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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 Associate Director of IT Operations and Information Security, you will lead the comprehensive collaboration, design, development, and implementation of enterprise infrastructure and information security architecture, solutions, and policies, while also overseeing the day-to-day IT operations. This role focuses on ensuring the security, stability, and usability of Harvard Kennedy School's technical infrastructure and data assets.  The role requires strong technical proficiency, people and priority management, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver secure and scalable technology solutions that align with the school’s mission, priorities and compliance requirements.

This position ensures the reliable, secure, and forward-looking operation of HKS's technology infrastructure and information security posture. The Associate Director is expected to manage daily operations, lead and support technical staff, recommend, prioritize and plan work, develop and maintain documentation, respond to and resolve escalations, and work directly with business stakeholders to align technology with institutional needs. This position combines technical expertise, operational oversight, and strategic vision in delivering a secure, efficient, and compliant computing environment.

The Associate Director will oversee core technology and security operations, manage staff, and serve as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders. Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and execution of a proactive, robust security and IT operations program to safeguard the school’s infrastructure, systems, and sensitive data.
• Manage and mentor the IT operations and Information security team-delegating work, resolving issues, and managing escalations to ensure high system performance and service reliability.
• Oversee and contribute to the design, build, configuration, and documentation of IT infrastructure, ensuring stability, scalability, integration, and ongoing operational excellence.
• Provide strategic oversight of the school’s information security program, managing the Security Officer while maintaining subject matter expertise and the ability to engage directly in hands-on support, policy compliance, and incident response as needed. Ensure alignment with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Direct security operations, including threat mitigation, incident response, vulnerability management, risk assessments, and compliance audits.
• Maintain and optimize critical monitoring and alerting systems to ensure visibility into both IT operations and cybersecurity posture.
• Lead research, evaluation, and adoption of secure and modern IT solutions, advocating for innovative technologies, architectures, and practices that support academic, research, and operational goals.
• Partner with academic leadership, faculty, and researchers to identify and support secure, scalable solutions for research computing needs and evaluate emerging technologies for academic and operational impact.
• Act as a trusted advisor to faculty, staff, fellows, and students on information security and technology matters, providing education, consultation, and support.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to shape and evolve IT strategy and roadmaps, aligning solutions with business needs and identifying opportunities for innovation and transformation.\
• Ensure robust identity and access management, data protection, endpoint security, and network security processes are in place and continuously improved.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate up-to-date documentation, including technical procedures, security standards, and inventories of critical systems and high-risk data.
• Promote a culture of secure computing across the organization by establishing, modeling, and disseminating best practices in cybersecurity.
• Stay current on emerging threats, regulatory requirements, and technology trends to anticipate future risks and inform strategic planning.
• Contribute to IT governance processes, including budget development, staffing plans, and long-term infrastructure and security planning.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Harvard and Higher Education. 

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• Supervisory Experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• 7+ years of relevant IT experience, including leadership in infrastructure and information security roles.
• 2+ years of direct management or team lead experience in a technical environment.
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, network services, and cloud platforms.
• Demonstrated experience managing and securing complex IT environments.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
• Experience with risk assessment, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including stakeholder and executive engagement.
• Ability to develop and maintain clear technical documentation and policy guidance.
   

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field or equivalent experience required. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong business acumen with a service-oriented approach to IT management.
• Demonstrated expertise in IT infrastructure systems within an enterprise environment.
• Knowledge of information security concepts, standards, and tools, with certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, or GIAC.
• Experience leading technical teams, designing solutions, managing workload, and delegating work.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to act as a trusted advisor and collaborate effectively.
• Experience with cloud infrastructure and services, preferably Azure and AWS.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash/shell, Perl, or PowerShell.
• Familiarity with system monitoring tools, version control systems, and secure software design principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an agile environment and support enterprise UNIX/Linux infrastructure.
• Willingness to work outside of normal business hours and during off-hours for time-sensitive issues.
• Familiarity with academic environments and public sector values is a plus.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy Information Security Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred
• IT Security Certification preferred; e.g., CISSP, CISA/CISM, and/or GIAC

• 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

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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 059. 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. 

About Harvard University

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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