Director of Research Projects

The Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development is a research initiative dedicated to advancing scholarship and providing practical tools for Indigenous nation rebuilding. The Director of Research Projects provides strategic leadership and management for the Harvard Project’s research agenda, overseeing a portfolio of projects that generate, explore, and disseminate innovative empirical scholarship, theoretical insights, and real-world solutions to strengthen institutions and economic development across a range of Indigenous Peoples’ nations, communities, and homelands. This role ensures research and program impact through the production and dissemination of written publications, multimedia materials, convenings, events, and other outputs. The Director of Research Projects also manages relationships with individual researchers at Harvard or elsewhere, develops and manages project budgets and resource plans, and cultivates relationships with potential collaborating organizations. Candidates must demonstrate organizational management experience, creative problem-solving, research analytical skills, and the ability to approach our shared work in an inclusive and collaborative spirit.

In close collaboration with Professor Randall Akee, the Julie Johnson Kidd Professor of Indigenous Governance and Development and the Faculty Director of the Harvard Project, the Director of Research Projects plays a critical role in ensuring research and program impact. They are responsible for a robust content agenda, network expansion, and student engagement. The Director of Research Projects also leads efforts to secure gifts and grants and represents the Harvard Project in high-level university forums and among key constituencies and external stakeholders. The Ash Center, the Project’s home at HKS, is a global, values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are essential to understanding and addressing real-world problems and seeks candidates who share this commitment. 

Founded in 1987, the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project) is located at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and is associated with the Harvard University Native American Program. Through applied research and service, the Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations. The Harvard Project’s core activities include research, advisory services, executive education, and administration of the Honoring Nations awards program. The Harvard Project also collaborates with the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy at the University of Arizona. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Research and analysis

• Increase and improve policy research through analysis and policy reports, academic events, and other public writing and outputs that inform, educate, and improve conditions for Indigenous Peoples, nations, and communities.
• Lead strategic planning for the Harvard Project’s research portfolio in partnership with the Faculty Director, aligning priorities with Ash Center, HKS, and University goals and resources, and designing and launching new initiatives in response to emerging opportunities.

Visiting scholars and contributors

• Mentor and advise program/research fellows on project scope, design, execution, and work plans.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and assignment of research project team members.
• Supervise and manage multiple research fellows, research assistants, freelancers, and staff.
• Provide feedback, guidance, support, and performance reviews for the research team.

Field building and impact

• Increase the flow of students, faculty, and leaders working on Indigenous Governance and Development in areas including programs for tribal leaders and administrators, curriculum development and teacher training, postdoctoral positions, and other future initiatives.
• Build successful working relationships with subject matter experts.
• Serve as a liaison to thematic experts and capture best practices and lessons learned.
• Represent the Harvard Project in high-level university forums and committees, as well as in meetings with senior leadership, tribal leaders, peer institutions, and external stakeholders at national and international convenings.

Project development and management

• Liaise and consult with faculty principal investigators from across the University on scope, design, and execution.
• Develop and manage the Harvard Project’s research budget, aligning financial resources with strategic priorities and ensuring sound stewardship of gifts, grants, and other revenue.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that advance the Harvard Project’s mission; lead the development of grant proposals and serve as Principal Investigator when appropriate; cultivate philanthropic and institutional partners in close coordination with the Faculty Director and Ash Center development staff.
• Ensure adherence to all quality assurance, regulatory, and compliance requirements applicable to the research program (e.g., IRB approvals, data security, funder requirements, and protocols for research with and in Indigenous communities).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Graduate-level degree in Political Science, Economics, or a closely related Social Science, and eight years of research experience working directly with tribal governments, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous-led research initiatives. Familiarity with Indigenous research methodologies and protocols. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience in research administration and/or project management.
• Demonstrated success in setting strategic direction for a research program or center, including the design and launch of new initiatives.
• Strong track record of grant writing, fundraising, and stewardship of donors and funders.
• Experience managing complex, multi-year budgets and overseeing compliance with university, sponsor, and IRB requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an institution externally with senior leaders, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and tribal and Indigenous community leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate research into accessible products for policy, practitioner, and public audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of researchers, fellows, and staff in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This role is a fully benefits-eligible one year term appointment, with possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and required to work on site at least 3 days/week.

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 059. 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.