Executive Program Director, Data-Smart City Solutions

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 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.

Data-Smart City Solutions, founded in 2012 and now housed within the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, works to catalyze the adoption of data-informed practices in local government. The program highlights best practices, surface emerging trends, connects public sector leaders with innovators across sectors, and supports cities in using data, technology, and innovation to improve quality of life for residents. 

Under the supervision of the Faculty Director, the Executive Program Director is responsible for the overall success of Data-Smart City Solutions, including executing strategic direction, overseeing operations, building and managing a high-performing team, cultivating partnerships and donor relationships, and ensuring its programs’ long-term financial and programmatic success.  

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Shape and steward the strategic direction of Data-Smart City Solutions in close collaboration with the Faculty Director, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic objectives. 

• Guide the successful execution of a dynamic project portfolio, coordinating efforts across a core team of six staff and a network of fellows and contractors; ensure timely delivery, strategic coherence, and measurable impact. 

• Oversee the development and growth of two marquee initiatives central to Data-Smart and the Bloomberg Center’s visibility and impact: 
  • The Project on Municipal Innovation (PMI) – a long-running convening and community of practice of chiefs of staff from the largest U.S. cities focused on timely urban governance challenges and leadership development. 
  • A forthcoming awards program designed to recognize and elevate effective city leadership. 
• Oversee day-to-day donor engagement and stewardship, ensuring communications, reporting, and deliverables are timely, coordinated, and aligned with shared objectives. 
• Cultivate and manage relationships with external partners, funders, university colleagues, and public officials to expand the program’s influence and resources. 
• Oversee financial management, including budget development, forecasting, and strategic resource and staffing allocation to ensure long-term sustainability. 

• Identify and scope new opportunities for research, practitioner engagement, and cross-sector collaboration; triage and assess incoming partnership requests. 

• Represent the program externally, including with government officials, civil society leaders, donors, and academic experts. 

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive internal culture that supports staff growth and strong team dynamics. 

• Ensure effective integration and collaboration with other programs at the Bloomberg Center for Cities to maximize alignment, collective impact, and accelerate innovation in city leadership, management, and problem-solving.  

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Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in public policy, economics, statistics, or a related field and 10 years of professional experience. 

• Excellent leadership skills, including demonstrated program and people management skills.   

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated strategic leadership and planning skills, with a record of managing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects that deliver measurable impact. 

• Track record of building strong, collaborative, and high-performing teams and developing staff.  

• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and secure major grants and funding from diverse sources. 

• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, such as policymakers, practitioners, and academic collaborators. 

• Strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and political skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve complex challenges across a wide range of stakeholders. 

• Proficiency in accounting, budget planning, and financial forecasting. 

• Diligence and accuracy. 

• Capacity to lead through change and uncertainty, with a bias toward thoughtful experimentation and continuous learning. 

• Deep commitment to public service, data-informed governance, and the mission of improving city leadership and resident outcomes. 

• Familiarity with local government systems, civic innovation, or urban data practices is strongly preferred. 

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully-benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2026, with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.