Strategic Director, City Talent & Student Pathways

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Bloomberg Center for Cities seeks a Senior Director to build Harvard’s pipeline into city government. You will connect cities with students via fellowships, internships, and jobs, working with mayors and city leaders to translate needs into student-ready opportunities.

The role requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, systems-thinking leader capable of building partnerships across Harvard and beyond to deliver measurable public service outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 8+ years in program leadership, student engagement or public service.
• Experience with city government or closely with cities preferred.
• Strong people-management skills with a track record of leading teams and delivering outcomes.
• Ability to operate in complex, matrixed environments and bridge strategy with execution.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and able to translate city priorities into student opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Center’s strategy for connecting cities and students; drive city-student career pathways.
• Serve as thought partner to leadership on talent, fellowships, and local government workforce.
• Increase Harvard student participation in city government roles.
• Partner with cities to translate priorities into student-ready projects, internships, and fellowships.
• Collaborate across Harvard schools and offices to expand access to city-focused opportunities.
• Oversee high-profile fellowship programs and ensure strong recruitment, project scoping, and outcomes.
• Lead a four-person team and build partnerships across Harvard and external stakeholders to enhance student-facing efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Public service

Strategy

Talent development

Partnership building

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

8+ years of leadership experience

Job description

Harvard University’s Bloomberg Center for Cities seeks a Senior Director to build Harvard’s pipeline into city government. You will connect cities with students via fellowships, internships, and jobs, working with mayors and city leaders to translate needs into student-ready opportunities.

The role requires a strategic, entrepreneurial, systems-thinking leader capable of building partnerships across Harvard and beyond to deliver measurable public service outcomes.