Program Manager, Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative
About the role
The Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative (RDRI) is a new effort designed to deepen the Institute's research and policy impact. The Initiative supports faculty-led research partnerships focused on major challenges facing Massachusetts and Greater Boston, including housing, homelessness, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and government effectiveness.
Responsibilities
Lead development and implementation of applied research projects within the Rappaport Dean's Research Initiative.
Work closely with faculty leaders to identify research opportunities with the potential for significant policy impact.
Develop project scopes, work plans, timelines, milestones, and performance measures.
Carefully monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and recommend solutions.
Serve as a lead staff member supporting a major homelessness prevention research initiative focused on Massachusetts and the City of Boston.
Work closely with Professors Jeffrey Liebman and Elizabeth Linos to develop and advance a multi-year mixed-methods research agenda.
Coordinate collaboration among researchers, government agencies, nonprofit service providers, and philanthropic partners.
Support the design and execution of mixed-methods research projects, including quantitative and qualitative analyses.
Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
Plan and manage policy convenings, workshops, and stakeholder meetings designed to inform and advance the Initiative's research priorities.
Oversee the planning and execution of convenings, including participant recruitment, agenda development, speaker coordination, briefing materials, logistics, and post-event follow-up, working closely with Institute staff and external partners.
Develop agendas, briefing materials, participant communications, and follow-up reports.
Facilitate engagement among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and community stakeholders.
Build and maintain relationships with faculty across Harvard and with leaders in government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector.
Prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, proposals, correspondence, and other written products for internal and external audiences.
Support fundraising, donor engagement, and external communications efforts related to the Initiative.
Represent the Rappaport Institute and the Dean's Research Initiative with internal and external stakeholders.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years leading organizational, programmatic, or policy change efforts within government or organizations working closely with government.
Demonstrated experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Master's degree in public policy, public administration, social work, economics, public health, urban planning, law, or a related field strongly preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Expertise in the administration of social programs at the city, county, or state level.
Experience supporting or leading mixed-methods research projects.
Experience working directly with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based partners.
Familiarity with homelessness, housing instability, human services, poverty reduction, behavioral health, or related policy areas preferred.
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizations, build trust with diverse stakeholders, and advance collaborative initiatives.
Ability to independently structure work, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and drive projects toward measurable outcomes.
Experience translating research into policy and implementation strategies.
Familiarity with Massachusetts state and local government preferred.