OpenDP Director of Operations and Community Engagement

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Job Summary:

Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) seek a Director of Operations and Engagement to join the Faculty Directors Gary King and Salil Vadhan in leading the OpenDP Project (https://opendp.org/). OpenDP is an international community effort to build trustworthy, open-source software tools for performing statistical analysis and training AI models on sensitive private data. These tools offer the rigorous protections of “differential privacy” for the individuals who may be represented in confidential data. Founded in 2019 by Professors Gary King and Salil Vadhan, OpenDP has a highly respected suite of software that is used by industry, government, and academia, and has a large and thriving community of practitioners and scholars who volunteer time to OpenDP’s efforts. A major goal for the coming years is to expand OpenDP’s connections to industry, leading to a long-term sustainability model for the project. 

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Working with the Faculty Directors and across partners, the OpenDP Director will have both internal and external-facing responsibilities.

Internally, they will:

• Effectively manage the OpenDP Core Team of developers, researchers, and administrative staff to bring out its best work.  This includes hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Assign individual responsibilities, identify resources needed, and develop schedules to ensure successful completion of project milestones within schedule, budget, and design constraints.
• Manage the current and future financial resources of the project, including grant reporting and proactive fundraising.  
• Work collaboratively with administrative offices and projects across Harvard to leverage resources for successful project completion.

Externally, they will:

• Design and execute an outreach strategy for OpenDP, engaging and incentivizing stakeholders, including users, contributors, and funders from industry, government, and academia; and serve as the business point of contact with use case partners and collaborators.
• Develop a long-term sustainability and governance model for OpenDP, with robust industry support. 
• Create the programming and oversee the organization of in-person and in-person events for the OpenDP community, including community meetings, workshops, hackathons, and webinars.  Identify, assign, and support leaders of community working groups.  
• Develop a matrix communication plan based on content, audience, and channels.   Sustain an effective online presence, including websites, social media, public calendars, mailing lists, Slack, and other channels.  Maintain a repository of key project activities and accomplishments for communications and mandatory reporting.  Partner with collaborating organizations in message amplification. 

Working Conditions:

The work is performed in an office environment. This position requires working on campus at least 3 days a week.

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience, with at least 3 years leading complex technical or research programs, including experience in business development, external partnerships, research administration, open-source community leadership, or related areas.
• Two years of supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and empathy, fostering diversity and inclusiveness.
• Experience and interest in advancing open-source projects and communities.
• Exposure to and interest in learning more about differential privacy.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. This position requires working on campus at least 3 days a week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of extension.
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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.