Director Institute of Politics

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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 Institute of Politics (IOP) at the Harvard Kennedy School bridges the worlds of academia and practice in order to expose students to the “real world” of politics and public policy, with a mission to inspire young people—especially undergraduates—to become leaders in the world of politics and public life. The IOP offers wide-ranging opportunities for Harvard students and acts as a convener for the broader Harvard community with the goal of stimulating and nurturing a passion for politics and public service regardless of party affiliation.

Many influential political figures over the last six decades—Presidents, Senator, Governors, Members of the House, award‑winning journalists, and international policymakers—have either been Fellows at the IOP or participated in events in which they imparted practical insights about navigating the world of politics and public service.

Reporting to the Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, the Director is charged with setting the IOP’s overarching strategy and establishing and executing its priorities. The Director should have a demonstrated record as an inspirational leader and an exceptional manager, and will lead a team of roughly 20 staff, including an Executive Director. He or she should conceptualize and execute innovative and policy‑relevant programs that serve to encourage and educate the next generation of public leaders and that build on the IOP’s reputation as a national platform for dialogue spanning the political spectrum.

The Director should have a compelling vision

VS< p> for how to encourage engagement in politics and public service and to foster meaningful conversations across difference at a highly polarized time. The Director will collaborate closely with the IOP’s Senior Advisory Committee (SAC), advise the Dean on the SAC’s membership, and oversee the IOP’s Student Advisory Committee, which comprises undergraduate Harvard students committed to the IOP’s mission. The Director will also work collaboratively with a wide range of other constituent groups internal and external to HKS and Harvard, including undergraduates interested in politics and public service, and should have a demonstrated commitment to mentorship.

Misrepresenting IOP, HKS, or Harvard, or failing to maintain integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior, diminishes institutional values and will not be tolerated. The Director must demonstrate principled leadership, confidentiality, and the courage to stand up for academic freedom and open inquiry, engaging respectfully across political and ideological difference to elevate a range of voices.

• Bachelor’s degree; 10 years’ experience or more at senior levels of electoral politics or other government positions at the federal, state, local, or tribal levels, or equivalent public service experience, including in the non‑profit sector, the military, and/or journalism.

• Interpersonal skills needed to represent the IOP publicly, to work successfully in an academic environment, and to interact with a variety of prominent people active in public affairs.
• Demonstrated…