Associate Director, Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy

11-Dec-2024

Associate Director, Program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy

Harvard Kennedy School

67587BR

Job Summary

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs has an immediate opening for an Associate Director for the new Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy Program.  Reporting to the Director of the Program, the Associate Director will be responsible for overall programmatic and financial management of this new program.  The Associate Director will work with the Program Director to develop, plan, and execute initiatives designed to explore the role of innovation and technology in addressing challenges in the U.S. and across the globe, as well as the impact of policy on the environment in which technology is developed and deployed.  Internally, the Associate Director will work closely with Harvard faculty, fellows and staff; externally, the Associate Director will collaborate with private sector leaders, former government officials, and senior technologists and entrepreneurs.

The successful candidate should be a self-starter who is passionate about the mission with a proven track-record of taking ideas into actionable programs. This individual needs to be a great communicator, with a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in the tech sector or policy roles related to technology in the United States or internationally.

Position Description

Duties & Responsibilities will include:

Operations and Strategy

• Partner with the Program Director to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the program’s research, convening, and training agenda; to include but not limited to:
  • A Tech Policy Exchange to address the need for leaders conversant in both technology and public policy.  
  • Regular convenings to gain insights on current developments, challenges, and opportunities in technological fields with clear geopolitical implications, and to discuss or present reports and other program outputs.
  • Student engagement, including supporting student interest groups or programming ideas consistent with the Program’s substantive priorities.
• Manage day-to-day operationsof the program, including the work of one staff member and graduate student research assistants and overseeing special activities.
• Manage engagement with external collaborators and expert advisors to the program. 

Research and Fellows

• Oversee and implement grant program intended to fuel innovative and interdisciplinary faculty-led research across Harvard on issues at the intersection of technological advances and international affairs. This includes collaborating with colleagues at the Harvard School for Engineering and Applied Sciences, managing marketing and awareness campaigns, and reviewing applications.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and support cycle for the Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship program.  This includes reviewing applications and participating in the selection process; and partnering with the Program Director to develop biweekly internal research seminars and other activities for program fellows.
• Working with the Program Director to conceive and direct high-impact research and policy outreach efforts, which can include conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Under the guidance of the Program Director, oversee organization of research streams, including materials for presentation and publication. This entails ensuring that research is delivered against deadlines and in line with program goals.
• Direct program outreach and communications—including setting strategy for publicizing project outputs, such as events, convenings, and publications. 

Financial Management

• Oversee budget and financial matters for the program, ensuring responsible allocation of expenses.
• Partner with the Program Director on fundraising and donor relations; this includes preparing funding/grant proposals, ensuring that all sponsor guidelines are met and Harvard compliance requirements are followed; monitor grants and draft reports to comply with reporting requirements for sponsored research grants and awards. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience OR Master’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with/knowledge of technology issues, public policy, international affairs gained through education or work experience.
• Previous experience managing or supervising staff, student workers, or interns.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• A PhD in relevant field or professional masters in policy, management, and/or tech is preferred but not required if individual has relevant experience.
• Experience working in the tech sector or policy roles related to technology in the United States or internationally. 
• Ability to prioritize to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-energy, and constantly changing environment. 
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communications skills. 
• Highly adaptable with proven track record of successfully functioning in a complex work environment. 
• Exceptional writing skills; basic quantitative proficiency; and a demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to multitask while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
• A team leader and player who is highly motivated, proactive, and possesses strong organization skills.
• Prior experience working with high-profile individuals and organizations is a plus. 
   

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending 2 years from date of hire, with possibility of renewal/extension.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
 
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. 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.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
 
Salary Range: $87,700 - $150,900
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program in 2021 – the last year of its ranking program – in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university-affiliated think tank. 
 
The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas. 

As the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs celebrates 50 years of impactful research and policy analysis at the nexus of science and international affairs, we are launching a major program on Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy. Artificial intelligence, microchips and supply chains, cybersecurity, online privacy, synthetic biology, energy technologies—the list of technological issues with clear geopolitical implications is vast. Indeed, technologies with new characteristics are emerging in many fields and quickly becoming tools of national security and domains of both cooperation and competition in foreign policy. The program will aim to offer critical contributions to policy debates that seek to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of technological change; it will also devote time and resources to training young leaders who will need to grapple with these issues in their careers. It will assemble experts from diverse backgrounds – academic, practitioner, public sector, and private sector – to consider a full range of questions related to technological advances and national security.  

A core objective of this program will be to address the strategically consequential talent gap of those who are “bilingual” in the worlds of both policy and tech. It will explore what capabilities are necessary in government, academia, and the private sector to best grapple with questions at the intersection of technology and national security in the decades to come. 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

360058 Admin Offcr/SrIndiv Contrib

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

058

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Annual Salary Range

$87,700-$150,900

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

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Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
 
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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