Faculty Governance and Institutional Strategy Senior Manager at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

002408SR
School/Unit Harvard Graduate School of Education
Job Function Research
Location Cambridge
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 057
FLSA Status Exempt
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment Yes

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Job Summary:

The Democratic Knowledge Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School seek a senior staff member to support the design, launch, and early implementation of a new university-wide Harvard Faculty Senate. The initiative is led by Danielle Allen, the James Bryant Conant University Professor, and Faculty Director of both the DKP and the Allen Lab. This position plays a central role in building the structures, processes, and analytical foundations required for effective faculty governance across Harvard’s constituent schools.

The Senior Manager will work closely with senior faculty leadership and administrative partners across Harvard schools to advance strategic planning for the Faculty Senate, drawing on research, comparative analysis, and best practices in higher-education governance. The role will help translate faculty priorities into workable institutional processes, support coordination across schools, and develop materials that inform decision-making during the Senate’s formative phase.

This role is well-suited to a candidate with strong analytical and writing skills, experience in higher-education institutions, and an interest in organizational design, governance, and policy development. The position will operate with a high degree of autonomy and judgment, contributing substantively to the creation of a new governance body with long-term institutional impact.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct research on faculty governance structures and best practices at peer and aspirational institutions, synthesizing findings into briefing materials and recommendations for faculty and senior administrators.
  
• Support the strategic planning and early implementation of a university-wide Faculty Senate, including the development of governance frameworks, operating principles, and procedural guidelines.
  
• Prepare analytical memos, background documents, and presentations to support faculty deliberation and decision-making during the Senate’s formative phase.
  
• Coordinate with faculty representatives and senior administrative partners across Harvard’s constituent schools to facilitate information-sharing, alignment, and progress on Senate-related initiatives.
  
• With high level direction from University Professor and project lead, Danielle Allen, design and refine Senate processes for meeting structures, committee workflows, and mechanisms for faculty input and consultation.
  
• Track key decisions, timelines, and dependencies related to the launch of the Faculty Senate, helping ensure continuity and momentum across academic terms. Provide data analytics and write reports on progress based on initiative goals and intended outcomes.
  
• Produce documentation (e.g. white papers, briefing papers) of institutional knowledge and lessons learned to support the long-term sustainability of faculty governance structures.

In terms of allocation of time, the above responsibilities can be organized into 3 groups:

• Faculty Senate Formative Work – (bullets 1, 2, and 3) – 30%
• Faculty Senate Planning Meetings & Formal Convening – (bullets 4 and 5) – 40%
• Faculty Senate Progress, Documentation, Outcomes – (bullets 6 and 7) – 30%

Basic Qualifications:

The job requires a bachelor's degree, and a masters or doctorate is preferred, along with experience working in and/or doing researching in the field of higher education.

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2026
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $40,950
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
  
  

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 057. 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.