CAMBRIDGE, MAPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Harvard Kennedy School

• Job overview

  The Research Associate at Harvard Kennedy School supports Professor Samantha Power by conducting in-depth research on global democracy, development, and governance, contributing to policy and academic projects, and supervising a small research team.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The role involves researching and writing policy memos, articles, and book projects, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, supporting outreach through speech writing and social media, organizing courses and events, and managing project timelines and team coordination.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position offers a salary at Harvard's grade level 057 with comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical, dental, vision insurance from day one, retirement plans, mental health resources, family support, professional development, and commuter perks.

• Experience and skills

  Candidates need a graduate degree in public administration, policy, or related fields with two years of research experience; knowledge of global democracy and governance; strong research, writing, and communication skills; proficiency in statistical methods and prior experience in academic or policy settings are preferred.

• Career development

  The job offers professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement, supporting career growth within Harvard's academic and policy environment.

• Work environment and culture

  Harvard Kennedy School fosters a diverse, inclusive, and values-driven culture emphasizing rigor, curiosity, integrity, and respect for diverse perspectives and approaches.

• Company information

  Harvard Kennedy School is a prestigious graduate school at Harvard University focused on improving public policy and leadership through research, teaching, and practitioner engagement.

• Team overview

  The Research Associate works closely with Professor Samantha Power and supervises a small research team including Harvard students, collaborating with colleagues across Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Law School.

• Job location and travel

  The position is based at a Harvard campus with some remote work options within specified states, requiring compliance with visa and work location policies.

• Unique job features

  The role uniquely combines academic research with public policy impact, offering opportunities to influence global governance issues and engage in diverse dissemination methods including speeches, op-eds, and social media.

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

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your graduate degree in public administration, public policy, political science, or related fields, highlighting your research experience and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Focus on showcasing your knowledge of global democracy, development, and governance issues, along with strong research, writing, editing, and communication skills, as these are central to the role.

• Apply through multiple platforms including the Harvard Kennedy School’s official career page and LinkedIn to ensure your application gains maximum visibility.

• Connect with current Harvard Kennedy School researchers or faculty on LinkedIn, using ice breakers such as mentioning recent publications by Professor Samantha Power or expressing your enthusiasm for the school’s mission to improve public policy and leadership.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'policy memos,' 'quantitative and qualitative research,' 'project management,' and 'public policy solutions' to pass automated screenings.

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