Associate Director, Applied History Project

Posting date: March 20, 2026

002558SR

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Cambridge
3. School/Unit: Harvard Kennedy School
4. Department: Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
5. Salary Grade: 058
6. Job Function: General Administration
7. FLSA Status: Exempt
8. Term Appointment: Yes
9. Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 Belfer Center seeks an Associate Director, Applied History Project to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project.

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. In 2021, the Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies 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.

We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive organization is central to our ability to achieve our mission. It is our goal to promote historically underrepresented groups within our organization and within the fields of science and international affairs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Associate Director will:

• Partner with Professor Allison to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the research and convening agenda for Applied History. Including, but not limited to:
• Co-organize Applied History conferences
• Co-organize academic year speaker events for the Applied History Working Group
• Co-organize academic year work in progress sessions for Ernest May Fellows and others conducting Applied History
• Publish research in history and Applied History
• Advise Professor Allison on funding opportunities for relevant research projects; prepare 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.
• In collaboration with the Belfer Center communications team, conceptualize and lead plans to publicize and ensure the wide dissemination of relevant research outputs and related work. Prepare summaries, releases, social media campaigns, and other materials for these efforts.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the research area and component projects, including the work of research assistants or student researchers who may be assigned
• Maintain Applied History website and social media accounts

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in history is required. Candidates currently in a Ph.D. program must have a timeline to graduation that aligns with job start date.
• 3+ years related work experience that includes research and publication in major historical focused outlets.

Complete Applications Must Include:

1. Cover letter of 300 words or less
2. Résumé or CV
3. Official or unofficial transcript
4. Analytic writing sample of 20 pages or less
5. Names and contact information for one reference

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Significant knowledge of, and interest in, history, grand strategy, and international relations and excellent research, writing, and editing skills.
• Expertise and communications skills required to host events with senior officials from government, diplomacy, and the private sector.
• Mature self-starter with sound judgment, have the capacity to work with a wide range of individuals, and ability to manage a variety of tasks/research projects simultaneously.
• Be interested in maximizing the public reach (through articles, speeches, social media, etc.) for research findings.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is fully benefits eligible one year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Work format: This is an in-person/on campus position based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work options.

Complete Applications Must Include:

1. Cover letter of 300 words or less
2. Résumé or CV
3. Official or unofficial transcript
4. Analytic writing sample of 20 pages or less
5. Names and contact information for one reference

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.

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.