Strategic Advisor for Educational Initiatives

Job Summary Reporting to the Executive Director, the Strategic Advisor for Educational Initiatives leads the design and growth of Opportunity Insights’ K–12 and early-college education strategy, spanning research, program design, and partnership development. The role conducts landscape analyses of how OI research is used in schools and of comparable higher‑ed‑to‑K‑12 outreach models; designs and manages educator cohorts and the Opportunity Fellows Teacher Fellowship, including a year‑long curriculum and a four‑day summer institute; and collaborates with an Educational Partnerships Advisory Group to shape and refine strategic direction. The position is responsible for adapting and expanding OI curricular resources for high school and community college contexts; creating assessment, documentation, and communication tools to track and strengthen impact; and building external partnerships (e.g., with Ed Equity Lab, Modern States, NEON, school districts, and networks) that support large‑scale offerings such as an open‑access statistics course and other direct‑to‑student opportunities. Program Research and Design Conduct landscape analysis of current uses of OI research in high school (HS) contexts across the country, building on existing school partners and historical points of contact. Interview existing school partners about their experiences with OI curricular materials to identify patterns of engagement and promising directions for further development. Conduct preliminary landscape analysis of higher‑ed‑to‑K‑12 outreach models (e.g., Challenge Success, CS50), focusing on inputs, impact, and analogous use cases. Research pipeline engagement opportunities for HS and community college (CC) students (e.g., early‑career teacher training, summer enrichment, programs for underrepresented students). Identify key partners, platforms, and sequencing to advance the OI ed strategy and establish early proof points across independent, public, charter, and CC contexts. Build a concept note and initial strategic action plan for expanding access to OI research and materials for HS and college students, including impact models, timelines, potential partners, and anticipated challenges. Develop and Manage Cohorts, Fellowships and Professional Learning Opportunities Design and launch a cohort of educators committed to using OI curricular resources in their schools (2025–2026 academic year). Provide ongoing curricular and pedagogical feedback to cohort members and convene online collaboration and reflection sessions as needed. Lead and support the Opportunity Fellows Teacher Fellowship program, including recruitment, selection, communication, and year‑long engagement. Develop a year‑long syllabus, curriculum, and impact plan for Teacher Fellows, with emphasis on ongoing meetings, school‑year support, and leadership development. Plan and design a four‑day professional development conference for Fellows, including research into analogous PD models and development of an experiential program. Develop teacher training opportunities to build a cadre of educators able to teach OI’s materials and approach. Management of Outreach Partnerships and Advisory Group Maintain ongoing collaboration with the Educational Partnerships Advisory Group (educators and nonprofit leaders), leveraging their strategic guidance on curriculum and pedagogical initiatives. Lead regular virtual meetings with the Advisory Group and coordinate their involvement in outreach related to current and upcoming OI educational efforts. Continue outreach to school districts, nonprofits, and educational organizations for both short‑term recruitment and long‑term partnership building. Initiate and plan collaborations with external organizations such as Ed Equity Lab, the College Board, charter networks, independent schools, the National Education Opportunity Network, and others. Curriculum Development Provide feedback on how to adapt existing course materials (e.g., HBSO course, online materials) for HS and CC audiences. Lead early‑stage development of Ed Equity‑aligned course materials for a potential Spring 2026 launch, in collaboration with the OI team and the teacher learning community. Continue to build out the library of OI curricular resources using EdX/HBSO materials and EdX recommendations; create orientation modules and navigation guides as needed. Develop introductory “Unit Zero” materials for the Opportunity Atlas for Fellows, in collaboration with OI colleagues and the Advisory Group. Articulate a pedagogical vision statement for OI cohort and partnership work to guide resource creation, summer PD design, and ongoing teacher support. Program Evaluation, Documentation and Communication Design documentation protocols to track cohort‑related work within schools for both teachers and OI. Develop preliminary assessment tools (e.g., pre‑post questionnaires) to help cohorts measure impact and build a more complete picture of outcomes. Create and manage communication tools/platforms for cohort members to collaborate, share resources, and seek peer support. Develop tools that help educators align OI materials with state standards and AP curricula (pilot with summer cohorts; longer‑term goal of public release). Physical Requirements Sitting using near vision for reading and computer use for extended periods of time. Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required. Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience. Additional Qualifications and Skills Master’s or PhD in Education, Social Sciences, or related field. 5–7 years of experience with project management, curriculum design, and pedagogical initiatives. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong commitment to continuous process improvement. Additional Information Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 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 is a part‑time, one‑year term position with possibility of renewal. All final offers will be made by FAS HR. Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 058. Harvard’s Salary Ranges: view the corresponding salary range and related information. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.