The Ash Center is a vibrant and values-driven community. We are committed to diversity and welcome people of varied backgrounds, cultures, experiences, and disciplines. We actively seek applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, military veterans, persons with disabilities and underrepresented backgrounds. If you are interested in joining our team to advance excellence and innovation in governance and public policy, please view our current staff openings below. Note that all applicants must apply through the Harvard Human Resources online system, which can be found here or in the links below.
Current employment opportunities:
Faculty & Program Assistant, Democratic Governance
The Faculty and Program Assistant supports the teaching and research of two faculty members at Harvard Kennedy School: the Winthrop Laflin McCormack Professor of Citizenship and Self-Government and the Adjunct Professor of Public Policy. The Faculty and Program Assistant is also responsible for providing administrative and programmatic support related to the McCormack Professor’s leadership as Director of the Ash Center’s Democratic Governance Programs. Read more and apply here.
Program Coordinator & Faculty Assistant, Innovations in Government
The Program Coordinator and Faculty Assistant supports the teaching, research, and programmatic work of the Faculty Director of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. The Program Coordinator is responsible for providing financial and administrative support related to the Faculty Director’s leadership of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative as well as his role as Academic Director of the Innovations in Government Program at the Ash Center and his faculty work as Lecturer of Public Policy and Management at Harvard Kennedy School. Read more and apply here.
Faculty Assistant, Innovations in Government
The Faculty Assistant supports the teaching, research, and other responsibilities of the Director of the Innovations in Government Program at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation. The Program recognizes and promotes creative and effective problem solving by government and citizens. The Faculty Assistant is responsible for providing financial and administrative support related to the Director’s leadership of the project and programs within Innovations in Government portfolio and to his faculty work as Daniel Paul Professor of the Practice of Government at Harvard Kennedy School. Read more and apply here.
Graduate History Research Assistant
The Ash Center is seeking a graduate research assistant to work with Prof. Alexander Keyssar at the Harvard Kennedy School on the completion of a book about the Electoral College. A qualified candidate will have some research experience as well as organizational skills and excellent communication abilities. Organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with historical document searches and citation protocols are essential. Must work well independently. Flexible schedule based on availability. 7-12 hours per week at an hourly rate of $18-$22/hour, based on experience. Send resume and cover letter to scott_stackpole@hks.harvard.edu
Research Assistant, China’s Role in Greater Mekong Basin
The Ash Center at Harvard Kennedy School is looking for a Harvard student to serve as a part-time (approx 10 hrs/week) research assistant to support a Harvard-funded research project on China’s role in managing the natural resources of the Greater Mekong Basin. The research requires an understanding of the political economy of natural resource exploitation and preservation in a multi-country setting, specifically, the six countries of the GMB. China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, its Belt and Road Initiative, and its recent formation of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Framework raise issues related to the arrangements required to promote and maintain the necessary international cooperation. The current project examines this matter to understand the measures that will induce the cooperation among GMB that will ensure the efficient and sustainable management of the Basin’s environmental resources. The ideal candidate is a Harvard PhD candidate in economics or environment—or Harvard graduate student with economics or resource management training—who has fluency or understanding of Chinese language and who is eager to engage in the analysis of a current pressing issues related to environmental preservation. To apply, send CV and writing sample to Malcolm McPherson at malcolm_mcpherson@harvard.edu.