Research Community Lead

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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.

The Shorenstein Center seeks a highly organized, thoughtful, and experienced full-time Research Community Lead to provide maternity leave coverage for a senior role overseeing fellows program management and research community engagement.

This fixed-term position will steward the Center’s fellows program during a key period of onboarding, convening, and community-building, while serving as a central connector across fellows, Center leadership, communications, finance, and administrative teams. The role requires excellent judgment, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to independently manage complex operational and programmatic workflows.

The position will begin in mid-July 2026 and continue through February 1, 2027, with flexibility on exact start and end dates. The role is based on the Harvard Kennedy School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an expectation of working on campus 2–3 days per week.

Position Overview

The Research Community Lead will oversee fellows program coordination and help sustain a vibrant, connected research community across the Center. This includes managing fellows onboarding and project planning processes, facilitating fellow communications and convenings, coordinating key events, maintaining program tracking systems, and ensuring strong continuity across multiple cross-functional initiatives.

This role is well suited for a senior program manager or academic/community leader who brings both operational rigor and thoughtful interpersonal judgment.

Key Responsibilities

• Shorenstein Fellows Program Management
• Lead onboarding for incoming fellows, including hosting virtual orientation sessions using established materials
• Manage collection, review, tracking, and dissemination of fellows’ project plans
• Coordinate and attend project planning meetings between fellows and internal stakeholders; capture notes and follow-up actions
• Communicate finalized project timelines, expectations, and next steps to fellows
• Serve as a primary point of contact for fellows throughout the term, coordinating follow-up across Center teams as needed
• Coordinate monthly virtual fellows meetings
• Share timely Center updates, reminders, and relevant communications with fellows
• Coordinate fellow travel stipend logistics in partnership with finance and administrative teams
• Manage year-end fellow offboarding communications and transition planning for incoming cohorts
• Research Community Engagement
• Help foster strong engagement across the Center’s research community
• Support strategic relationship management with fellows and affiliated stakeholders
• Thoughtfully navigate evolving fellow project plans and occasional sensitive or complex situations
• Keep Center leadership informed of important developments affecting fellows and broader community dynamics

Events & Convenings

• Host the Center’s September Open House among other broader research community events
• Complete planning and execution of the Fall Fellows Convening on-campus
• Coordinate recurring research community meetings and related scheduling
• Support continuity for all-center community programming as assigned

Cross-Functional Coordination & Operations

• Participate in recurring coordination meetings across leadership, communications, finance, administration, and institutional partners
• Maintain fellows and affiliate tracking systems with accuracy and consistency
• Ensure strong internal communication and operational continuity across research community initiatives
• Identify and proactively address logistical, communication, or coordination challenges

Basic Qualifications:

• 3 or more years of work experience in a related role.
• Demonstrated experience in program management, academic administration, higher education, research community engagement, nonprofit leadership support, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple complex workstreams.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgment and discretion in managing nuanced stakeholder relationships.
• Experience planning and executing professional events and convenings.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Interest or expertise in journalism or media sectors is a plus.

• Appointment End Date: This position is a backfill for a leave starting in mid-July and ending February 1, 2027, with some flexibility on start and end dates.  This position is fully benefits eligible.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:  The role is based on the Harvard Kennedy School campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an expectation of working on campus 2–3 days per week.

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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.