Public Management and Service Delivery (Open Rank)

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Kennedy School invites applications for an open-rank position in public management, with a focus on cities and local government. We seek scholars with expertise in design and delivery of public services, the public sector workforce, and how new technologies can transform governance and improve public services.

The search is open to candidates eligible for tenure or tenure‑track, across multiple disciplines. Qualifications include a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. by June 2027 (expected) or completed.
• Strong evidence of a commitment to research.
• Strong teaching skills and interest in public policy issues.

Education

Ph.D. (received or expected by June 2027)

Job description

Public Management and Service Delivery (Open Rank)

Title Public Management and Service Delivery (Open Rank)

School

Department/Area

Position Description

The Harvard Kennedy School invites applications for an open-rank position in public management, with a focus on cities and local government. We seek exceptional scholars with expertise in the design and delivery of public services, including their consequences for residents; the public sector workforce, including issues of recruitment, retention, and performance management; and how new technologies can be leveraged to transform governance and improve public services. We welcome candidates who study local government in general, as well as those with expertise in particular domains of policy implementation or service delivery, such as public safety, housing, education, transportation, and others.

The search is open to candidates who study these issues in an American or global context and from a wide array of disciplines, including, but not limited to, public administration and management, political science, public policy, sociology, urban planning, and related social science disciplines. This open-rank search welcomes candidates eligible for appointment at the tenured and untenured levels. Qualifications include a Ph.D. (received or expected by June 2027), strong evidence of a commitment to research, strong teaching skills and a demonstrated interest in public policy issues.

Applicants for an untenured/junior position should submit a cover letter, a C.V., a research statement, a description of past or planned teaching (along with teaching evaluations, if available), one or two representative research papers, and three letters of recommendation.

Applicants for a tenured/senior position should submit a cover letter, a C.V., recent teaching evaluations, and one or two representative research papers.

Full consideration will be given to applications received before October 15, 2026.

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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.

Basic Qualifications

Qualifications include a Ph.D. (received or expected by June 2027), strong evidence of a commitment to research, strong teaching skills and a demonstrated interest in public policy issues.

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions

Contact Information

Contact Email

Contact Email [e-mail]

Salary Range

165k - 310k

Minimum Number of References Required

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Keywords

• Public Administration
• Management
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Urban Planning
• Cities and Local Government

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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).