Job Summary
The EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education seeks an inaugural Chief Program Officer (CPO) to serve as a member of the organization’s Executive Leadership Team. The CPO will oversee the design, implementation, growth, and impact of EdRedesign’s flagship talent development programs and field‑building initiatives supporting over 70 communities nationwide to develop cradle‑to‑career systems of opportunity for millions of young people and families.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the CPO will catalyze programmatic innovations, cultivate a high‑performing and collaborative team culture, contribute to organizational strategy and fundraising, and help position EdRedesign as a national hub in U.S. higher education advancing the cradle‑to‑career place‑based partnership field.
Job‑Specific Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Oversight of Flagship Talent Development Programs
- Lead support for the Institute for Success Planning, EdRedesign Fellowship for Cradle‑to‑Career Partnership Leaders, By All Means Senior Fellows Program, Student Pathways Programming, and Emerging Talent Development Initiatives.
- Provide strategic leadership, coaching, mentoring, and professional development to the program team.
- Provide financial stewardship and oversight to flagship programs.
- Develop and execute a multi‑year strategy to refine programmatic priorities, strengthen and scale flagship programs, and align with field‑building objectives.
- Ensure effective cross‑departmental collaboration with research, communications, finance, and operations teams.
- Maintain program quality, innovation, and measurable impact.
- Dedicate time for innovative practices, pilot new ideas, and adapt programming to emerging needs and sector demand.
Organization‑Wide Leadership and Cross‑Departmental Alignment
- Serve on the Executive Leadership Team, setting organization‑wide strategic planning and resource allocation.
- Act as second‑in‑command in the Executive Director’s absence, providing leadership across programmatic and operational functions.
- Collaborate with the Executive Team and senior staff to shape cross‑departmental alignment, culture, staff development, and systems of operational excellence.
- Develop an organization‑wide learning and professional development agenda.
- Champion a culture focused on equity, partnership, humility, vision, and learning.
Strategic Partnerships, Fundraising and External Relations
- Develop and steward strategic partnerships with national nonprofits, higher education institutions, networks, service programs, community organizations, local governments, school districts, and related spheres of influence.
- Provide oversight of special projects focused on federal, state, and local policy implementation.
- Deepen strategic partnerships across the Harvard University ecosystem.
- Partner with the Executive Director and development team to secure philanthropic support.
- Contribute to funding proposals for signature initiatives and external engagements.
- Provide support to donor cultivation, proposal development, reporting, and stewardship.
- Serve as spokesperson at conferences, community events, and national working groups.
Working Conditions
The role is hybrid. The Chief Program Officer may work in the Harvard office at least part of the week or primarily remote, in consultation with the Executive Director.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in education, public policy, social work, nonprofit management, public administration, social entrepreneurship, or related field.
- Minimum 12 years of progressive senior leadership experience managing complex programs, networks, or organizations.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross‑sector initiatives involving education, government, nonprofit, philanthropy, and community stakeholders.
- Experience supervising and developing high‑performing teams.
- Experience managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets with regional and/or national reach.
- Ability to travel for national events, funder meetings, and related programming.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of The EdRedesign Lab.
- National reputation and recognition in cross‑sector collaboration, public policy, education, or related fields.
- Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational leadership skills.
- Ability to represent EdRedesign and Harvard University internally and externally.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Experience leading collective impact initiatives at the federal, state, or local level.
- Experience designing and facilitating leadership development programs, fellowships, executive education, and/or technical assistance.
- Demonstrated success securing philanthropic funding and managing donor relationships.
- Acquaintance with higher education‑based organizations at the intersection of research, practice, and policy.
- Experience working with community-based nonprofits, philanthropies, academic partners, and for‑profit businesses.
- Ability to work effectively within a team across projects and work streams.
- Ability to work independently, analyze problems, and develop practical solutions.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off including parental leave.
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance starting on day one.
- Retirement plans with university contributions.
- Well‑being and mental health resources.
- Support for families and caregivers.
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
- Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.
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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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