"Executive Program Director, Data-Smart City Solutions"

Data-Smart City Solutions, founded in 2012 and now housed within the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, works to catalyze the adoption of data-informed practices in local government. The program highlights best practices, surface emerging trends, connects public sector leaders with innovators across sectors, and supports cities in using data, technology, and innovation to improve quality of life for residents.

Under the supervision of the Faculty Director, the Executive Program Director is responsible for the overall success of Data-Smart City Solutions, including executing strategic direction, overseeing operations, building and managing a high-performing team, cultivating partnerships and donor relationships, and ensuring its programs’ long-term financial and programmatic success.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Shape and steward the strategic direction of Data-Smart City Solutions in close collaboration with the Faculty Director, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic objectives.
• Guide the successful execution of a dynamic project portfolio, coordinating efforts across a core team of six staff and a network of fellows and contractors; ensure timely delivery, strategic coherence, and measurable impact.
• Oversee the development and growth of two marquee initiatives central to Data-Smart and the Bloomberg Center’s visibility and impact: The Project on Municipal Innovation (PMI) – a long-running convening and community of practice of chiefs of staff from the largest U.S. cities focused on timely urban governance challenges and leadership development, and a forthcoming awards program designed to recognize and elevate effective city leadership.
• Oversee day-to-day donor engagement and stewardship, ensuring communications, reporting, and deliverables are timely, coordinated, and aligned with shared objectives.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with external partners, funders, university colleagues, and public officials to expand the program’s influence and resources.
• Oversee financial management, including budget development, forecasting, and strategic resource and staffing allocation to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Identify and scope new opportunities for research, practitioner engagement, and cross-sector collaboration; triage and assess incoming partnership requests.
• Represent the program externally, including with government officials, civil society leaders, donors, and academic experts.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive internal culture that supports staff growth and strong team dynamics.
• Ensure effective integration and collaboration with other programs at the Bloomberg Center for Cities to maximize alignment, collective impact, and accelerate innovation in city leadership, management, and problem-solving.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications: Degree in public policy, economics, statistics, or a related field and 10 years of professional experience. Excellent leadership skills, including demonstrated program and people management skills.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: Demonstrated strategic leadership and planning skills, with a record of managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects that deliver measurable impact. Track record of building strong, collaborative, and high-performing teams and developing staff. Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and secure major grants and funding from diverse sources. Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and political skills. Proficiency in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting. Diligence and accuracy. Capacity to lead through change and uncertainty. Deep commitment to public service, data-informed governance, and the mission of improving city leadership and resident outcomes. Familiarity with local government systems, civic innovation, or urban data practices is strongly preferred.