Associate Director, of Diplomacy Project Harvard Kennedy School

Position description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

The John

F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting‑edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match.

When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. The Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program in 2021 – the last year of its ranking program – in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university‑affiliated think tank.

The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy‑relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.

The Belfer Center has an immediate opening for an Associate Director of the Future of Diplomacy Project. The Project is dedicated to promoting the study and understanding of diplomacy, negotiation, and statecraft in international politics. It aims to (1) build Harvard Kennedy School’s ability to teach in these areas, (2) support research in modern diplomatic practice, and (3) build public understanding of diplomacy’s indispensable role in an increasingly complex and unstable global order.

Reporting to the Faculty Chair of the Project, the Associate Director will be responsible for overall programmatic and financial management of the Project. The Associate Director will work with the Faculty Chair to develop, plan, and execute initiatives designed to advance the goals of the Project. Internally, the Associate Director will work closely with Harvard faculty, fellows and staff; externally, the Associate Director will collaborate with academics, former government officials, and private sector leaders.

The ideal candidate has experience in government or policy roles related to diplomacy and foreign policy in the United States or internationally. They must be a great communicator with deep knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and global politics and a proven track‑record of turning ideas into actionable programs.

• Partner with the Faculty Chair to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the Project’s research, convening, and training agenda; to include but not limited to:
  • A Fellows program to invite global leaders to Harvard, especially diplomats.
  • Regular seminars and public meetings to gain insights on U.S. and global diplomacy, and to discuss or present reports and other project outputs.
  • The American Secretaries of State Project.
  • A research program on the future of the U.S. Foreign and Civil Service at the State Department.
  • Student engagement, including supporting student interest groups or programming ideas consistent with the Project's substantive priorities.
• Manage day‑to‑day operations of the Project, including the work of one staff member and graduate student research assistants and overseeing special activities.
• Manage engagement with external collaborators and expert advisors to the Project.

• Oversee and implement a grant program intended to fuel innovative and…