Job Information
Harvard University Writer & Research Asst , IOP in Cambridge, Massachusetts
68134BRAuto req ID:68134BRJob Code:405004 Comm Professional (N) Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Writer and Research Assistant for the IOPSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :056Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required .
Minimum of three years of related experience in research, writing, politics and administration. Relevant internships will count towards experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Degree in a related field (e.g., government, political science, public policy, public administration) is preferred.
Strong understanding of the U.S. political landscape and public service sector is preferred.
Passion for public service, political engagement, and the mission of the IOP.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Demonstrated collaborative work style with a wide range of stakeholders; demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Strong time-management and organizational skills and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail required.
Proactive mindset and ability to anticipate information needs; ability to work in a fast-paced environment, take initiative, and work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Attention to detail and ability to synthesize complex information; proficiency in gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources.
Discretion and ability to handle confidential information and data.
Additional Information:
Note: The interview process will include research and writing exercises.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
Learn more about our work culture (https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/about/leadership-administration/human-resources) and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
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.
Salary Range : $71,139 - $116,397
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
Department:Institute of PoliticsPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule: 9-5 Monday through Friday Job Function:Communications, ResearchPosition Description: The Writer and Research Assistant's responsibilities will include, but not limited to, the following:
Gather, synthesize, and further develop information from various units to create comprehensive briefings for the Director of the IOP daily activities, including meetings and events.
Conduct background research and prepare reports and summaries for the Director of the IOP.
Accompany the Director of the IOP to meetings as necessary, to synthesize information.
Draft or revise talking points and other written documents tailored to different contexts, ensuring accuracy and relevance, in consultation with IOP colleagues, IOP Director of Communications, and the Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) where appropriate.
Draft and revise formal written remarks, drawing on input from the Director and in consultation with IOP colleagues, OCPA, and research centers and departments where appropriate.
Develop background materials as necessary, including financial data, historical context, and related background material.
Work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality briefings and materials in a timely manner.
Handle confidential data with utmost discretion and maintain high levels of confidentiality.
Undertake research and prepare briefings and reports related to the HKS Dean’s strategic priorities and research projects.
School/Unit:Harvard Kennedy School EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Job Summary:
The Writer and Research Assistant provides high-level research and writing support to the Director of the Institute of Politics (IOP). This role requires proactive anticipation of information needs, independent work across multiple units, and effective synthesis and development of information. This person will research and prepare briefings, talking points and presentations for various contexts, including individual meetings, lectures, and events. They will collaborate with multiple units and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) colleagues to draft briefings and remarks and gather necessary background information. In addition, they will provide research assistance to advance strategic priorities for the school and contribute to academic projects of the IOP. In consultation with the Executive Director, the Writer and Research Assistant will support the daily and long-term activities of the IOP and the Director of the IOP agenda.
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism. Benefits: We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-SC1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:
The Institute of Politics (https://iop.harvard.edu/) (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a memorial to President Kennedy. The IOP’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to consider careers in politics and public service. The Institute strives to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the academic world and the world of politics and public affairs.
The Institute oversees the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, one of the world’s premier arenas for political speech, discussion and debate. The IOP Fellows program offers a unique opportunity for political practitioners to spend the semester at Harvard interacting with and learning from students.
The IOP also offers wide-ranging opportunities for students to practice, get inspired, and gain the skills for a future in public service. Sixteen programs available to students include the Harvard Public Opinion Project, a nationwide survey project of young adults’ political views; and the Women's Initiative in Leadership, created to address the interest and importance of female students at Harvard in developing leadership skills. Students are also offered wide-ranging internship and career opportunities, including 100 paid public-service summer internships (http://www.iop.harvard.edu/Internships?_gl=112rhwvg_gaMTYxODY3MjI5Ni4xNjU5NTMxMjMx_ga_72NC9RC7VN*MTY1OTcxMjY3MC44LjEuMTY1OTcxMzAyOC4w) around the world.
In addition, the Institute offers conferences for new members of Congress (http://iop.harvard.edu/get-inspired/bipartisan-program-newly-elected-members-congress) and newly elected mayors (http://www.iop.harvard.edu/Newly-Elected-Mayors?_gl=11kqifxq_gaMTYxODY3MjI5Ni4xNjU5NTMxMjMx_ga_72NC9RC7VNMTY1OTcxMjY3MC44LjEuMTY1OTcxMzQ1MS4w) , and, after each Presidential election, brings together campaign managers and strategists (http://www.iop.harvard.edu/Campaign-Managers-Conference?_gl=11fa9ya9_gaMTYxODY3MjI5Ni4xNjU5NTMxMjMx_ga_72NC9RC7VNMTY1OTcxMjY3MC44LjEuMTY1OTcxMzQ1MS4w) to analyze the race.
The IOP provides avenues for practical experience and encourages students to examine critically and think creatively about politics and public issues.
Annual Salary Range:$71,139 - $116,397