Director of Development and Engagement

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.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

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 Director of Employee Development and Engagement is a key strategic partner in strengthening the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) culture as part of ‘Investing in Our Strong Foundation,’ the School’s newly announced 10‑year strategic initiative that supports our commitment to invest in the people that power our work (HKS 2036). This role designs, leads, and continuously improves HR programs and initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, support professional growth, and foster a positive workplace culture where employees can thrive and be their very best.

The Director helps to set the vision, strategy, and execution for professional development, performance management, recognition, engagement, onboarding, and community events, with the goal of aligning these activities with school priorities and our commitment to invest in our people.

Our successful candidate will have

• A strong understanding of, and experience in HR best practices across engagement, training and development, performance management, talent acquisition, rewards and recognition, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influence without authority, and drive alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for creating an inclusive, engaging, and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Comfort working at both strategic and tactical levels, contributing to high‑level planning while executing hands‑on tasks as needed.

This position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer and will join a team of 11 HR colleagues.

• Develops and executes a comprehensive strategy for HR programs that advance organizational culture, engagement, and performance.
• Leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core HR programs, including professional development, performance management, recognition, and onboarding initiatives.
• Partners with HR leadership and business leaders to ensure all programs are aligned with school priorities and values.

• Designs and oversees a cohesive professional development framework that supports learning and growth for staff at all levels.
• Partners with managers and HR colleagues to identify capability gaps and develop learning opportunities (i.e., workshops, project participation, coaching, and mentoring).
• Collaborates with central university learning and development resources (Center for Workplace Development), integrating institution‑wide offerings with school‑specific needs.
• Evaluates the impact of professional development offerings and refines programs based on feedback, participation data, and school priorities.

• Oversees employee engagement strategy, including planning and administering engagement surveys and pulse checks.
• Analyzes engagement data, identifies trends, and partners with leaders and other University partners to develop action plans that improve engagement and retention.
• Champions and plans culture‑building initiatives, including all‑staff meetings, recognition ceremonies, and other activities that foster inclusion, collaboration, and a sense of community.
• Oversees ongoing lifecycle programs (e.g., onboarding process, stay interviews, exit surveys, career…