Strategic Leader, Research Enablement & Data

Harvard Kennedy School; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a strategic leader to serve as Chief Research Enablement Officer, overseeing research administration, computing and data services, and library programs. The role aligns these units into a cohesive, service‑oriented research enterprise supporting faculty, students, and fellows.

The CREO partners with academic and university offices to scale infrastructure, manage compliance and sponsored awards, and drive data‑driven research initiatives while maintaining strong

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required; minimum 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Experience managing complex organizations with multiple reporting lines.
• Proven track record leading change in decentralized, matrixed environments.
• Experience implementing and managing compliance functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for HKS research and library services; develop and execute strategic plans aligning data and research efforts across interdisciplinary teams.
• Oversee development and maintenance of shared data infrastructure; ensure security, scalability, and compliance with data regulations.
• Lead research compliance and sponsored awards functions; ensure governance and internal controls; act as Research Integrity Officer for HKS.
• Coordinate teaching, learning, and student-facing services; ensure continuity in course support and academic integrity across the school.

Skills

Leadership experience

Change management

Strategic planning

Compliance leadership

Education

Advanced degree required

Job description

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) seeks a strategic leader to serve as Chief Research Enablement Officer, overseeing research administration, computing and data services, and library programs. The role aligns these units into a cohesive, service‑oriented research enterprise supporting faculty, students, and fellows.

The CREO partners with academic and university offices to scale infrastructure, manage compliance and sponsored awards, and drive data‑driven research initiatives while maintaining strong