Head of Project Management

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. 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. The Director for Special Projects is a member of the Executive Dean's management team, responsible for advancing high-priority initiatives across Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). This role drives execution of strategic priorities, leads cross-functional collaboration, strengthens administrative effectiveness, and ensures alignment across offices, departments, and centers.
Serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Executive Dean and other School leaders, the Director translates strategic direction into coordinated action, ensuring timely progress and organizational coherence.
The Executive Dean's portfolio includes campus planning and operations, executive education, finance, human resources, information technology, and research and library services. Partner with the Executive Dean and other leaders at the School in advancing special projects and strategic priorities. Establish and lead cross-functional working groups to develop and implement priorities that further strengthen the administration and operations of the School.

• Complete data and policy analyses to guide informed decision-making.
• Foster collaboration and communication across departments and research centers, ensuring effective coordination and implementation of priorities.
• Serve as a central point of coordination for cross-functional initiatives.
• Support leaders at the School with advancing School-wide objectives, as directed by the Executive Dean.

Recommend and implement systems and process improvements to enhance administrative effectiveness, in collaboration with leaders across the School.

~ Co-lead the Local Emergency Management Team (LEMT), including developing and maintaining emergency procedures and protocols, working with the University's Crisis Management Team (CMT) to ensure alignment with University emergency management, facilitating training and table-top exercises for members of the LEMT, leading response efforts, and assist with developing and executing plans for high-security events.

Executive Dean's Office:

• Oversee daily operations of the Executive Dean's office, ensuring efficiency, responsiveness, and effectiveness.
• Develop systems and structures to support effective electronic record management, create meeting agendas and facilitate meetings, design and execute planning retreats, and create a process for setting and tracking annual goals across the Executive Dean's team.
• Develop and manage workflow, communications, and agendas.
• Create talking points and briefing materials for key institutional meetings and presentations.

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. Protecting international security and freedom

• Advancing social justice and human rights
• Improving public leadership and management

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eight years of experience in a strategic leadership or project management role.
Experience managing and supervising teams.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
Experience managing professional staff, with a proven record of accomplishment in coaching others for high performance, professional development, and maximum cross-functional effectiveness.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
Ability to lead change management efforts.
Proven success advising leaders and building collaborative relationships.
In addition, this position requires some evening and weekend onsite work associated with periodic event oversight and fulfilling LEMT responsibilities. 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. 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. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
Retirement plans with university contributions
Support for families and caregivers
Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
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.