Associate Director, Future of Diplomacy Project

Position description

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.

About the Belfer Center

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School’s research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program in 2021 – the last year of its ranking program – in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university-affiliated think tank.

The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.

The Belfer Center has an immediate opening for an Associate Director of the Future of Diplomacy Project. The Project is dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of diplomacy, negotiation, and statecraft in international politics. It aims to (1) build Harvard Kennedy School’s ability to teach in these areas, (2) support research in modern diplomatic practice, and (3) build public understanding of diplomacy’s indispensable role in an increasingly complex and unstable global order.

Reporting to the Faculty Chair of the Project, the Associate Director will be responsible for overall programmatic and financial management of the Project. The Associate Director will work with the Faculty Chair to develop, plan, and execute initiatives designed to advance the goals of the Project. Internally, the Associate Director will work closely with Harvard faculty, fellows and staff; externally, the Associate Director will collaborate with academics, former government officials, and private sector leaders.

The ideal candidate has experience in government or policy roles related to diplomacy and foreign policy in the United States or internationally. They must be a great communicator with deep knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and global politics and a proven track-record of turning ideas into actionable programs.

Responsibilities:

Operations and Strategy

• Partner with the Faculty Chair to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the Project’s research, convening, and training agenda; to include but not limited to:
  • A Fellows program to invite global leaders to Harvard, especially diplomats.
  • Regular seminars and public meetings to gain insights on U.S. and global diplomacy, and to discuss or present reports and other project outputs.
  • The American Secretaries of State Project.
  • A research program on the future of the U.S. Foreign and Civil Service at the State Department.
  • Student engagement, including supporting student interest groups or programming ideas consistent with the Project’s substantive priorities.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Project, including the work of one staff member and graduate student research assistants and overseeing special activities.
• Manage engagement with external collaborators and expert advisors to the Project.

Research and Fellows

• Oversee and implement a grant program intended to fuel innovative and interdisciplinary faculty-led research across Harvard on diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy. This includes collaborating with colleagues at the Harvard Business and Law Schools, managing marketing and awareness campaigns, and reviewing applications.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and support cycle for the Future of Diplomacy fellowship program. This includes reviewing applications and participating in the selection process; and partnering with the Faculty Chair to develop biweekly internal research seminars and other activities for program fellows.
• Work with the Faculty Chair to conceive and direct high-impact research and policy outreach efforts, which can include conferences, seminars, and workshops. Under the guidance of the Faculty Chair, the Associate Director oversees the organization of research streams, including materials for presentation and publication. This entails ensuring that research is delivered against deadlines and in line with program goals.
• Direct program outreach and communications—including setting strategy for publicizing project outputs, such as events, convenings, and publications. The position will have support from and will coordinate with the Belfer Center Communications team to advance the program’s outreach and communication.

Financial Management

• Oversee budget and financial matters for the Project, ensuring responsible allocation of expenses. The position will have support from and will coordinate with the Belfer Center Finance team to advance the program’s budget and fundraising activities.
• Partner with the Faculty Chair on fundraising and donor relations; this includes preparing funding/grant proposals, ensuring that all sponsor guidelines are met, and Harvard compliance requirements are followed; monitor grants and draft reports to comply with reporting requirements for sponsored research grants and awards.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience OR a Master’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of foreign policy, national security, public policy, and international affairs gained through education and/or work experience required.
• Previous experience managing or supervising staff, student workers, or interns.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (public policy, business, law, etc.) is preferred but not required if the individual has relevant experience.
• Experience working in government or in roles related to U.S. foreign policy in the United States or internationally.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Highly adaptable with a proven track record of successfully functioning in a complex work environment.
• A demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-energy, and constantly changing environment.
• Proven ability to multitask while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• A team leader and player who is highly motivated, proactive, and possesses strong organization skills.
• Prior experience working with high-profile individuals and organizations is a plus.

• Appointment End Date:1 year from date of hire
• Visa Sponsorship Information:Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:Identity, Education
• Other Information:This is a full-time, campus-based position in Cambridge, MA. The position is required to work a minimum of 3 days/week on-site.

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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. 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

Application instructions

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