Faculty Assistant
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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
Professor Marshall Ganz is a Senior Lecturer in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Director of the Practicing Democracy Project (PDP) at the Center for Public Leadership. His teaching and research focus on leadership, narrative, organizing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on how people build collective power to create change.
The Practicing Democracy Project supports practitioners and students to develop the skills, relationships, and capacities needed for democratic renewal. It focuses on equipping individuals and organizations to engage in the work of organizing, building power, and fostering democratic practices. Through teaching, research, and practitioner partnerships, PDP explores how democracy is not only a system of governance, but a daily practice.
Professor Ganz teaches two courses including Organizing: People, Power, Change and Public Narrative, both online and offline, which draw hundreds of students and participants from around the world. His work frequently involves collaboration with organizers, students, academics, and institutions globally.
In addition to his role at HKS, Professor Ganz is the founder and senior advisor of the Leading Change Network (LCN)—a global community of organizers, educators, and change-makers who use the organizing frameworks and leadership practices developed through his work.
Position Summary
The Faculty Assistant will play a critical role in supporting Professor Ganz and the Practicing Democracy Project by managing key administrative, logistical, and relational responsibilities. This is a dynamic, people-centered role that supports the fast-paced, relational, and impactful work of Professor Ganz and PDP.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, personable, and able to coordinate complex scheduling, follow through on collaborative work, and steward relationships with care and joy.
Key Responsibilities:
Course Support
Provide support for Professor Ganz’s HKS courses in leadership, organizing, and civil society. This includes managing course websites, editing cases and course materials, obtaining copyright permissions, and supporting the logistical needs of the teaching team. The FA also arranges all ITS (Information Technology Services) needs for the courses, organizes office hours, and enters grades.
Calendar & Schedule Management
- Manage Professor Ganz’s schedule, including meetings related to PDP, teaching, and coaching.
- Coordinate with students, colleagues, team members, and external partners to set up meetings and ensure all necessary materials are provided in advance.
- Keep the PDP team updated on Professor Ganz’s availability and key commitments.
Communication & Correspondence
- Manage incoming emails and phone communications with thoughtfulness and efficiency.
- Draft, respond to, and organize correspondence with students, faculty, organizers, and public leaders.
- Maintain clear communication channels between Professor Ganz, the PDP team, and collaborators, including LCN staff and network members.
Task Tracking
- Collaborate with Professor Ganz and the PDP team to track ongoing tasks, project deadlines, and priorities.
- Support Professor Ganz in organizing his to-do lists and identifying action items from meetings or communications.
Relational Stewardship
- Maintain contact with a wide network of students, colleagues, and organizing partners with care and consistency.
- Help track key relational connections and follow up on conversations, meetings, and requests.
Meeting Support & Follow-Up
- Debrief with Professor Ganz after meetings to clarify next steps and execute timely follow-up actions.
- Share relevant materials, schedule follow-ups, or make introductions as needed based on meeting outcomes.
Travel Coordination
- Arrange travel logistics, including transportation, lodging, and itineraries.
- Coordinate with partner organizations or host institutions when travel is sponsored or externally arranged.
Database & Website Management
- Maintain PDP’s contact database, including collecting and entering attendee lists from events, trainings, and Professor Ganz’s calendar.
- Collaborate with the PDP team and HKS Salesforce team to regularly update the database and review new contacts during team meetings.
- Continually update Professor Ganz’s and the PDP’s website with recent news, articles, interviews, and announcements
Contribute to unit effort by accomplishing related duties as required.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: 2 years’ experience in an office environment, including demonstrated office administration and customer service skills. Relevant internships will count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proficiency in email/calendar management tools (Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Outlook), and willingness to learn database systems like Salesforce.
- High level of discretion and professionalism in managing sensitive communications and relationships.
- Familiarity or interest in civic engagement, public leadership, or social movements is a plus.
- Comfort working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.
Additional Information
- 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
- Other Information: This position is a fully benefits-eligible one year term appointment, with the strong possibility of renewal.
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 054. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.