Assistant Director, Climate Action Accelerator

Job Summary

The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University seeks an Assistant Director for the Climate Action Accelerator to support the Institute’s ambitious efforts to link research and action and develop and advance durable, effective, and equitable solutions to the climate change challenges confronting humanity.

Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability

The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability is part of Harvard's Central Administration. Launched in 2022, the Salata Institute was made possible by a $200 million naming gift to Harvard University by Melanie and Jean Salata. The Institute aims to develop pathbreaking approaches to the climate crisis by harnessing the intellectual power of Harvard, leveraging expertise across the University, catalyzing new areas of research, and generating real world-solutions in conjunction with policy makers and decision-makers around the world. Working across Harvard’s 12 schools, the Institute is designed to build upon the University’s impressive body of research in climate and climate-adjacent fields by supporting ambitious interdisciplinary research, creating platforms for engaged dialogue on climate solutions, and development of new pathways for student education and participation in the creation and advancement of climate and sustainability solutions.

The Climate Action Accelerator (CAA)

The Climate Action Accelerator serves as the Salata Institute’s platform for leveraging Harvard research into durable, scalable, and equitable climate action -- driving practical solutions that influence policy, markets, businesses, and communities while advancing clear implementation pathways. By convening scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, the Accelerator helps create and support a “two-way street” between researchers and stakeholders so that research can answer questions of interest to decision makers and trust can be built, therefore increasing the chance that promising ideas can result in real-world solutions and impact.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

The Assistant Director
The Assistant Director will report to the Director of the CAA to develop and implement programs that advance the mission of the Accelerator and Institute, including project development, implementation, and evaluation. The Assistant Director will manage both external engagements, and robust internal systems and processes working closely with the Events, Communications, and Development teams. The Assistant Director will need to deploy excellent organization and communication skills.

Key responsibilities
The Assistant Director will support the Director by:

• Collaborating with Harvard faculty and staff to identify opportunities to translate their research and scholarship into scalable and equitable real-world impact.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the Salata Institute – including research initiatives, the Management team, and the Events, Communications and Development teams—to advance integrated, high-impact programming and partnerships.
• Conducting outreach to stakeholders to understand their needs, interests, and positions around climate issues, and to build coalitions and pathways for implementation.
• Working with the Director to develop and implement clear performance metrics and evaluation frameworks for the Climate Action Accelerator, and regularly report on its impact.
• Project manage key CAA initiatives across multiple teams, from design through execution and follow-up, ensuring strong coordination, clear timelines, and accountability.
• Supervise staff and interns in implementation of CAA activities.
• Support the Director to advance operational priorities, including orchestrating high-level stakeholder engagements, supporting cultivation, shaping fundable initiatives, and interfacing with development.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a revitalized CAA Fellows program. This will include collaborating with other centers and programs on campus to maximize synergies and impact.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a new Research-Action Grant Program which incentivizes faculty and external stakeholders to co-develop projects with clearly defined, measurable outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a Strategic Research-to-Impact Plan for each major research initiative, establishing key performance indicators and enabling teams to plan for, monitor, and track impact beyond Harvard.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Program Management and Administrative Functions

• Project manage key CAA initiatives across multiple teams, from design through execution and follow-up, ensuring strong coordination, clear timelines, and accountability.
• Supervise staff and interns in implementation of CAA activities.
• Support the Director to advance operational priorities, including orchestrating high-level stakeholder engagements, supporting cultivation, shaping fundable initiatives, and interfacing with development.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a revitalized CAA Fellows program. This will include collaborating with other centers and programs on campus to maximize synergies and impact.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a new Research-Action Grant Program which incentivizes faculty and external stakeholders to co-develop projects with clearly defined, measurable outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement a Strategic Research-to-Impact Plan for each major research initiative, establishing key performance indicators and enabling teams to plan for, monitor, and track impact beyond Harvard.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of seven years of related experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in conducting outreach to varied stakeholders (NGOs, government, business, citizens’ groups, etc.) in ways that have yielded tangible results.
• A robust network of contacts in government, business, and civil society, and communities most vulnerable to climate change impacts.
• Adaptable, thorough, and able to work with substantial independence, including leading meetings with senior faculty and staff, and representing the Institute to external audiences.
• Exceptional writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience and success building relationships in a complex, fast-moving and highly collaborative work environment.
• The ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, listen carefully as well as to influence and persuade others.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date:
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education,
• Other Information:
  • Candidates should submit a cover letter in addition to their resume
  • The position is based on the Harvard University campus, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

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 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

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