Research Project Manager

Job Summary

The Research Project Manager leads a dynamic portfolio of research, writing, and dissemination activities for the Nonviolent Action Lab's Crowd Counting Consortium (CCC). Candidates must exhibit a sophisticated understanding of the fields of protest, democracy, and state repression, deep knowledge of data collection and analysis procedures, and a proactive and collaborative approach to their work. 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.

Position Description

Working in close collaboration with faculty PIs, the Research Project Manager leads the research team working to collect and analyze event data related to ongoing political mobilization in the US. To date, CCC has logged more than 200,000 unique events and currently adds an average of 3,000 new events each month, with contributions from a team of staff, fellows, and student researchers. The Research Project Manager is responsible for initiating and conducting research and analysis, project management, and outreach for several key projects under the Crowd Counting Consortium. Specific duties and responsibilities include:

Research and Analyses

• Work closely with Faculty Director on the strategic planning and development of a portfolio of writing and research projects related to the Crowd Counting Consortium
• Coordinate all data collection activities and oversee the research team, including developing recommendations for improvement
• Co-author papers, reports, and other analysis based on political mobilization in the US and related themes

Dissemination and Outreach

• Leverage professional experience and understanding of the field to find opportunities for CCC's research to inform related policy making and practice
• Contribute to policy recommendations, research briefs, podcasts, events, and other deliverables to reach policy makers, movement leaders, and other key audiences
• Identify and solicit potential donors and funders

Project Management

• Improve research and other work-flow processes, analyzing problems/issues of diverse scope and determining solutions
• Draft grant proposals to prospective funders and reports for existing grants
• Coordinate with Ash Center colleagues to ensure compliance with grant and sponsored research policies, facilitate dissemination of research, etc.

Personnel Management

• Work with Ash Center colleagues to recruit, hire, and onboard new team members including staff, research fellows, and student research assistants
• Train and coach students, fellows, and other contributors in data collection and analysis procedures
• Provide project management and oversight for all CCC contributors, setting and monitoring objectives, scope, and timelines

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master's level or higher) in Political Science or directly related field.
• 5 years of relevant research experience.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in research administration and/or project management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in Political Science or Public Policy strongly preferred.
• Substantive expertise in protest, democracy, and state repression.
• Ability to take initiative and manage projects with minimal supervision, including strong time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills, including strong writing skills required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes required.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member required.
• Ability to work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data required.
• Excellent computer skills including programming, data management, data visualization, bibliographic and spreadsheet software, in addition to fluency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive.
• The ability to gather information from electronic resources.
• Experience in research and/or policy related to relevant issues.
• Experience with federal and foundation grant proposal writing and fund management.
• Experience training and mentoring early-career scholars.

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

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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 : $76,400 - $130,000

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 ( ) 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.

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