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.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 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.

Additional Information

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.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.DepartmentHGSDPre-Employment ScreeningIdentityJob FunctionResearchPosition DescriptionTYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Developing the Framework: Research and Analysis

• 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.

Developing the Executive Education Program: Curricular materials

• 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.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• 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.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• 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

and search on requisition #68262BR. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled, with an ideal start date in July 2025.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position.School/UnitHarvard Graduate School of DesignPhysical RequirementsApplicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Working ConditionsThis position will be based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.Job SummaryThe ReBuild Initiative at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design aims to develop a new approach to urban planning and design focused on transforming the built environment with a focus on sustainability and quality of life for all. ReBuild is an initiative launched by Dean Sarah Whiting and chaired by Maurice Cox, Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design. It will accomplish its goal through multi-disciplinary research, engagement with practice, development of new curricular materials, and executive education training for city leaders in close collaboration with the .We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly motivated individual to join our team as a ReBuild Initiative Research Analyst. The role will help develop a foundational analytic framework through literature review, faculty engagement, case-study research, and engagement with expert practitioners. This framework will serve as the foundation of the bi-annual executive education program for city leaders working on urban planning. The ambition is to make a transformative contribution to the field of urban planning and design by adopting a comprehensive approach connecting city planning, urban economics, climate studies, public policy and management, and organizational leadership, among other disciplines.The Research Analyst will report to Professor Cox at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, under the guidance of David Giles, the Curriculum Development Director at the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.PLEASE NOTE: This is a 1-year term position with the possibility of continuation.Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard University views equity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.BenefitsWe invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website ( ) 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.

Work FormatHybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)#LI-LP1Work Format DetailsThis is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.