Director, Engagement and Stewardship

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

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 Center for Public Leadership (CPL) brings together esteemed faculty, distinguished leaders in practice, inspiring students, and skilled staff to advance principled and effective public leadership. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director, Engagement and Stewardship will contribute to the overall leadership of the Center. They will play a key role on the Center’s senior leadership team in setting CPL’s institutional priorities and overseeing their implementation, fostering a culture, structure, and resourcing to advance the success of the Center, and advancing operational excellence across the organization.

The Director is CPL’s lead partner with the Office of Alumni Relations and Resource Development (ARRD), crafting and implementing plans to deepen alumni engagement, supporting the Center’s top programmatic and organizational priorities, and helping to achieve fundraising targets. Externally, the Director represents CPL at events and meetings, travels to meet with prospects and donors, and helps to manage key collaborative relationships that advance CPL's mission.  

The successful candidate will bring a proactive and strategic mind, along with a commitment to our mission and strong team culture. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Design and support an engagement, development, and stewardship strategy to support priorities of the Center for Public Leadership, in close coordination with ARRD.  
• Direct CPL’s alumni engagement and relationship building, including designing engagement approaches and launching new programs.
• Plan development and alumni engagement trips, working with ARRD and CPL leadership on goals and metrics.  
• Oversee stewardship of CPL councils, which currently include the Leadership Council and Alumni Council. Recommend adjustments and refine council strategy as needed.  
• In coordination with ARRD, support Faculty Director and Executive Director with development and engagement responsibilities, including joining meetings and events, preparing briefings (in conjunction with ARRD), follow-up correspondence, and reports.  
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of donor and alumni events and activities, using data to recommend and implement improvements. Create processes to track and share data with internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CPL, HKS’, and ARRD’s communications teams to prioritize and create marketing and storytelling resources.
• Provide strategic direction for flagship CPL programs including Hauser Leaders, the Gleitsman Award, the Gergen Summer Fellows Program, and related practitioner engagement activities.
• Oversee CPL events, including panels, guest speakers, and conferences.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders including ARRD, University development teams, and OCPA. Communicate CPL’s goals and priorities and collaborate on projects and shared priorities.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and internal stakeholders, including managing to budget.
• Operate the Center’s engagement and stewardship work within approved budgets.  
• Directly manage a team, providing leadership, support, and guidance.
• Perform other responsibilities and serve in additional capacities as needed.
• Some work on nights, weekends, and travel required. 

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Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years’ relevant professional experience in development and alumni relations.
• Supervisory or team lead experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a matrixed organization.
• Demonstrated experience with decision making based on sound judgment.
• Proven track record with building and leading teams.
• Experience building strong operations and systems.
• Entrepreneurial and creative, with a track record of piloting and testing new initiatives quickly.
• Experience developing, deepening, and stewarding relationships with donors and external stakeholders.
• Experience with proposal writing, including grants.
• Experience engaging with senior government officials, diplomats, and major donors.
• Demonstrated skill in strategic planning, agenda setting, and aligning resources with priorities.
• Compelling writing skills with the ability to identify target audiences and tailor messages to be effective.

• Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits eligible term appointment, ending one year from date of hire, with the strong possibility of renewal.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of some flexible work arrangements.

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 058. 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.