Director of Research Projects

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard Kennedy School Project on Indigenous Governance and Development is a research initiative dedicated to advancing scholarship and providing practical tools for Indigenous nation rebuilding. The Director of Research Projects provides strategic leadership and management for the Harvard Project’s research agenda, overseeing a portfolio of projects that generate, explore, and disseminate innovative empirical scholarship, theoretical insights, and real-world solutions to strengthen institutions and economic development across a range of Indigenous Peoples’ nations, communities, and homelands. This role ensures research and program impact through the production and dissemination of written publications, multimedia materials, convenings, events, and other outputs. The Director of Research Projects also manages relationships with individual researchers at Harvard or elsewhere, develops and manages project budgets and resource plans, and cultivates relationships with potential collaborating organizations. Candidates must demonstrate organizational management experience, creative problem-solving, research analytical skills, and the ability to approach our shared work in an inclusive and collaborative spirit.
In close collaboration with Professor Randall Akee, the Julie Johnson Kidd Professor of Indigenous Governance and Development and the Faculty Director of the Harvard Project, the Director of Research Projects plays a critical role in ensuring research and program impact. They are responsible for a robust content agenda, network expansion, and student engagement. The Director of Research Projects also leads efforts to secure gifts and grants and represents the Harvard Project in high-level university forums and among key constituencies and external stakeholders. The Ash Center, the Project’s home at HKS, is a global, values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are essential to understanding and addressing real-world problems and seeks candidates who share this commitment.
Founded in 1987, the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project) is located at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and is associated with the Harvard University Native American Program. Through applied research and service, the Harvard Project aims to understand and foster the conditions under which sustained, self-determined social and economic development is achieved among American Indian nations. The Harvard Project’s core activities include research, advisory services, executive education, and administration of the Honoring Nations awards program. The Harvard Project also collaborates with the Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy at the University of Arizona.

Requirements

• Graduate-level degree in Political Science, Economics, or a closely related Social Science, and eight years of research experience working directly with tribal governments, Indigenous organizations, or Indigenous-led research initiatives.
• Familiarity with Indigenous research methodologies and protocols.
• Organizational management experience.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Research analytical skills.
• Ability to approach shared work in an inclusive and collaborative spirit.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in research administration and/or project management.
• Demonstrated success in setting strategic direction for a research program or center, including the design and launch of new initiatives.
• Strong track record of grant writing, fundraising, and stewardship of donors and funders.
• Experience managing complex, multi-year budgets and overseeing compliance with university, sponsor, and IRB requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an institution externally with senior leaders, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and tribal and Indigenous community leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate research into accessible products for policy, practitioner, and public audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of researchers, fellows, and staff in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Increase and improve policy research through analysis and policy reports, academic events, and other public writing and outputs that inform, educate, and improve conditions for Indigenous Peoples, nations, and communities.
• Lead strategic planning for the Harvard Project’s research portfolio in partnership with the Faculty Director, aligning priorities with Ash Center, HKS, and University goals and resources, and designing and launching new initiatives in response to emerging opportunities.
• Mentor and advise program/research fellows on project scope, design, execution, and work plans.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and assignment of research project team members.
• Supervise and manage multiple research fellows, research assistants, freelancers, and staff.
• Provide feedback, guidance, support, and performance reviews for the research team.
• Increase the flow of students, faculty, and leaders working on Indigenous Governance and Development in areas including programs for tribal leaders and administrators, curriculum development and teacher training, postdoctoral positions, and other future initiatives.
• Build successful working relationships with subject matter experts.
• Serve as a liaison to thematic experts and capture best practices and lessons learned.
• Represent the Harvard Project in high-level university forums and committees, as well as in meetings with senior leadership, tribal leaders, peer institutions, and external stakeholders at national and international convenings.
• Liaise and consult with faculty principal investigators from across the University on scope, design, and execution.
• Develop and manage the Harvard Project’s research budget, aligning financial resources with strategic priorities and ensuring sound stewardship of gifts, grants, and other revenue.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities that advance the Harvard Project’s mission; lead the development of grant proposals and serve as Principal Investigator when appropriate; cultivate philanthropic and institutional partners in close coordination with the Faculty Director and Ash Center development staff.
• Ensure adherence to all quality assurance, regulatory, and compliance requirements applicable to the research program (e.g., IRB approvals, data security, funder requirements, and protocols for research with and in Indigenous communities).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior