Director, Independent Media Lab

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

As the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Policy at Harvard Kennedy School  approaches its 40th anniversary, we are launching a major new program – the Independent Media Lab. The digital media landscape is rapidly reshaping who holds influence over public opinion and policy—yet there’s no system to track these new power brokers. This initiative will map, monitor, and engage the people shaping this new media environment, and examine how platforms and business models are reshaping online political engagement. The program will aim to offer critical contributions to our collective understanding of this new multipolar news and information ecosystem.

The Director will build out this new program, including conceptualizing and organizing core research activities and events, leading efforts to convene leaders in the independent and legacy media to shape debate, and engaging in public scholarship and thought leadership. We are seeking a candidate who can integrate seamlessly with the Shorenstein community and collaborate with colleagues across HKS, the University, governments, and the private sector. The Director will coordinate with a variety of stakeholders including students, senior university administrators, faculty, donors, and prominent individuals and organizations. 

Position Description:

• Strategy & Thought Leadership
  • Robust portfolio of research:  Lead the planning and execution of a portfolio of research, analysis and writing alongside co-authors and contributors including faculty, fellows, students, or practitioners. 
  • Generate and disseminate new ideas about how to best understand  independent media, through writing, public speaking, and engaging with scholars and practitioners. 
  • High-Impact Insights: Conduct essential research and organize impactful convenings, and other activities with a focus on real-world impact that can lead to an information environment that better serves the public.
• Core Activities
  • Mentorship and Management
    • Advise and direct senior fellows, research fellows, and visiting scholars associated with the program and manage the overall research agenda. 
    • Work with senior faculty to conceptualize and oversee the implementation of interdisciplinary research grants intended to fuel innovative research by wide-ranging teams across Harvard on issues at the intersection of independent media, technology platform power and democratic participation. 
    • Supervise staff; to be determined based on the growth of the program
    • Mentor and supervise a portfolio of student research assistants working on a range of topics to support the program’s research areas
  • Other Tasks: 
    • Act as a senior figure building links between the Program and other parts of the Shorenstein Center, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, the Cambridge community, and beyond. 
    • Oversee the preparation of funding/grant proposals, ensuring that all sponsor guidelines are met and compliance requirements are followed; oversee monitoring of grants and preparation of reports to comply with reporting requirements for sponsored research grants and awards.
    • Oversee the program’s budgets and expenses
    • Working closely with the Center’s Communications team, represent the program nationally and internationally, including via written work and appearances in media, conferences, and other forums. Spearhead the dissemination of the program’s outputs and serve as a leading voice to build awareness of the Center’s contributions to scholarship and public debate in this field.
    • Other duties as required. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent preferred. 
• 15+ years leadership experience in legacy and/or independent media and extensive knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of the field.
• Experience fundraising and launching new programs.
• A developed profile as a leader in issues related to journalism, technology, and the evolving information landscape.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent writing, public speaking, relationship building, and organizational skills.
• Collaborative working style with excellent consultative and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to Shorenstein’s mission of improving the quality and accessibility of public information in order to bring about healthier, stronger, more peaceful societies.

• Standard Hours/Schedule:35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Education,Identity
• Other Information: This position is a fully benefits-eligible one year term appointment, with the strong possibility of renewal.
   

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). 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 060. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.