Harvard Kennedy School Is Hiring A Program Manager, Fellowships

Join Harvard University’s Harvard Kennedy School - A Community Committed to Impact, Diversity, and Leadership 🌍

Discover a vibrant academic environment where you can make a meaningful difference in public leadership, foster innovation, and grow personally and professionally.

About Harvard Kennedy School 🏛️

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools committed to shaping public policy and leadership. Our mission is to create societies that are safer, freer, more just, and sustainably prosperous. Through cutting-edge research, engaging teaching, and direct practitioner interaction, we tackle public issues uniquely well—when you work here, you make a difference.

Position Overview: Program Manager for Fellowships 🎯

The Program Manager will oversee programming and engagement for two esteemed fellowships:

• Wolk Israeli Graduate Fellowship: Supporting emerging Israeli leaders
• Gleitsman Fellowship in Social Activism: Developing students dedicated to social change

Ideal candidates will have familiarity with the Jewish community and Hebrew language skills—beneficial for engaging deeply with Jewish leadership and culture. Both fellowships emphasize community-centered leadership development.

Core Responsibilities

Co-curricular Planning, Implementation, & Evaluation 📋

• Support, implement, and deliver tailored co-curricular programs for each fellowship
• Coach students individually each semester to develop leadership skills
• Facilitate cohort sessions throughout the academic year
• Assist fellows in planning an annual policy-focused field experience in the U.S.
• Design and assess program outcomes, proposing innovations based on feedback
• Foster community-building within and across fellowship cohorts
• Manage operational tasks and budgets, ensuring compliance

Recruitment & Selection 🔍

• Lead the applicant review, interviewing, and selection processes
• Partner with admissions to identify and attract promising candidates
• Serve as a primary contact for prospective fellowship applicants

Alumni Engagement & Relations 🤝

• Support alumni relations and donor engagement with the Engagement team
• Coordinate stewardship reports and organize donor meetings
• Participate in alumni activities and connect alumni as mentors to current fellows

Fostering a Professional Culture 🌟

• Promote ethical, culturally proficient, and collaborative practices among staff and students
• Reflect, analyze, and improve personal and team practices continuously
• Communicate effectively and provide actionable feedback
• Engage in ongoing professional development
• Follow Harvard and CPL policies and procedures
• Contribute to cross-fellowship programming efforts

Qualifications 🎓

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of related program management experience

Additional Qualifications & Skills 🌟

• Master’s degree preferred
• Proficiency in Hebrew a plus
• Experience mentoring students
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
• Experience working with diverse international communities and stakeholders
• Budget management experience

Additional Details & Benefits 💼

• Work Schedule: 35 hours/week, with flexibility, occasional evenings, weekends, and travel
• Location: Based at Harvard campus with some remote options within approved states
• Salary Grade: 056 (see Harvard Salary Ranges)
• Benefits: Generous paid time off, health insurance from day one, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, family support, professional development, commuter benefits, and campus perks
• Employment Type: Fully benefits-eligible, one-year term with renewal possibility
• Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement 🌐

Harvard University is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and is committed to equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics. We strive to foster a community where everyone can thrive and contribute to Harvard’s mission.