Manager for Tribal Nations Strategic Initiatives
66967BR
Job Summary
Harvard University Native American Program
The Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP) is an Interfaculty Initiative (IFI) at Harvard. HUNAP's goals are to promote scholarly work and curriculum development at Harvard on issues relevant to Native Americans, engage the Harvard academic community in outreach activities that address the needs and problems of Indian Country, and recruit, retain, and graduate greater numbers of Native American students at Harvard University. Our Mission is to bring together Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students and interested individuals from the Harvard community for the purpose of advancing the well-being of Indigenous peoples through self-determination, academic achievement, and community service.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager will play a crucial role in advancing Harvard University's commitment to developing enduring partnerships with Federally Recognized Tribal Nations. This position is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and management of Harvard's relationships with Tribal Nations. The Manager will also lead the coordination of efforts to engage and partner with these communities and facilitate collaboration between Harvard University and Tribal Nation stakeholders.
This is a two-year term position.
Position DescriptionPrinciple Duties and Responsibilities Include:
The Manager will be responsible for the following areas:
Leadership
As a key member of the HUNAP team, the Manager contributes to the mission of the Program. Serves as the coordinator in engagement with colleagues across the University and with external partner organizations to ensure effective coordination of Tribal Nation partnerships and implementation of Tribal Nation initiatives.
Tribal Nation Relationship Building and Partnership Development
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with leadership, administrators, staff, and community members at Tribal Nations, as well as Tribal alumni at Harvard, to foster collaboration and partnership opportunities. Through these relationships, the Manager will identify and pursue opportunities for Harvard University to partner with Tribal Nations on programs and activities that promote opportunities in areas such as education and career readiness. The Manager will be involved in the follow-through of historical and contemporary commitments and obligations to Tribal Nations.
Program Management and Reporting
Create and implement initiatives and programs to engage with Tribal Nations, such as scholarly exchanges, internships, campus visits, community visits, research opportunities and more. The Manager will be tasked with creating and implementing the general follow-up and management of outcomes of a Tribal Resource Fair. The Manager will serve as the main point of contact and support for Tribal Community Members and Harvard Programs in their partnerships.
Responsibilities may include oversight of:
Native Community outreach
Event planning and programming including planning and coordinate planning and logistics for on-site community visits from conception to execution, including use of facilities, catering, and other visit logistics.
Support for Internal Harvard Partners
Additionally, the Program Manager will prepare reports and presentations for leadership, summarizing the progress and impact of Tribal community-related initiatives.
Internal Collaboration and Advocacy
Collaborate with schools and units at Harvard to understand, track, and promote Tribal Nation initiatives and activities across the university. Act as an internal advocate in conjunction with the Executive Director for the needs and concerns of Tribal Nation stakeholders, ensuring that their perspectives and input are centered.
Networking
Attend conferences, events, and forums that are related to Tribal Nations to build connections and stay up to date with the latest developments in the Tribal Nations space. Direct visits and participation in Tribal Nation events are also included, Tribal Council Meetings, Powwows, Social Events, etc.
Basic QualificationsCandidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
A/BS and five years of related experience are required.
Additional Qualifications and SkillsMaster's degree preferred.
Strong interpersonal and project management skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Existing relationships and familiarity with Tribal Nations are highly preferred.
A deep understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of Tribal Sovereign Nations.
Previous experience in relationship management, partnership development, or community outreach.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Must be able to juggle complex event logistics with attention to detail and work effectively under deadline pressure.
Must be able to work diplomatically and respectfully with Tribal officials and other community leaders.
Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Must be able to work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed for visit support.
Additional InformationThis position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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.
Work 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.
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.
General Administration
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
358057 Admin Pro/Indiv Contrib
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
Interfaculty Initiatives
Salary Grade
057
Department
HUNAP
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Appointment End Date
30-Jun-2026
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Schedule
Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
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.
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.