The Institute of Politics (IOP) at Harvard Kennedy School was founded in 1966 to inspire students to pursue public service and engage meaningfully in politics. Established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy Jr., the IOP connects Harvard undergraduates with public officials, leaders, and academics in a nonpartisan setting that encourages rigorous dialogue, exploration, and leadership development. The IOP offers a suite of dynamic programs, including the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, one of the most prominent platforms for political discussion in the world, and hosts influential initiatives like the Harvard Public Opinion Project and the Women’s Initiative in Leadership.
Operating at the intersection of academic inquiry and political practice, the IOP is unique among Harvard Kennedy School centers in its practitioner-led, student-focused model. Programs are fully funded through endowments, allowing flexibility and innovation in design and delivery. Students engage directly in shaping programming and initiatives, forming a vibrant, inclusive community committed to the ideals of democracy, leadership, and public service.
The Opportunity
The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) is a key member of the Institute’s senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing financial and administrative operations across a dynamic and student-centered organization.
This role offers a distinctive opportunity to lead strategic resource planning and financial management in a mission-driven setting with an annual budget of approximately $7 million. Reporting to the Executive Director, the DFA ensures sound fiscal practices, enables efficient administrative operations, and contributes to high-level decision-making at one of Harvard’s most visible centers for undergraduate engagement.
The DFA will join the IOP at an exciting moment of growth and programmatic innovation. This role is well-suited to an experienced financial leader who thrives in collaborative environments, enjoys mentoring students and early-career staff, and is energized by the Institute’s purpose to prepare the next generation of public leaders.
In addition to leading finance, compliance, and budgetary planning, the DFA will serve as a partner in enhancing systems, cultivating organizational excellence, and promoting a culture of equity, inclusion, and accountability.
