Public Management & Service Delivery (Open Rank) Professor

Virginia Commonwealth University, L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field by June 2027 or expected by then.
• Strong evidence of commitment to research and publication record.
• Strong teaching skills and demonstrated interest in public policy issues.

Skills

Research excellence

Teaching ability

Public policy interest

Education

PhD in Public Administration or related field

Job 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.

Full consideration will be given to applications received before Nov. 1, 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.

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.