Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to):
Participate fully in software development life cycle. Lead development of technical solutions. Participate in long term strategic planning for the application portfolio(s). Establish and maintain internal/external stakeholder relationships. Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Codes of Conduct.
Projects you will work on include:
PingPong. We're developing an online AI-based course tutor called PingPong that we think better supports learning than generic versions of AI like ChatGPT. PingPong is slated to be rolled out to universities and community colleges across the country in a large-scale randomized experiment evaluating its impact on learning outcomes.
Race-blind charging. We developed an AI-based algorithm that automatically removes race-related information from police reports, allowing prosecutors to make a "race-blind" decision about who to charge with a crime. California recently passed a law mandating that all prosecutors use race-blind charging by 2025. We're working with prosecutors across the country and many in California to implement and evaluate this novel criminal justice reform intervention.
Nudges for public defense clients. We developed a software platform that can send SMS-based nudges to public defender clients, helping them avoid jail time for missing court dates. We're testing several promising nudges in a series of randomized controlled trials, including small amounts of monetary assistance to help clients overcome financial barriers to court attendance.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of seven years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment. Highly specialized knowledge of a specific technology. Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor.
Working Conditions
Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting
Additional Information
This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.
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.
Salary Range: $99,300 - $173,900
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
About Us
The Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy is a Harvard University research center dedicated to exploring and illuminating the intersection of media, technology, politics and public policy in theory and practice. Through teaching and research at the Kennedy School of Government and its program of visiting fellows, conferences and initiatives, the Center is at the forefront of its area of inquiry.
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)
#LI-ES2
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: I0759P Applications Professional V
Job Function: Information Technology
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 059
Department: Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard Kennedy School's Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership-because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
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.
