Associate Director, Middle East Initiative

Job Summary

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Near East and North Africa. Each year, the initiative supports an international group of 8 to 10 scholars and practitioners working on governance, security, and development in the region, advances their work through workshops and research seminars, and disseminates it through its working paper series. MEI also conducts in-house research projects on public policy in the region, and encourages Harvard faculty research on these issues through its faculty research grants program. MEI also provides funding opportunities and connections for Kennedy School students who wish to work on the region’s public policy challenges. And finally, through its events, podcast, and other forms of public outreach, the Initiative helps advance Americans’ understanding of the region and its policy challenges. The Initiative is part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Working in close partnership with the Middle East Initiative’s faculty director and MEI program staff, the Associate Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the Initiative. This includes:

Managing and allocating budgets and expenses;

Working with the faculty director to raise funds to support the program;

Managing relations with donors and partners in the United States and in the region.

Ensuring financial and policy compliance with Harvard, the Kennedy School, and Belfer Center’s policies and procedures.

Overseeing and mentoring a small permanent staff;

Promoting, leading, and managing the fellowship and visiting scholars programs, including overseeing recruitment and selection of research fellows and participating in mentoring;

Overseeing faculty and student research grants programs and public events and outreach

Managing a weekly internal research seminar and other activities for fellows and staff;

Organizing workshops and conferences in Cambridge and abroad;

Working with the faculty director to conceive and direct high-impact research and policy outreach efforts;

Overseeing preparation of publications; and

Coordinating policies and procedures and identifying opportunities for synergistic activities with the rest of the Belfer Center

Overall, the Associate Director is expected to help build a cooperative, respectful, and energetic community; to maintain the highest standards of excellence; and to identify and take advantage of opportunities for growth.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; Minimum of five years of substantive experience. Successful experience in either research on or policy formulation concerning international affairs required.

Application. Candidates should submit a resume, including contact information; a cover letter; an analytical writing sample of up to 10 pages; and names, titles, and contact information for three references.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Expertise on the region and knowledge of one of its principal languages (Arabic, Turkish, Persian, or Hebrew) are a plus but not required. Excellent research, writing, editing, time management, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently. Initiative, sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail are required. Masters or comparable degree preferred. Experience in an academic or think-tank setting a plus. Demonstrated skills and experience in preparing and presenting policy-relevant reports and other materials and prior experience preparing materials for publication also a plus. The Middle East Initiative is committed to diversity and inclusion: Women and under-represented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

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

Now in its 25th year, the Middle East Initiative is an interdisciplinary research and policy outreach effort to address key policy challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa. For more information visit the program’s website: belfercenter.org/mei.

Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens. We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.

Salary Range: $67,700-$113,900

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 Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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, inclusion, and belonging.

Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:
Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 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.

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

Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

359057 Admin Dept/Program Admin

Sub-Unit

–

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

057

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

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.