Project Director, Quality Measurement Initiative - Military Veterans

Job Summary

The Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education is seeking a Project Director, Quality Measurement Initiative to lead the development of an innovative and easy-to-implement, evidence-grounded measure of setting-level quality for early education and care systems. The first of its kind measure will be informed by data and findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H), coupled with technological advancements and breakthrough findings in behavioral science. Candidates who are self-starters with strong project management, research, and written communication skills, combined with content knowledge developed through experience working on large-scale quality improvement efforts in early education are encouraged to apply.

Position Description

Leading and working with Zaentz Initiative faculty, research and program staff this role is responsible for creating a novel and quality assessment tool that will be part of a suite of tools offered to the field by the Initiative.

Position Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Update/revise Zaentz literature review on measurement of quality in early education
• Create inventory of measurement tools in early education and of quality measures in adjacent fields with analysis on key dimensions
• Conduct literature review on innovations in behavior science, and related sectors, to nudge towards improvement in practice and/or individuals? behavior change
• Synthesize findings and data from ELS@H and other key studies, and existing measures, to analyze and develop the content structure to develop a large pool of potential items
• Lead and work with practitioners, researchers, and key leaders, including state leaders, consultants, and/or technical assistance providers to narrow to candidate items for the pilot measure
• Develop a pilot study to implement the measure as a fully developed, end product, in connection with other existing measures
• Generate data for reliability/validity and final plans for a pilot study to assess usability and generate user feedback

This is a Term Position for one year from date of hire with the possibility of extension.

Basic Qualifications

Master?s degree required. Minimum 5 years relevant experience. Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education/development and policy.

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state?s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

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.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

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
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

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.