Program Manager, American Service Fellowship

Job Details

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

At the heart of CPL’s mission are our graduate student fellowships, which provide robust leadership development and training to rising public leaders each year. The fellowships offer students an intensive, cohort-based co-curricular program grounded in servant leadership and experiential learning that supplements students’ time in the classroom. The programming speaks to the core of CPL’s and HKS’ commitments to improving public leadership across the globe.

The American Service Fellowship (ASF) is a cohort-based mid-career fellowship within the Center for Public Leadership (CPL). The program is designed to support experienced public leaders through a structured year of leadership reflection, practitioner engagement, and community building. ASF fellows join the broader CPL fellowship ecosystem while participating in a distinct, intentionally designed mid-career journey.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Co-curricular Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation: Oversee the fellowship portfolio, which includes

• Support, implement, and deliver co-curricular programs focused on the unique context of the fellowship and track student progress
• Co-facilitate cohort sessions during the academic year with faculty and practitioners
• Propose innovative cohort session topics and speakers in response to fellows’ feedback
• Coordinate HKS leadership engagement and CPL touchpoints
• Collaborate with the CPL External Engagement team and ARRD to support donor engagement, including providing information for reporting.
• Manage operational tasks and budgets responsibly to ensure compliance

2. Community and Alumni:

• Facilitate fellows’ integration into the broader CPL fellowship ecosystem
• Coordinate participation in key community convenings and events
• Foster long-term engagement with the CPL alumni network

3. Recruitment:

• Support HKS admissions to identify and target outreach to recruit promising students at Harvard Kennedy School
• Serve as an internal point of contact for prospective Harvard students interested in the fellowships

4. Professional Culture: Promote the learning and growth of staff and students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice:

• Demonstrate capacity to reflect and improve one’s own practice, analyze data, examine issues, set relevant goals, and develop approaches to improve teaching and learning
• Communicate professionally and work collaboratively with all stakeholders and colleagues
• Give and receive actionable feedback to inform program growth and development
• Actively pursue professional development to improve the quality of practice or build the expertise and experience to assume different instructional and leadership roles
• Adhere to all Harvard and CPL administrative policies, procedures, and protocols

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years’ related experience in program or project management

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in coaching or mentoring students
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Proven ability to work with diverse international communities
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Proven ability to manage a budget

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through 7/31/27, with possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: Requires the ability to work a flexible schedule with regular evening hours, occasional weekends, and some travel.

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 056. 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.