Research Associate, Rebuild Initiative
Job CodeRS0057 Researcher III HumanitiesSub-Unit057Time StatusFull-timeUnion00 - Non Union, Exempt or TemporaryBasic Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Urban Design, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise and experience in the public sector, including urban planning, urban design, or public management is essential.
- Excellent research, analytical, writing and visualization skills with a proven track record of publications, visual presentations, and/or curricular materials. Digital visualization skills are essential.
- Experience working in or supporting learning environments.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with academic and municipal stakeholders, including multiple faculty members and staff partners across university departments, units, and schools, as well as with numerous city officials in both the US and internationally.
- Ability to manage, balance, and prioritize tasks, directions, and guidance from GSD and HKS faculty leads and their staff designees.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills as well an ability to communicate well, both visually and verbally.
- Conduct literature reviews in various relevant fields.
- Analyze challenges and key priorities related to the built environment of mayors enrolled in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership mayors program.
- Identify and/or conceptualize and write case-studies on current and historic comprehensive planning efforts in cities.
- Collaborate with faculty to develop a vision and intellectual framework for the ReBuild initiative and executive education program.
- Provide advanced subject-area expertise, analysis and interpretation to develop original content. Work with a high degree of autonomy and serve as a collaborator and thought partner.
- Contribute to the drafting of a seminal working paper outlining the project's framework and methodology.
- Conduct reviews of case study collections to identify relevant existing teaching materials.
- Collaborate on development of teaching cases and educator guides as well as other curricular materials for executive education and degree programs.
- Prepare and organize focus groups and interviews with faculty at GSD and other schools at Harvard and expert practitioners in urban planning. Take notes and write-up takeaways.
- Help develop communication materials, including designing and writing a brochure, webpage and social media content.
- Interested candidates should submit the following: a resume, a cover letter detailing their fit for the role and contributions to urban planning, a writing sample from relevant research work, and an example of a visual presentation.
- Applications should be submitted to the Harvard Careers website at
- 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.