JUNE 30, 2025

67970BR

• Full-time
• Cambridge
• Hybrid
• Harvard Kennedy School

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 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 Director of Programs & Events at the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is responsible for conceiving and directing the development and implementation of high profile political events and conferences, including: the Seminar on Transition and Leadership for Newly Elected Mayors; Program for Newly Elected Members of Congress; Campaign for President: The Managers Look at the Presidential Election and the National Campaign Conference which convenes over thirty colleges and universities for a three day conference at Harvard University.
In addition to overseeing these large-scale conferences, the Director of Programs & Events is responsible for multiple strategic collaborations with public service and political partnerships including the management and curation of John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the Profiles in Courage award with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The Director is expected to manage existing IOP collaborations with national organizations and to develop new opportunities for the IOP and the wider Harvard community.
The Director of Programs & Events represents the IOP and HKS to students, invited speakers, faculty and program participants. Working directly with the Director of the IOP, the Director of Programs & Events produces bi-weekly Director’s Dinners for the university and greater Boston community. Additionally, the position manages the Harvard Political Union and oversees the pizza and politics program and multiple IOP student leaders and groups.
The Director of Programs & Events is a member of the IOP senior staff team and is a thought partner to the IOP Senior Advisory Board, various HKS centers and administrative offices, the IOP Director and Executive Director.
Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.

Position Description:

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of all special event operations, including all aspects of logistics, faculty and speaker relationships and curriculum development; takes the lead in anticipating and resolving all issues in collaboration with the IOP Director and Executive Director for the IOP’s signature conferences.
• Develops strong working relationships with participating guests, media, and partner organizations.
• Responsible for program recruitment to achieve maximum participation, particularly from newly elected mayors and members of Congress.
• Develops program budgets and exercises full financial management and oversight of conferences and special events.
• Manages all aspects of recruitment and enrollment process, oversees participant outreach, and establishes admissions criteria. Oversees communication strategy and processes with prospective participants.
• Manages support staff assigned to program, ensuring a high level of professionalism, teamwork and focus on participant experience.
• Develops and maintains strong alumni relations through proactive outreach initiatives, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Cultivate meaningful connections with alumni to support ongoing institutional goals and initiatives.
• Establishes program timelines and coordinates all efforts with participants, speakers and staff.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and focus on program participant experience. Seeks to exceed participant expectations whenever possible.
• Responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with elected officials, senior staff and press.
• Oversees outreach strategy and strategic partnerships for all major IOP conferences and special events. Strategy may include outreach before and after elections, conference participation, third party relationships, recruiting meetings, and/or visits to target groups like US Conference of Mayors and Congressional leadership.
• Contributes to the improvement of programs and department processes and procedures.
• Mentors and supervises Harvard undergraduates and Harvard Kennedy School students in the development and involvement in all student programming aligned with major conferences and events.
• Works as a senior member of the Institute of Politics staff and participates in discussions around management and future initiatives.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 7 years related experience in program or project management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Graduate or undergraduate degree with interdisciplinary focus strongly preferred (such as public administration, public policy, government, etc.).
• State and local government, higher education or political experience strongly preferred.
• The Director is a professional with good supervisory, organizational, and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Must be comfortable speaking before a group and willing to work nights, weekends and travel.

Additional Information
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Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education,Identity
• Other Information: Important Application Instructions:Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website .Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.#LI-SC1

Please refer the Job description for details