Director of Research on Democratic Reform

Basic Qualifications

Advanced degree (Masters, JD, and/or PhD or equivalent) and 8 years of professional experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people with:

• Research background and publication record on topics related to voting, elections, democratic institutions, democratic norms and practices, and/or democratic or electoral reform

• Strong writing, public speaking, relationship-building, and organizational skills

• Collaborative working style with demonstrated communication and problem-solving skills

• Ability to proactively generate ideas and identify opportunities for research exploration

• Interest and ability to build new collaborative research infrastructure and think strategically in the short and long term on issues related to democratic reform

• Up to date (and ability to keep up with) knowledge of democratic reform, including of alternative voting systems and their impacts on diverse representation

• Ability to coordinate research efforts across disciplines, institutions, and constituent groups such as funders, advocates, and scholars

Additional Information

This is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Position Description

As the Director of Research on Democratic Reform you will:

• Partner with Houston Institute Directors to lead strategic planning by clarifying objectives, setting milestones, and generating materials to ensure alignment with the Guinier Project agenda

• Develop and conduct research and writing projects, both independently and collaboratively, to generate a research portfolio for the Guinier Project research network, and the Guinier Project directly

• Provide leadership on growing strategic collaborations for the research network and build relationships with faculty and advocates across disciplines and institutions to enable and support research collaborations

• Aid coordination and management of research team(s) within the research network, which may be made up of student research assistants, academic scholars/researchers, and research staff at the Houston Institute and partner organizations

• Help plan and organize meetings and convenings of the research network and Houston Institute, including proposing agendas, questions and topics of discussions

• Serve as a primary point of contact for the research network participants, including partners and potential partners

• Maintain a public profile as an expert within the field, including by taking opportunities to deliver presentations of research findings, attend relevant meetings/conferences of partner organizations and/or potential partners, and otherwise participating in the discourse in the field

EEO 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.

Job Summary

The Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice at Harvard Law School is seeking a Director of Research on Democratic Reform for its Guinier Project. Named after the late Prof. Lani Guinier, the Guinier Project seeks to carefully consider the actual and potential impacts of electoral system reform on racial/ethnic communities and democratic, multiracial representation. The Guinier Project is particularly focused on the effect of moving from the current winner-take-all system to proportional systems of representation and the potential effects of such a shift on racial representation.

The Director of Research for the Guinier Project will be responsible for growing a dynamic portfolio of interdisciplinary research projects that focused on both theory and evidence of real-world solutions that help build, maintain, and strengthen the United States' multiracial democracy.

Working closely with the Houston Institute's Faculty Director, Prof. Guy Charles, and other institute staff, including the Managing Director and Director of Strategic Litigation and Advocacy, the Director of Research will play a critical role in ensuring research and related programming have an impact via written publications convening of key constituent populations and other outputs. They will also lead the building of the Project's research network infrastructure in coordination with Houston Institute leaders and will help with disseminating information about the research network and its work product to funders, potential collaborators, and actors working directly on democratic reform.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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.

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.

Work Format Details

This position offers the flexibility to work fully remote, or, if local, have an on-campus presence. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT, VA, WA).

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.