Program Director for the Just City Mayoral Fellowship

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 Graduate School of Design?

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers an unparalleled setting for interaction through the combination of disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design engineering, real estate and housing—with an emerging research program and a robust public program of lectures and exhibition.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

The Just City Mayoral Fellowship is a partnership between the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Just City Lab, US Conference of Mayors (USCM) and Mayors Institute on City Design (MICD), providing an annual 11-week curriculum, convening and public program for mayors. The GSD-developed curriculum focuses on planning and design solutions through lectures and facilitated workshops to equip mayors with the language, expertise, networks, and tools to produce more just people- and place-based policies, projects, and investment strategies.

Reporting to the Director of the Just City Lab, Toni L. Griffin, the Program Director is responsible for executing strategic direction, implementing the annual fellowship program, including overseeing operations, communications, and donor engagement, and coordinating annual reporting.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of continuation.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Management

• Direct the administrative agenda of and perform high-level administrative functions for the Just City Mayoral Fellowship, including digital and in-person public programs and events management, subcontracting and contractor management, program engagement with faculty and students, and social events with other university programs and centers.
• Work closely with the Director and supervise the work of research assistants and technical assistance advisors to support the Fellowship program, including activities of the Fellows, events, travel, and accommodations, day-to-day communications, and event planning.
• Work with the Director to manage the Fellowship recruitment and selection process.

Program Development and Implementation

• Manage all logistics of the fellowship program, including annual fellowship, triannual alumni conference, and post-fellowship implementation support, including graduate student internships, resource experts and Senior Fellow Mayoral Advisors.
• Researches and negotiates with conference venues, hotels, caterers, and other vendors.
• Work with the director to identify and engage with external actors (donors, foundations, research centers, institutions, etc.) and pursue joint collaborations.
• Serve as a key interface across the Fellowship’s various stakeholders - including donors, external institutions/organizations, faculty, alumni, research programs, GSD, and university and partners.
• Work with the Director and Development and Alumni Relations (DevAR) in developing strategies, programs, and initiatives to identify, cultivate, and solicit gift prospects; manage a portfolio of the Fellowship’s prospects and donors; with the director and DevAR, draft briefings, proposals, and gift terms, as well as provide stewardship and reporting to gift donors.

Other

• Work closely with the director and the GSD’s Communications office to provide strategic, integrated communication solutions in support of outreach; develop content strategy and communications materials that support the Fellowship’s mission, recruitment, and content about the Fellowship’s impact.
• Draft annual course final report, documenting the course lectures and final Just City projects presented by each mayor.
• Supports projects related to the Fellowship as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises the Just City Mayoral Fellowship research assistants.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.
• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
• Candidates who do not live within commuting distance of our Cambridge, Massachusetts campus should indicate on their resumes whether they are “willing to relocate,” as this position requires a regular on-campus presence.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of continuation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's and 7 years’ experience or Bachelor’s and 9 years’ experience in higher education program development, fellowship development, or related experience.
• 7+ years of strategy, fundraising, communications, and/or related experience required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Superior organizational skills, excellent writing, editing, oral communications, and interpersonal skills.
• Preference for those with design/art/social science background and/or a graduate degree in a related field.
• Interest in and knowledge of design, social justice, and social impact.
• Demonstrated experience in leading organizational growth and strategy, along with a demonstrated ability to think and execute strategically and critically.
• Must have the ability to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound, and confidential judgment. Must have the ability to innovate, think conceptually, and handle even difficult situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Must be detail and results-focused; ability to work both independently and as a member of a small team, within the context of a larger bureaucracy; proven ability to motivate, engage, and work with prospects, university officials, faculty, and staff, or similar constituencies.
• Experience in developing communications initiatives.
• Ability to travel and work some evenings and weekends for events.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to building a highly productive organization.

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

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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 nondiscrimination 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.

Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application.

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 058. 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.