Program Manager

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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.

The Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Porgram at the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights seeks a Program Manager for a one-year term. This role will be a key support to the program Director, and will involve curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, event coordination, and expansion of the program’s reach into East Asia. 

About the Program

The Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program is committed to making the Universal Declaration of Human Rights a reality for LGBTQI+ people worldwide. We advance this mission by strengthening the global movement for LGBTQI+ equality through four core strategies: increasing the capacity of established and emerging leaders in every region; creating educational curricula on the essentials and advanced elements of LGBTQI+ movement building; facilitating the most current research into LGBTQI+ issues and movements; and advancing global collaboration and partnerships among activists, academics, policymakers, and the media.

The Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at the Harvard Kennedy School focuses on building more just, peaceful societies through human rights teaching, training, and collaboration.¿ More information on the Center’s mission, programs and priorities can be found on its website at https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr

The Program Manager will lead key components of the program’s training and engagement strategy, helping build the skills, knowledge, and global connections of LGBTQI+ advocates. This role combines curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination to support the next generation of changemakers.

Key Responsibilities

1. Online LGBTQI+ Advocacy & Leadership Program

• Lead the development of a new advanced track in our online training program, designed for experienced LGBTQI+ leaders.
   
• Adapt and integrate leadership frameworks from across Harvard University—such as Adaptive Leadership, Public Narrative, Community Organizing, Moral Leadership, and Negotiations—into a curriculum relevant to global activists.
   
• Support the update and refinement of the program’s foundational curriculum track, ensuring content remains responsive to evolving global challenges.
   
• Assist in content design, outreach, facilitation planning, and ongoing program improvement.
   

2. Global LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network

• Support the development and management of the Global LGBTQI+ Changemakers Network, a community of grassroots leaders from around the world.
   
• Lead logistics, stakeholder communications, and programming coordination to strengthen collaboration and resource-sharing across the network.
   

3. International LGBTQI+ Activism Summit

• Help design the content and structure of the Summit, including theme development, session planning, and overall program flow.
   
• Lead logistics, coordination, and communications with participants to ensure a smooth and impactful convening.
   

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Relationships

• Foster relationships with key actors in the LGBTQI+ human rights ecosystem, including grassroots advocates, academic institutions, UN representatives, funders, and policymakers.
   
• Coordinate engagement opportunities that connect the program’s participants with a broader network of support, expertise, and influence.
   

5. Translation & Global Accessibility

• Support the translation of key training materials into additional languages in collaboration with regional experts.
   
• Ensure content is culturally relevant and accessible to a diverse international audience.

Basic Qualifications:

At least 5 years of experience in program management, training, advocacy, or global human rights work.
Experience designing and managing leadership development or advocacy training programs.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Deep commitment to advancing LGBTQI+ rights and supporting grassroots leadership.
   
• Familiarity with the Harvard Kennedy School curriculum and frameworks is strongly preferred.
   
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
   
• Experience with international coordination, cross-cultural communication, and stakeholder engagement.
   
• Multilingual proficiency or experience working in global or multilingual environments is a plus, particularly in Eastern Asian languages.

• Appointment End Date: This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment through 7/31/26, with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  
  
   

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 056. 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.