Associate Director, IT Operations and Information Security

CAMBRIDGE, MAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Harvard Kennedy School

• Job overview

  The Associate Director, IT Operations and Information Security at Harvard Kennedy School leads the design, implementation, and management of IT infrastructure and security, ensuring the stability and protection of the school's technology environment.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The role involves managing IT operations and security teams, developing and enforcing security policies, overseeing infrastructure design and maintenance, incident response, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and aligning IT strategy with institutional goals.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers a salary grade level 059 with comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision insurance starting day one, retirement plans, mental health resources, family support, professional development, and commuter perks.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates need 7+ years of IT experience with leadership in infrastructure and security, 2+ years managing technical teams, expertise in Windows Server, Active Directory, cloud platforms, cybersecurity frameworks, risk assessment, and excellent communication skills; preferred qualifications include relevant degrees, certifications like CISSP, and cloud and scripting experience.

• Career development

  The role offers professional growth through leadership responsibilities, collaboration with academic and technical teams, and access to Harvard's IT Academy and tuition assistance for continued learning.

• Work environment and culture

  Harvard Kennedy School fosters a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment focused on innovation, public service, and academic excellence, with a hybrid work model allowing some remote work within specified states.

• Company information

  Harvard Kennedy School is a graduate school at Harvard University dedicated to improving public policy and leadership through research, teaching, and practical engagement with societal challenges.

• Team overview

  The Associate Director leads the IT operations and information security team, managing staff and collaborating with academic leadership, faculty, and researchers to support secure and scalable technology solutions.

• Job location and travel

  The position is based at a Harvard campus with some remote work options available within certain registered payroll states, requiring occasional off-hours work for urgent issues.

• Unique job features

  This role uniquely combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical involvement in a prestigious academic environment, emphasizing security, innovation, and collaboration across Harvard and the higher education sector.

Company overview

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a prestigious graduate school of public policy and government at Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers master's and doctoral programs designed to train leaders in public service, including public administration, public policy, and international development. HKS generates revenue through tuition fees, executive education programs, and research grants. Established in 1936, it has a rich history of influencing public policy and administration globally, with notable alumni including heads of state, government officials, and leaders in non-profit organizations.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight leadership in IT operations and information security, emphasizing your experience managing infrastructure, security programs, and technical teams in complex environments.

• Focus on showcasing your skills in strategic oversight of security operations, incident response, risk assessments, compliance audits, and stakeholder engagement, aligning your expertise with Harvard Kennedy School’s mission and values.

• Apply through multiple channels including the Harvard Kennedy School’s official careers page, Harvard University’s job portal, and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility and application reach.

• Connect with current IT and security staff at Harvard Kennedy School on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as referencing recent cybersecurity initiatives at Harvard, expressing admiration for their commitment to public service through technology, or asking about the challenges and innovations in their IT operations.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords directly from the job description like 'information security architecture,' 'incident response,' 'risk assessment,' 'IT infrastructure,' 'compliance audits,' and specific technologies such as 'Windows Server,' 'Active Directory,' and 'cloud platforms.'

• Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and discover LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and skill development.