Assistant Director, MPA Programs

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. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. 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. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Master in Public Administration (MPA) Programs at HKS include an intensive one-year mid-career program (MC/MPA) and a two-year program. The MC/MPA Program enhances the knowledge and skills of established, high-performing professionals who are looking to advance in their careers or transition between sectors. And the two-year MPA program equips students who have prior work experience and have taken graduate-level courses with the skills, perspectives, and nuanced understanding they need to be effective leaders in solving public problems. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Summer Programs 

This position helps support the MC/MPA Summer Program (a complex, five-week long program serving approximately 200-400 incoming students) and the Mason Fall Launch (a two-week program serving approximately 80-100 incoming students in the Mason Fellows cohort). This includes: 

• Assisting with planning and implementation of the Summer Program and Mason Fall Launch 

(this could include: coordinating with presenters; assisting with the delivery of academic sessions, workshops; delivering 1:1 or group advising sessions) 

• Assisting with the hiring process for over 40 instructors for the Mid-Career Summer Program and Mason Fall Launch from a variety of hiring categories including HKS and non-Harvard faculty 

• Handling faculty requests during Summer Program

• Setting up faculty meetings during Summer Program 

• Hosting drop-in office hours for students during Summer Program 

• Fostering relationships with instructors and departments across HKS and Harvard University including Information Technology, Human Resources, International Office, Campus Planning and Operations, Dining, and Media Services to support the Summer Program and Mason Fall Launch. 

Academic Year

This position assists with the design and delivery of programs, services, and events for MPA Programs and students. This includes: 

• Advising students across MPA Programs (~350-500 total students) on course selection, degree requirements, career goals and planning, and academic and personal concerns (this could include 1:1 or small group advising and office hours) 

• Assisting with the planning and delivery of MPA Orientation, Mason Seminars, and other program-related student events and seminars (scheduling and coordinating with presenters, sitting in on presentations, etc.) 

• Working with students on weekly seminar planning 

• Coordinating support for concurrent degree students

• Working on related and special projects and handling other responsibilities, as needed. 

This position may involve work related to recruiting future MPA programs students, including:

• Meeting and counseling prospective applicants (in person or online, responding to phone/email inquiries) 

• Designing and delivering recruitment and information sessions for applicants 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use 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 3 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, intermediate Excel skills
• Ability to work with students, student organizations, colleagues, clients and external organizations
• Communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Qualified candidates will have proven problem solving, time management, verbal and written communication, and project management skills. 
• Candidates must have excellent attention to detail, be self-motivated, creative, collaborative and discrete. 
• Experience working in student services with diverse graduate population is strongly preferred. 
• Knowledge and/or interest int the Kennedy School and Harvard University is desirable. 
• Master’s degree preferred. 

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2027
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

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 056. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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. 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.