About the Work

The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. The Center brings researchers and practitioners together to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.

CID’s Events & Outreach Manager is an integral part of the team, developing and executing event and conference programming that showcases CID’s research across 120+ faculty affiliates and research programs. The successful candidate will gain exposure to ground-breaking research on a wide variety of disciplines throughout the international development field, opportunities to contribute to the Center’s exciting new initiatives, and get involved with the broader Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) community. CID is a high-profile, fast-paced office with friendly and energetic staff.

As the Events & Outreach Manager, you will be detailed, strategic, flexible and able to use independent judgement in all areas of their work. You will drive the timely, professional, and successful execution of CID’s public-facing events in Cambridge and globally, including weekly student and faculty seminars, invite-only convenings, special events, and CID’s annual Global Empowerment Meeting which is a large conference with key CID stakeholders. As a small team, you will be able to both develop the strategy for all events as well as manage the detailed logistics to execute an event successfully.


Position Description

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to)
 

  • Strategize, plan, and execute high-profile marquee events; conduct public relations campaigns around them with minimal oversight. This includes development of the agenda and speakers.
  • Use subject matter expertise to curate content and invite guest speakers that align with CID’s research. Event series include, but are not limited to, a weekly Seminar Series, the flagship annual Global Empowerment Meeting (GEM) conference, and high-profile marquee events such as the New England University Development Conference hosted by CID in November 2023.
  • Independently develop and manage a weekly speaker series. This includes deciding who to invite as speakers and finding strategic ways to capitalize on the speakers’ participation before and after they event.
  • Oversee content and production of CID’s Student Podcast series to produce high-quality, weekly podcasts.
  • Develop, manage and reallocate the budget for conferences, event series and outreach. Negotiate contracts and manage internal and external vendors, such as facilities, catering, media and technology services, security, and other vendors.
  • Choose research focus and create content for policymakers, academics, funders and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with a variety of research team members at CID and collaborating organizations, including those based internationally.
  • Perform other responsibilities upon request, as needed, with or without accommodation.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Economics, Public Policy, International Development) and a minimum of 3 years of professional events and/or program management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

If you have some but not all of the following, we encourage you to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn:

  • Professional work experience in International development preferred.
  • Demonstrated prior experience providing high level administrative support and complex project/program coordination responsibilities, ideally including and events support.
  • Masters’ degree is preferred in Economics, Public Policy, International Development, or related field requiring substantial quantitative coursework.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Demonstrated intermediate skill level with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience running online webinars and live streams, using Zoom and other software.
  • Position requires adaptability, flexibility and the ability to multitask while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
  • Successful candidate must be highly motivated and detail-oriented, have the ability to meet tight deadlines and strong organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills with experience providing complex administrative and programmatic support, working well independently and also contributing as a valuable team member.
  • Demonstrated interest in economics, international development, and policy in developing countries.

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with possibility of renewal. 

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

Salary Range: $64,300 - $105,100
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. 

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
  • Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  • Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Job Function: Communications, General Administration
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 358056 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib
Sub-Unit: ------------
Department: Center for International Development
Time Status: Full-time
Salary Grade: 056
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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