Dialogue Across Differences Lead

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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.

Job Summary:

The Dialogue Across Differences (DxD) Lead will advance and manage HGSE’s Dialogue Across Differences initiative, a community-wide effort focused on strengthening open inquiry and constructive dialogue skills across our campus. In this 25-hour-per-week position, the DxD Lead will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to design, implement, and support high-impact trainings, events, and structures that deepen HGSE’s culture of pluralism, engagement across difference, and trust. The role requires a thoughtful blend of strategic thinking, facilitative experience, program management, and partnership development.

HGSE is a residential community supporting primarily on-campus degree program students along with faculty and staff. Our commitment to a vibrant campus culture relies on robust connections; we believe in-person work brings enhanced collaboration and innovation, strengthened organizational culture, and a stronger student experience. It also improves our ability to engage in teaming and shared work to advance the HGSE mission. In contributing to our on-campus community, this position requires an on-campus presence several days per week with the possibility of additional flexibility during certain times of the year. Evening and weekend work may also be required either in person or remotely. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Initiative Planning and Oversight 

• Co-develop and implement the strategic plan for the Dialogue Across Differences initiative in partnership with the DxD Steering Committee, Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives, and key faculty and staff leaders.
• Manage the planning, oversight, and execution of DxD programming, from pilot efforts to scaling events, trainings, and partnerships, aligned with the initiative’s design principles.
• Manage and oversee the project plan, including meetings, agendas, track action steps, and ensure timely follow-up and communication for the DxD Steering Committee.
• Provide regular briefings to the DxD leadership team on progress, learnings, and evolving needs.

Event Design and Facilitation

• Design content, organize, and facilitate select dialogue sessions and events that promote open inquiry, civic dialogue, and constructive engagement across difference for the HGSE community.
• Collaborate with campus partners to design original content and develop co-curricular opportunities such as Courageous Conversations, 3D Dinners, and workshops on topics of civic discourse, identity, and ideological diversity.
• Partner with the Teaching & Learning Lab to explore potential implementation of the Chatham House Rule and development of community norms for dialogue across classrooms and community events.

Partnership Development and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary project manager to external partners such as Interfaith America and Skip the Small Talk, and develop strong, reciprocal relationships with these organizations to offer high-impact dialogue opportunities to the HGSE community.
• Explore collaboration with HGSE stakeholders like the Empowerment & Impact Fellows and Harvard-wide efforts such as the Candid and Constructive Conversations (CCC) initiative, and other dialogue and belonging efforts.
• Amplify and connect with existing programs aligned to DxD principles, including Askwith Forums, Wine + Wisdom, and Peer Mediation.

Communications and Learning Infrastructure

• Contribute to the development of DxD digital infrastructure, including the initial DxD@HGSE website and shared materials for the community.
• Collaborate with key partners on storytelling and narrative strategy to elevate the DxD initiative’s impact, including event summaries and reflections that capture key learnings.
• Contribute to institutional learning by leveraging data evaluation mechanisms (e.g., surveys, reflection forms, event metrics) and make recommendations for additional strategic work in this domain.

This is a 12 month term position from date of hire.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience in project management, facilitation, or program coordination in higher ed or non-profit sector
• Evening and weekend work may be required either in person or remotely
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.  Please upload as one document.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Masters degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience planning and leading community-facing programs.
• Comfort with public speaking, event design, and cross-functional coordination.
• Relevant experience in dialogue facilitation, civic engagement, or educational programming, with demonstrated success leading programs that foster engagement across social, political, or cultural differences.
• Experience in designing and leading structured dialogues in higher education or nonprofit contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Exceptional organizational skills and experience managing multi-faceted programs or initiatives.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly in a dynamic, evolving initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and training delivery.
• Commitment to pluralism, empathy, and inclusion in institutional settings.

• Appointment End Date: 1 year from date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 25 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $64,200 part-time
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education and Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.