Data Licensing & Governance Manager

Harvard Kennedy School; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Manager of Data Acquisition and Management within Library and Research Services to oversee data licensing, acquisition lifecycle, and vendor relationships for research data resources. You will ensure compliant, efficient, and cost-effective data procurement while building systems for organizing and governing institutional data assets.

The role leads a team of data management staff, collaborates with faculty, researchers, and LRS/IT colleagues to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; 5+ years in data licensing/contracts or related area; supervisory experience.
• Master’s degree in relevant fields is a plus; experience in higher education or public policy research is beneficial.
• Experience negotiating data contracts, licenses, or data use agreements; strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee data licensing and acquisition processes; manage vendor relationships and renewals.
• Interpret and review data license terms for compliant use; coordinate with Harvard units as needed.
• Lead a team of data safety reviewers and develop data management plans.
• Develop SOPs governing access, use, and disposition of licensed data; ensure governance compliance.
• Provide reporting to senior leaders on licensing portfolio, compliance, and risk.

Skills

Data licensing

Contract negotiations

Data governance

Leadership

Risk assessment

Policy development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

Data governance platforms

Data enclaves / secure computing

FERPA/GDPR knowledge

Job description

Harvard Kennedy School is seeking a Manager of Data Acquisition and Management within Library and Research Services to oversee data licensing, acquisition lifecycle, and vendor relationships for research data resources. You will ensure compliant, efficient, and cost-effective data procurement while building systems for organizing and governing institutional data assets.

The role leads a team of data management staff, collaborates with faculty, researchers, and LRS/IT colleagues to ensure