Senior Director, States Leading States Project at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Senior Director, States Leading States Project

Req ID: 67346BR

School or Unit: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Description: Job Summary

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

The States Leading States (SLS) initiative at Harvard University will identify and spread evidence-based education policies throughout the United States. Housed within Harvard's Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR), SLS will partner with state education agencies to evaluate their initiatives' impacts on student outcomes-such as "science of reading" reforms, cell phone bans, new instructional materials and high school redesign-and then work with organizations such as the National Governor's Association (NGA), the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) to disseminate policies which have proven effective. States have undertaken a range of education reforms in recent years. Not all efforts have benefited students. SLS will highlight and spread the policies that have had the most positive impacts.

The Senior Director will play a pivotal role in driving SLS forward, directly engaging with state leaders, working with faculty and researchers to design studies to evaluate the concerns of critics (as well as the hopes of proponents), and collaborating with organizations to spread the word about effective reforms. The project has received four years of philanthropic funding to generate three annual reports, each on a different education policy topic, starting in Spring 2026. We are looking for a candidate with an unusual combination of skills: fluency with quantitative research design, strong project management skills (overseeing data collection, analysis, analysis, report writing and dissemination) and the exemplary communication skills to maintain relationships with state leaders and state associations. Although we have funding for the first four years, our hope is to sustain the work into the future, so that the annual reports from States Leading States will become "must reading" for state education policy leaders for years to come

Position Description

Strategic Leadership and Dev. (15%):

• Lead the development and execution of the SLS initiative, creating a long-term, self-sustaining model to advance evidence-based decision-making in education policy.
• Collaborate with CEPR faculty and Executive Director to set strategic goals, identify research priorities, and foster alignment between state education agencies (SEAs), local education agencies (LEAs), and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with CEPR faculty and staff to design studies which can both address concerns of critics and evaluate hoped-for impacts.
• Work with SEAs and LEAs to manage data collection, manage faculty to ensure that analysis and report writing proceeds in a timely manner and oversee communications of SLS annual reports.

R&A (15%):

• Work with faculty and state education agencies to design studies which can answer fundamental questions involving impact, implementation and unintended consequences.
• Oversee the design of research instruments such as interview guides, focus group protocols, and field observations to gather relevant qualitative data on policy implementation.
• Work with SEAs and LEAs to negotiate data use agreements, manage the collection of survey data to ensure high response rates. Ensure data integrity with timely transfer of data to faculty and analysts, adhering to best practices.
• Facilitate the integration of quantitative impact analyses (achievement scores, attendance, etc.) with qualitative insights (surveys, focus groups) to present a comprehensive understanding not just of impacts but of policy implementation challenges.

Partner and Stakeholder Mgmt. (25%):

• Build and nurture relationships with a broad spectrum of partners, including state education agencies, school districts, operational allies, and funders.
• Lead engagement with state and district leaders, sharing diagnostic analyses and policy insights to ensure that investments contribute to long-term agency strategies (and help leaders formulate their public statements and policy revisions when initiatives are not effective.)
• Cultivate relationships with new partners, expanding the reach and influence of the SLS network.
• Act as the primary liaison to funders, including foundations like the Walton Family Foundation, ensuring alignment between project goals and funder priorities.

Team Leadership & Mgmt. (25%):

• Manage a diverse, cross-functional team of researchers, educators, and analysts, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to achieve project objectives and foster open communication, innovation, and shared ownership of research outcomes.
• Oversee budget management, ensuring alignment between financial resources and strategic goals, and track project progress with key stakeholders, including CEPR leadership and funders.
• Ensure the continued integration of SLS staff and projects with CEPR's broader mission and goals.

Outreach & Thought Leadership (15%):

• Present research findings and policy recommendations to external audiences, including state leaders, education policy experts, and national media outlets.
• Establish and maintain connections with thought leaders, both within Harvard and across the education policy field, to contribute to the broader discourse on data-driven education reform.
• Lead the recruitment of new education agencies and partners to the SLS network, ensuring that a diverse array of stakeholders are engaged in the initiative's work.
• Drive the development of SLS's thought leadership through op-eds, research reports, and presentations at national convenings.

CEPR-Wide Responsibility (5%):

• Collaborate with CEPR's Executive Leadership Team to identify organizational strategy and funding opportunities that align with CEPR's strategic vision.
• Support the development of grant proposals and funding applications to sustain and grow the SLS initiative.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, public policy, or a related field, with significant quantitative research experience.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in education, with a proven track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate, manage, and guide a diverse team.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• PhD preferred.
• Expertise in working with large public-school districts and/or state education agencies.
• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to present complex research findings to varied audiences.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with senior education leaders, including state chiefs, superintendents, and CEOs.
• Experience in developing and managing large-scale budgets in a high-growth environment.
• Familiarity with state-level education policy, particularly around data use, early literacy, and high school redesign.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a track record of driving change in ambiguous or complex situations.
• A collaborative, creative problem-solver who excels at building clarity in ambiguous settings.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state's required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape state education policy through data-driven insights and evidence-based practices. The Senior Director will be instrumental in growing the States Leading States initiative into a nationally recognized platform for state policy innovation and education reform. HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
• Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
• Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
• Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
• Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
• Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: RS0060 Humanities/Social Sciences Dir

Job Function: Research

Work Format: Remote

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 060

Department: CEPR


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity


Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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