Harvard Kennedy School
Director of Strategic Operations, GPL
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Director of Strategic Operations, GPL
Join to apply for the Director of Strategic Operations, GPL role at Harvard Kennedy School.
Company 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.
Job Description The Director of Strategic Operations will work closely with the Government Performance Lab’s (GPL) Executive Director in a Chief of Staff‑type role to translate the GPL’s strategic vision throughout the organization’s operations—designing and implementing systems to improve GPL core functions in order to drive greater organizational impact. To this end, the Director will work closely with the Senior Director of Operations in leading a team overseeing the strategic direction of critical central functions, including human capital, training, and staff and manager supports, while also working with the GPL’s senior Policy Leads to support translation from strategy to action.
Job‑Specific Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategy
Work with the GPL Executive Director and leadership team to refine GPL’s strategy by leading special projects such as assessing and advancing the GPL’s impact, improving strategic knowledge management, and supporting development.
Support the Executive Director in integrating strategic direction across GPL policy areas and strategic capabilities.
Oversee strategic operations
Connect GPL strategy to the direction and execution of central functions, including hiring, events, training, and overall staff experience.
Review current practices for needed improvements to increase GPL’s impact and design and lead special projects that increase the efficiency, efficacy, and equity of the GPL’s practices in hiring, onboarding, and manager supports.
Staff, alumni, and government engagement
Support, create, and manage processes for improving GPL’s impact through staff, alumni, and government engagement and fostering the alumni network.
Maintain and update core organizational resources to ensure staff have access to current policies and procedures.
Team culture Contribute to an inclusive and supportive team culture, within which team members feel supported, included, and valued.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of professional experience.
Submission of a cover letter, current CV, writing samples, and list of three references.
Writing samples should include: a memo or slide deck used to advance a decision with senior stakeholders, and a tool or support created by the candidate to assist with project management.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated commitment to supporting the needs of diverse individuals.
Experience conceptualizing, structuring, and delivering projects that improve an organization’s operations or impact.
Experience in a rapid‑growth, entrepreneurial organization or team.
Proven capacity to solve problems and identify key strategic insights that advance the organization’s goals.
Track record of building and navigating complex relationships with senior executives, clients, peers, and funders.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
Experience with hiring, training, and retention processes.
Excellent written and verbal communications, including memos, slide decks, and public speaking.
Strong project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to independently manage projects to completion and sustain timely responses to deadlines.
Flexible and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, and highly interactive environment.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits‑eligible term appointment, ending one year from the date of hire with the possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education.
Location can be flexible, but all remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.
Position requires access to a major U.S. airport for occasional travel.
All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which 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).
Work Format Details This position is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
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
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. 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.
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Company 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.
Job Description The Director of Strategic Operations will work closely with the Government Performance Lab’s (GPL) Executive Director in a Chief of Staff‑type role to translate the GPL’s strategic vision throughout the organization’s operations—designing and implementing systems to improve GPL core functions in order to drive greater organizational impact. To this end, the Director will work closely with the Senior Director of Operations in leading a team overseeing the strategic direction of critical central functions, including human capital, training, and staff and manager supports, while also working with the GPL’s senior Policy Leads to support translation from strategy to action.
Job‑Specific Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategy
Work with the GPL Executive Director and leadership team to refine GPL’s strategy by leading special projects such as assessing and advancing the GPL’s impact, improving strategic knowledge management, and supporting development.
Support the Executive Director in integrating strategic direction across GPL policy areas and strategic capabilities.
Oversee strategic operations
Connect GPL strategy to the direction and execution of central functions, including hiring, events, training, and overall staff experience.
Review current practices for needed improvements to increase GPL’s impact and design and lead special projects that increase the efficiency, efficacy, and equity of the GPL’s practices in hiring, onboarding, and manager supports.
Staff, alumni, and government engagement
Support, create, and manage processes for improving GPL’s impact through staff, alumni, and government engagement and fostering the alumni network.
Maintain and update core organizational resources to ensure staff have access to current policies and procedures.
Team culture Contribute to an inclusive and supportive team culture, within which team members feel supported, included, and valued.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of professional experience.
Submission of a cover letter, current CV, writing samples, and list of three references.
Writing samples should include: a memo or slide deck used to advance a decision with senior stakeholders, and a tool or support created by the candidate to assist with project management.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated commitment to supporting the needs of diverse individuals.
Experience conceptualizing, structuring, and delivering projects that improve an organization’s operations or impact.
Experience in a rapid‑growth, entrepreneurial organization or team.
Proven capacity to solve problems and identify key strategic insights that advance the organization’s goals.
Track record of building and navigating complex relationships with senior executives, clients, peers, and funders.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
Experience with hiring, training, and retention processes.
Excellent written and verbal communications, including memos, slide decks, and public speaking.
Strong project management capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to independently manage projects to completion and sustain timely responses to deadlines.
Flexible and able to thrive in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, and highly interactive environment.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits‑eligible term appointment, ending one year from the date of hire with the possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Education.
Location can be flexible, but all remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.
Position requires access to a major U.S. airport for occasional travel.
All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which 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).
Work Format Details This position is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
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
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. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr