Program Director, ReBuild Initiative

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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Design?

The Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers an unparalleled setting for interaction through the combination of disciplines—architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design engineering, real estate and housing—with an emerging research program and a robust public program of lectures and exhibition.

Job Summary:

The ReBuild Initiative at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) aims to develop a new model for urban planning and design focused on transforming the built environment with a concentration on design excellence, sustainability, and quality of life for all. ReBuild is an initiative launched by Dean Sarah Whiting and chaired by Maurice Cox, Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design. It will accomplish its goal through multi-disciplinary research, engagement with practice, development of new curricular materials, and executive education training for city leaders in partnership with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

Reporting to the Faculty Chair of the ReBuild Initiative, Maurice Cox, the Program Director is responsible for the overall success of the ReBuild Initiative, including executing strategic direction, overseeing operations, building and managing a high-performing team, partnering to organize executive education courses, and coordinating annual reporting and the submission of all deliverables.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of continuation.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Management 

• Direct the administrative agenda of and perform high-level administrative functions for the ReBuild Initiative, including virtual and in-person programming, subcontracting and contractor management, engagement with faculty, staff, students, and practitioners, and events with other University programs and centers.
• Work closely with the faculty chair and principal investigators and supervise the work of the Initiative’s staff to support the executive education courses and other programming and events.
• Work with the faculty chair and relevant GSD offices to manage the Initiative’s recruitment and selection process.

Program Development and Implementation

• Manage all logistics of the ReBuild Initiative, including executive education programming, pre- and post-executive education program support to participating cities, and programming for city visits.
• Research and negotiate with conference venues, hotels, caterers, and other vendors.
• In partnership with the faculty chair and Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, identify and engage with external actors and pursue collaborations.
• Serve as a key interface across the Initiative’s various stakeholders, including external institutions and organizations, faculty and staff members, research programs, GSD, and other University partners. 
• Work with the faculty chair and GSD’s Development and Alumni Relations department to develop strategies, programs, and initiatives to identify, cultivate, and solicit gift prospects. If relevant, manage a portfolio of the Initiative’s prospects and donors, draft briefings, proposals, and gift terms, and provide stewardship and reporting to donors.

Other

• Work closely with the faculty chair, GSD’s Communications office, and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative to provide strategic, integrated communication solutions in support of outreach; develop content strategy and communications materials that support the Initiative’s goals, recruitment, and content about the Initiative’s impact.
• Support annual reporting and documentation of Initiative activities.
• Support projects related to the Initiative as needed.
• Perform other responsibilities as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:     

Supervise ReBuild Initiative staff members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While the Initiative will be based in Cambridge, MA, and the work is mainly performed in an office setting, flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.  
• Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's and 7 years’ experience or Bachelor’s and 9 years’ experience in higher education program development, executive education development, or related experience.
• 7+ years of strategy, fundraising, communications, and/or related experience required.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Superior organizational skills, excellent writing, editing, oral communications, and interpersonal skills.  
• Preference for those with planning, design, public policy, and/or social science background and/or a graduate degree in a related field. 
• Interest in and knowledge of planning and design and environmental, economic, and social impacts. 
• Demonstrated expertise and experience in the public sector and/or public management. Experience managing transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience in leading organizational growth and strategy, along with a demonstrated ability to think and execute strategically and critically.
• Must have the ability to evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound, and confidential judgment. Must have the ability to innovate, think conceptually, and handle even difficult situations with calmness and professionalism. 
• Must be detailed and results-focused; ability to work both independently and as a member of a small team, within the context of a larger bureaucracy; proven ability to motivate, engage, and work with academic and municipal stakeholders in both the US and internationally. 
• Experience in developing communications initiatives.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends for events.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to building a highly productive organization.

• Appointment End Date: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of continuation.
• 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.
• 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.

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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s nondiscrimination 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.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non-Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. 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.