Project Manager, Research Initiatives for College and Career Success
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Job Description
Organization Overview
HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education. The Project Manager will be part of the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University. CEPR seeks to transform education through quality research and evidence. CEPR and its partners believe all students will learn and thrive when education leaders make decisions using evidence, rather than hunches and untested assumptions.
In pursuit of this end, CEPR both conducts cutting-edge quantitative research on critical topics for the field and develops new and faster models of education research that can better support education leaders. Project Managers are a critical part of the CEPR team, helping education leaders around the country to learn what's working and what's not in education.
We are seeking an adaptable, detail-oriented, and organized Project Manager to support the research work of the Center who is motivated by CEPR’s mission of improving education outcomes with evidence.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly organized and analytical Project Manager who will be responsible for project logistics, systematic literature reviews, translation of research evidence into practitioner-friendly communications, coordinating school district-facing technical assistance, partner recruitment, and landscape reviews related to college and career readiness policies.
This is a hands-on role that requires analytic thinking, data and document collection, and analysis. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, flexible, and capable of synthesizing complex information into clear, actionable frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Logistics Support (30%)
- Plan and coordinate logistics for all meetings related to project work, including: internal meetings, stakeholder interviews, state site visits, stakeholder convenings, and other meetings as required.
- Maintain project workplans, ensuring tasks are up to date in Asana, goals and deliverables are clear, deadlines are met, and there is consistent communication across team members
- Organize and support travel and reimbursements, including understanding and consistently implementing Harvard’s finance and travel policy
- Assist in preparation of grant proposals and reporting
Partner Recruitment and Relationship Management (20%)
- Identify, recruit, and onboard school districts and education agencies to participate in the project, including developing recruitment materials, conducting outreach, and managing partnership agreements
- Serve as primary contact and relationship manager for district partners, ensuring ongoing communication, addressing needs, and supporting successful engagement throughout the project lifecycle
- Maintain partner engagement and progress tracking systems, documenting implementation outcomes and district-level data
Technical Assistance and Program Management (45%)
- Provide targeted technical assistance to address district-specific barriers and support fidelity of implementation
- Serve as liaison between research team and practitioners, translating research evidence and providing feedback from the field to inform project refinement
- Provide ongoing support to district data coaches who serve as the primary implementation leads within partner schools and districts
- Develop coaching frameworks, resources, and performance monitoring systems to ensure data coaches are equipped to support district implementation effectively
- Coordinate and facilitate professional development trainings for district staff and data coaches, including curriculum development, logistics, and follow-up support
- Establish and facilitate communities of practice for district partners and data coaches, creating spaces for peer learning, problem-solving, and knowledge exchange across sites
- Conduct needs assessments with district partners to identify implementation challenges and customize technical assistance accordingly
- Conduct systematic literature reviews, policy landscape analyses, and other background research as needed to inform partner assistance and programming
Additional Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Work with the project team as needed to meet project milestones and grant requirements
This is a one year term position with possibility of renewal based on need and funding.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Policy, Sociology, Political Science, or a related field
- 2+ years of related professional experience
- Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex information clearly and concisely
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- Experience analyzing policy documents or conducting qualitative research.
- Experience working with education agencies, particularly direct content knowledge or experience related to P-16 education data systems, data governance, and/or college and career readiness policies.
- Experience working on short-term, deliverable-focused research or consulting projects.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Asana, Elicit, and other similar software for collaboration
- Familiarity with Harvard internal reporting requirements and systems
- Experience organizing events, developing agendas, and facilitation
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: 1 year from date of hire
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90,000
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
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 057. 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.