatives.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 7 years related experience in program or project management.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Masters Degree preferred.
• Graduate or undergraduate degree with interdisciplinary focus strongly preferred (such as public administration, public policy, government, etc.).
• State and local government, higher education or political experience strongly preferred.
• The Director is a professional with good supervisory, organizational, and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Must be comfortable speaking before a group and willing to work nights, weekends and travel.
  
  

Additional Information

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 five 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 : $85,100 - $146,500

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.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types 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.
  
  

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

360058 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Salary Grade

058

Department

Institute of Politics

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, 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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