Associate Director, PPIA Program Development and Management

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

​​Harvard Kennedy School offers an annual 7-week summer program in conjunction with the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA)Program’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI). PPIA is a not-for-profit that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in public service for more than 40 years; they created the JSI program to specifically address the lack of diversity across the spectrum of professional public service, including government, nonprofits, public policy institutions, and international organizations. 

 

The partnership between HKS and PPIA—known as JSI@HKS--is a rigorous academic program that will prepare participants (rising undergraduate seniors) for graduate training in public policy and international affairs programs. Co-curricular activities will also provide participants with a greater understanding of career opportunities in public service fields, a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in policy fields, and opportunities to develop a strong sense of belonging.​ 

​​Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a highly talented individual to be the Associate Director for PPIA Program Development and Management.  The Associate Director, PPIA Program Development and Management, in collaboration with an HKS faculty Advisory Board, will develop, implement, administer, and oversee JSI@HKS and related activities. This includes developing and managing the annual operating budget for the program; supervising the selection of program participants; lead decision maker in planning and executing a schedule of co-curricular activities; managing and overseeing the program’s administrative and daily operations, including execution of vendor contracts and vendor management; maintaining records of all program alumni; and leading and overseeing an assessment and continuous improvement plan for JSI@HKS.​ 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

​​Oversee JSI@HKS and related activities: 

• Develop and manage an annual operating budget for the program; 

• Lead the development and maintenance of policies governing the program; 

• Supervise the identification, recruitment, and selection of program participants; 

• Hire and oversee residential support for JSI participant housing; 

• Lead the design and implementation of customized co-curricular programming focused on 

providing participants with 1/ insights into the policy-making process, policy-oriented research, and careers in public and international affairs, and 2/an introduction to the rich cultural and recreational offerings of the Boston Metropolitan Area; 

• Provide advising and mentorship to participants who wish to apply to graduate-level public policy programs; 

• Coordinate the hiring process for JSI@HKS instructors from a variety of hiring categories, including HKS and non-Harvard faculty, in conjunction with the Academic Dean’s Office, the Office of Administration and Finance, and the Harvard International Office. 

• Oversee day-to-day program activities; 

• Manage relationships with departments across HKS and Harvard University, including Campus Planning and Operations, Information Technology, Human Resources, International Office, Harvard University Dining Services, and Media Services 

• Oversee recruitment of future PPIA participants and HKS degree program applicants​ 

 

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s and 5+ years of related work experience in the management of complex and demanding programs with multiple stakeholders.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualified candidates will have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and strong attention to detail. 
• Demonstrated organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple timelines simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently. 
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals. 
• Proven ability to manage a budget. 
• Experience working in student services with a diverse graduate population is strongly preferred. 
• Master’s degree preferred.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through August 31, 2026, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is required to work on campus in Cambridge, MA (at least 3 days/week while program planning and 5 days/week when the program is in session). 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.