Project Manager, Reimagining Democracy

Posting date: December 23, 2025

External Reference: 001933SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Kennedy School
• Department: Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation
• Salary Grade: 056
• Job Function: General Administration
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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 Project Manager is a key member of the Ash Center’s Reimagining Democracy Program, which brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to develop bold, actionable ideas that will help reconstruct and revitalize democratic institutions and practices in the United States. Working closely with the Ash Center Director and senior staff, the Project Manager is responsible for advancing the design, development, execution, and impact of a dynamic portfolio of convenings, symposia, and other programming. The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring all program deliverables are executed start-to-finish and of highest quality, whether launching a series of cross-sector convenings of environment and climate leaders or managing the production and dissemination of a series of written work on rebuilding trust in our election systems.

Candidates must demonstrate experience managing projects involving multiple principals, meticulous attention to detail and follow-up, and a willingness to approach problems with creativity and collegiality. The Ash Center is a global and values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are paramount to better understanding and addressing real-world problems. In fostering an environment of rigor, curiosity, and integrity, we value and respect different opinions, lived experiences, and diverse research and policy areas and approaches. We actively seek candidates who share our commitment and values.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Foster alignment and reliable communication among program leadership, collaborators, and other contributors.
• Independently coordinate and schedule meetings; prepare and distribute agendas and other meeting materials; facilitate and document meeting minutes for follow-up.
• Monitor and advance project and event milestones, proactively tracking deliverables and ensuring accountability for assigned tasks.
• Serve as a resourceful problem-solver, using initiative and creativity to keep projects on track with limited guidance.
• Participate in strategic planning and provide input on the development and refinement of ongoing and future projects.

Event Planning and Implementation

• Manage agenda and format design, implementation, and evaluation to ensure seamless execution and to sustain momentum across events when part of a series.
• Manage planning timelines, schedule convenings, and ensure timely completion of key project deadlines.
• Coordinate with various authors and contributors to produce event summaries, working papers, and multimedia deliverables.
• Curate and report event and program data including rosters, participation, deliverables, feedback, and impact.
• Oversee and occasionally take direct responsibility for logistics such as booking travel and accommodation, paying invoices and other financial processing, and other administrative duties as needed.

Communications and Outreach

• Administer communications with participants, guests, collaborators, and other stakeholders, ensure timely information sharing and follow-up on all action items.
• Conduct background research on prospective participants and discussion topics to ensure a diversity of perspectives.
• Draft correspondence, event briefings, informational materials, grant reports, and responses to inquiries, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
• Implement outreach plans using digital platforms, other channels to engage target audiences and amplify program visibility and impact.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Facilitate interdisciplinary and productive collaborations with scholars, senior practitioners, funders, and other programs and institutions within Harvard and beyond.
• Collaborate with Ash Center staff on events, communications, and finance, as well as other colleagues across Harvard/HKS.
• Navigate a complex web of university and external (e.g., sponsors’) policies, protocols, and guidelines to ensure compliance in a high-stake, high-profile environment.
• Take on other duties as needed and remain flexible in tasks required by the Center Director.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant professional experience.

Note: Please include a cover letter with your application.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

We value candidates with an array of backgrounds and life experiences. If you meet some—but not all—of the following, we still encourage you to apply.

• Demonstrated commitment to making democracy deeper and more robust in the United States and around the world.
• Experience in bringing scholars and practitioners together in an environment of shared learning and ideation.
• Advanced project management skills, including managing multiple projects on different timelines and engaging senior stakeholders.
• Experience applying an equity lens into one’s work and fostering inclusive environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational, problem-solving analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate persuasively, concisely, and clearly in writing.
• Proven ability to get things done in an ambiguous and collaborative environment, often with limited guidance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with tools such as Qualtrics, Canva, Photoshop, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with the 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: Please include a cover letter with your application.

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.