Writer and Research Assistant

Company 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 Writer and Research Assistant to the Dean provides high‑level research and speech writing support to the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Dean. This role requires exceptional writing ability and analytical thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work on tight deadlines, proactive anticipation of information needs, and effectiveness in carrying out research and synthesis.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and responding to requests from the Chief of Staff and Dean, the Writer and Research Assistant will research and prepare formal remarks, briefings, talking points, and presentations as they relate to the Dean’s official functions, including meetings, professorial and decanal lectures, and events. Operating as a representative of the Dean with senior‑level staff, faculty, and external audiences, they will be expected to operate at all times with collegiality, discretion, and judiciousness, including with respect to confidential and sensitive information.

They will collaborate with multiple units and HKS colleagues to gather necessary background information and draft briefings and remarks. They will provide research assistance to advance strategic priorities for the school and contribute to academic projects of the Dean. Finally, in support of the Chief of Staff, the incumbent will support the daily and long‑term activities of the Dean’s Office and work to advance the Dean’s agenda.

• Draft and revise formal written remarks, drawing on input from the Dean and Chief of Staff, in consultation with HKS departments and research centers as appropriate.
• Draft and revise talking points, slide decks, and other written documents tailored to different contexts, ensuring accuracy and relevance, in consultation with HKS departments and research centers as appropriate.
• Conduct background research and prepare reports and summaries for the Dean and Chief of Staff. Undertake research and prepare briefings and reports related to the Dean’s strategic priorities and research projects.
• Support the Dean’s classroom teaching, including course administration and development.
• Partner with HKS administrative units to plan and execute special events and semi‑annual campus gatherings.
• Develop background materials as necessary, including financial data, historical context, and academic data.
• Work with a sense of urgency to meet deadlines and deliver high‑quality briefings and materials in a timely manner.
• Accompany the Dean and Chief of Staff to meetings as requested for purposes of note taking and information synthesis.

Note:

Applicants wishing to be considered must provide a resume/CV, cover letter, and writing sample.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of three years of related experience in research, speech writing and/or policy‑based writing, and administration. Relevant internships will count towards experience.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A demonstrated collaborative style with a wide range of stakeholders and the ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills and the ability to both…