Program Manager, Wolk Israel Graduate 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 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 Center for Public Leadership (CPL) seeks a part-time Program Manager to support the Wolk Israel Graduate Fellowship, a highly selective leadership development program for emerging Israeli leaders pursuing graduate study at Harvard Kennedy School.

The Wolk Fellowship provides students with a cohort-based leadership curriculum grounded in servant leadership, values exploration, and experiential learning. The Program Manager will serve as the primary operational and programmatic point of contact for the fellowship, ensuring a high-quality experience aligned with CPL’s mission.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Co-Curricular Planning, Implementation & Support

• Manage all programmatic components of the Wolk Fellowship
• Implement and coordinate co-curricular sessions tailored to the fellowship’s aims and context.
• Support students in developing individualized learning plans and leadership development goals.
• Facilitate cohort sessions and reflective discussions during the academic year.
• Support fellows in planning and leading an annual field experience to a U.S. city focused on a policy issue of interest within the context of their cohort.
• Collect feedback, track progress, and propose program improvements.
• Foster community-building among fellows and identify opportunities for connection with the broader CPL community.
• Manage operational tasks and fellowship-specific budget lines in alignment with CPL and Harvard policies.

Recruitment & Selection

• Manage interview logistics and applicant communication.
• Serve as the internal point of contact for prospective HKS students interested in the Wolk Fellowship.
• Collaborate with HKS Admissions to support targeted outreach efforts.

Alumni & Donor Engagement

• Support preparation of donor stewardship materials and briefing documents.
• Partner with CPL’s Engagement team to maintain relationships with Wolk alumni.
• Facilitate opportunities for alumni to serve as mentors, guest speakers, or informal support to current fellows.

Professional Culture

• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture within CPL.
• Engage in reflective practice, participate in professional development, and seek feedback to strengthen program delivery.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with staff, faculty, students, and partners.
• Uphold all Harvard and CPL administrative policies and standards.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in program or project management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Hebrew proficiency preferred.
• Experience coaching or mentoring students or early-career professionals.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational abilities and capacity to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.
• Commitment to working with international and culturally diverse communities.
• Experience managing budgets and working within institutional or nonprofit environments.

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: 17.5 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.
  • The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

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.