Program Manager, Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative

Job Overview Program Manager will work closely with Institute leadership to advance the Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative, managing applied research projects, cultivating partnerships, supporting fundraising, and coordinating convenings to address major challenges such as homelessness, housing, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and government effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with faculty, public officials, and external partners across Harvard and the broader community. Research Initiative Leadership Lead development and implementation of applied research projects within the Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative. Work closely with faculty leaders to identify research opportunities with the potential for significant policy impact. Develop project scopes, work plans, timelines, milestones, and performance measures. Coordinate activities across multiple projects and stakeholders, ensuring timely execution and delivery. Monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and recommend solutions. Homelessness Prevention Initiative Serve as a lead staff member supporting a major homelessness prevention research initiative focused on Massachusetts and the City of Boston. Work closely with Professors Jeffrey Liebman and Elizabeth Linos to develop and advance a multi-year mixed-methods research agenda. Coordinate collaboration among researchers, government agencies, nonprofit service providers, and philanthropic partners. Support the design and execution of mixed-methods research projects, including quantitative and qualitative analyses. Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. Convenings and Stakeholder Engagement Plan and manage policy convenings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings designed to inform and advance the Initiative's research priorities. Oversee the planning and execution of convenings, including participant recruitment, agenda development, speaker coordination, briefing materials, logistics, and post-event follow-up. Develop agendas, briefing materials, participant communications, and follow-up reports. Facilitate engagement among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and community stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with faculty across Harvard and with leaders in government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector. Communications and External Engagement Prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, proposals, correspondence, and other written products for internal and external audiences. Support fundraising, donor engagement, and external communications efforts related to the Initiative. Represent the Rappaport Institute and the Dean's Research Initiative with internal and external stakeholders. Qualifications Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years leading organizational, programmatic, or policy change efforts within government or organizations working closely with government. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Additional Qualifications and Skills Master's degree in public policy, public administration, social work, economics, public health, urban planning, law, or a related field strongly preferred. Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Expertise in the administration of social programs at the city, county, or state level. Experience supporting or leading mixed-methods research projects. Experience working directly with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners. Familiarity with homelessness, housing instability, human services, poverty reduction, behavioral health, or related policy areas preferred. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizations, build trust with diverse stakeholders, and advance collaborative initiatives. Ability to independently structure work, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and drive projects toward measurable outcomes. Experience translating research into policy and implementation strategies. Familiarity with Massachusetts state and local government preferred. Additional Information Appointment End Date: Fully benefits‑eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal. Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education. Other Information: This position is based on the campus in Cambridge, MA and expected to work in‑person on campus at least 3 days per week. Salary, Benefits, and Work Format Salary Grade: 057. Work Format Details: The position may be performed at a non‑Harvard location for certain duties. The work schedule and location will be set by the department and must comply with university policies. The hybrid location must be a Harvard‑registered state within the United States, and visa requirements must be met prior to employment. Benefits 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 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. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines its 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Harvard University