Arctic Initiative Project Director

Job Description

The Project Director will conceptualize, organize, and convene the Arctic Initiative’s core activities aimed at advancing an understanding of the Arctic region, its opportunities and challenges. The Arctic Initiative Project Director will act as senior leadership of the program providing oversight and strategic guidance to all aspects of the Arctic Initiative project.

The Project Director will coordinate with a variety of stakeholders including students, senior university administrators, faculty, donors and prominent individuals and organizations. The Project Director must have a proven track record of proactive problem-solving, multitasking, and engagement with national and international policymakers, NGOs, and universities; and must possess excellent oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills. This role requires maturity, tact, and diplomacy in all interactions.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategy and Thought Leadership:

• In collaboration with Arctic Initiative Faculty Directors, develop and manage the creation and execution of a strategic plan for the project.
• Conceive, direct, and participate in high-impact research and policy outreach efforts.
• Substantively contribute to the Arctic Initiative's policy relevant work through conducting and publishing research and policy briefs.
• Chair and organize high level convenings, workshops, and conferences in Cambridge and abroad.

International Collaborations and Outreach:

• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, acting as the lead point of contact with affiliated international institutions and advisors, including universities, NGOs, government leaders, and across Harvard University
• Foster relationships between the Arctic Initiative and external domestic/international funding portfolio that includes foundations, corporations, individuals, and governments.
• Represent the Arctic Initiative and make presentations at meetings, briefings, and conferences.
• Raise funds to support the project including grant writing, outreach, and project communications.
• Direct program outreach and communications—set strategy and oversee publications: papers, reports, book chapters, edited volumes.

Mentorship and Management:

• Advise and direct senior fellows, research fellows, and visiting scholars associated with the Arctic Initiative managing the overall research agenda.
• Promote, lead, and manage the fellowship program, including overseeing recruitment and selection of research fellows, and participating in mentoring.
• Supervise Arctic Initiative staff, currently including a project coordinator.
• Manage a portfolio of student research assistants working on a range of topics, including Arctic governance, climate adaptation, ocean conservation, and resilience.

Other Administrative Tasks:

• Manage and allocate budgets and expenses.
• Coordinate with the rest of the Belfer Center; and
• Other duties as required.
• Reporting to this position: Arctic Initiative Project Coordinator

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Advanced Degree in public policy or related field and at least 5 years of related research experience. Experience managing research projects.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in an academic or think-tank setting a plus, as is experience engaging with national and international policymakers and influencers.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in preparing and presenting policy-relevant reports and other materials and prior experience preparing materials for publication also a plus.
• Related experience in environmental policy and international diplomacy is highly desirable. Arctic expertise strongly preferred.
• Excellent research, writing, editing, time management, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently. Initiative, sound judgment, and attention to detail are required.
• Ph.D. or comparable degree preferred.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines and work independently are key requirements.
• Must have ability to take initiative and demonstrate discretion with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to develop & maintain productive relationships with a wide range of constituencies.
• Proficient written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet tools.