Executive Director, Institute of Politics

Executive Director, Institute of Politics

Harvard Kennedy School

51827BR

Job Code361060 Administrative Manager

Job Summary

The Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School seeks a highly talented individual to serve as its next Executive Director. With demonstrated experience as a manager and leader, the Executive Director must also have a student-centered approach to effectuate the mission of the Institute. The Executive Director must have a background and knowledge of politics, service and civic engagement. Strong oral and written communications skills are required to engage broad constituencies and they must have the capacity to represent the Institute to national and international leaders at the highest levels of government, politics, service, journalism and advocacy groups. The Institute of Politics values and is committed to building a diverse community and strongly encourages candidates who can demonstrate through their professional career or service that they can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our community.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Established as a living memorial to President Kennedy in 1966, the Institute of Politics seeks to inspire Harvard students, primarily undergraduates, to public service, politics and a life committed to public purpose. The IOP is a vibrant center with a proud history of bridging the academy with practitioners through an array of programs and events. The Executive Director must ensure that the Institute’s programs and events represent a non- partisan and broad spectrum of politics and build upon the IOP’s commitment to encourage diversity, inclusion and belonging across the programs.

Reporting to the Director of the Institute of Politics, the Executive Director will work closely with the Director to manage all aspects of IOP programming and to establish and implement the overall strategy and goals of the Institute, including short- and long-term planning and developing new initiatives for the IOP. Additionally, the Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the IOP including budget development and financial operations. The Executive Director will work collaboratively with the School’s leadership, faculty, students, Senior Advisory Committee, Fellows, alumni and the broader university community and represent the IOP and Harvard Kennedy School to a variety of internal and external constituency audiences.

The Executive Director will manage a professional and administrative team and supervise program directors and teams in respective areas including the JFK Jr. Forum, Resident and Visiting Fellows Programs, Student Programs, National Conferences and events, Communications, Internships and Career Services and the Harvard Youth Poll, New Members of Congress Program and Campaign Managers Conference while ensuring all activities are integrated into the larger mission of the Harvard Kennedy School.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible administrative management experience, including experience in public or political service.

Additional Qualifications

Graduate or professional degree preferred. The IOP seeks an individual who has a passion for politics, ideas and providing opportunities for students to be inspired to lead lives engaged in public purpose. Individuals with experience in managing, motivating, supporting and leading a team strongly preferred. Successful candidates will have experience in shaping and sustaining a program in an academic, public or non-profit setting. Experience working with college students is preferred.

Additional Information

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

Job FunctionGeneral Administration

Sub-Unit

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LocationUSA - MA - Cambridge

Department

Institute of Politics