Harvard Kennedy School
Director of Special Projects (66867BR)
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Job Summary
The Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Kennedy School of Government is responsible for conceiving and directing the development and implementation of high-profile political events and conferences, including Newly Elected Members of Congress; Campaign Decision Makers and Newly Elected Mayors Conference.In addition to overseeing these large-scale conferences, the Director of Special Projects is responsible for multiple strategic collaborations with public service and political partnerships. They are expected to manage existing IOP collaborations with national organizations and to develop new opportunities to the IOP and wider Harvard community.The Director of Special Projects represents the Institute of Politics and the Harvard Kennedy School to students, invited speakers, faculty and program participants. Working directly with the IOP Director, the Director of Special Projects produces bi-weekly Director’s Dinners for the university and greater Boston community and implements and manages the IOP leadership seminar. 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 Kennedy School centers and administrative offices, the IOP Director and Executive Director.Position DescriptionCreates and implements 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. Cultivates 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.Please note: This is a 6-month term to cover a leave of absence.Basic QualificationsBachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 7 years related experience in program or project management.Additional Qualifications And SkillsMaster’s 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 solid 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 InformationThis is a fully benefits-eligible 6-month term appointment that is not likely to be renewed.Salary Range: $87,700 – $150,900Note: 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 DetailsThis 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.About UsThe Institute of Politics was established in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Its purpose is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis as a way to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism.EEO StatementWe 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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The Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Kennedy School of Government is responsible for conceiving and directing the development and implementation of high-profile political events and conferences, including Newly Elected Members of Congress; Campaign Decision Makers and Newly Elected Mayors Conference.In addition to overseeing these large-scale conferences, the Director of Special Projects is responsible for multiple strategic collaborations with public service and political partnerships. They are expected to manage existing IOP collaborations with national organizations and to develop new opportunities to the IOP and wider Harvard community.The Director of Special Projects represents the Institute of Politics and the Harvard Kennedy School to students, invited speakers, faculty and program participants. Working directly with the IOP Director, the Director of Special Projects produces bi-weekly Director’s Dinners for the university and greater Boston community and implements and manages the IOP leadership seminar. 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 Kennedy School centers and administrative offices, the IOP Director and Executive Director.Position DescriptionCreates and implements 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. Cultivates 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.Please note: This is a 6-month term to cover a leave of absence.Basic QualificationsBachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 7 years related experience in program or project management.Additional Qualifications And SkillsMaster’s 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 solid 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 InformationThis is a fully benefits-eligible 6-month term appointment that is not likely to be renewed.Salary Range: $87,700 – $150,900Note: 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 DetailsThis 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.About UsThe Institute of Politics was established in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Its purpose is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis as a way to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism.EEO StatementWe 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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