Director of Programs & Events

Director Of Programs & Events

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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.

The Director of Programs & Events at the Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is responsible for conceiving and directing the development and implementation of high profile political events and conferences, including : the Seminar on Transition and Leadership for Newly Elected Mayors; Program for Newly Elected Members of Congress; Campaign for President : The Managers Look at the Presidential Election and the National Campaign Conference which convenes over thirty colleges and universities for a three day conference at Harvard University. In addition to overseeing these large-scale conferences, the Director of Programs & Events is responsible for multiple strategic collaborations with public service and political partnerships including the management and curation of John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award and the Profiles in Courage award with the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. The Director is expected to manage existing IOP collaborations with national organizations and to develop new opportunities for the IOP and the wider Harvard community. The Director of Programs & Events represents the IOP and HKS to students, invited speakers, faculty and program participants.

The Director of Programs & Events produces bi-weekly Director's Dinners for the university and greater Boston community. Additionally, the position manages the Harvard Political Union and oversees the pizza and politics program and multiple IOP student leaders and groups. The Director of Programs & Events is a member of the IOP senior staff team and is a thought partner to the IOP Senior Advisory Board, various HKS centers and administrative offices, the IOP Director and Executive Director.

Responsibilities include :

• Responsible for the creation and implementation of all special event operations, including all aspects of logistics, faculty and speaker relationships and curriculum development; takes the lead in anticipating and resolving all issues in collaboration with the IOP Director and Executive Director.
• Develops strong working relationships with participating guests, media, and partner organizations.
• Responsible for program recruitment to achieve maximum participation, particularly from newly elected mayors and members of Congress.
• Develops program budgets and exercises full financial management and oversight of conferences and special events.
• Manages all aspects of recruitment and enrollment process, oversees participant outreach, and establishes admissions criteria. Oversees communication strategy and processes with prospective participants.
• Manages support staff assigned to program, ensuring a high level of professionalism, teamwork and focus on participant experience.
• Develops and maintains strong alumni relations through proactive outreach initiatives, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Cultivate meaningful connections with alumni to support ongoing institutional goals and initiatives.
• Establishes program timelines and coordinates all efforts with participants, speakers and staff.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and focus on program participant experience. Seeks to exceed participant expectations whenever possible.
• Responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with elected officials, senior staff and press.
• Oversees outreach strategy and strategic partnerships for all major IOP conferences and special events. Strategy may include outreach before and after elections, conference participation, third party relationships, recruiting meetings, and / or visits to target groups like US Conference of Mayors and Congressional leadership.
• Contributes to the improvement of programs and department processes and procedures.
• Mentors and supervises Harvard undergraduates and Harvard Kennedy School students in the development and involvement in all student programming aligned with major conferences and events.
• Works as a senior member of the Institute of Politics staff and participates in discussions around management and future initiatives.

Qualifications :

Basic Qualifications :

Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 7 years related experience in program or project management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills :

Standard Hours / Schedule : 35 hours per week

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening : Education, Identity

Important Application Instructions : Lindauer, a global search and talent firm, has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Applications, communications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the Lindauer website.

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.

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

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.