Job Summary
The Ecological Approaches to Social Emotional Learning (EASEL) Lab, led by Professor Stephanie M. Jones and Associate Director Rebecca Bailey, seeks a full-time YPAR Specialist to support our team in the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The EASEL Lab explores the effects of high-quality social-emotional interventions on the development and achievement of children, youth, teachers, parents, and communities. Our projects aim to advance the field of social and emotional learning (SEL) through research, practice, and policy.
The EASEL Lab is partnering with the Children’s Aid Society of New York to build communities of practice that explore issues related to equity and justice at the intersection of SEL and character development in schools. This project will work with 3-6 schools in New York City (NYC) and use the following methods:
- Communities of Practice (COP), in which families, youth, educators, and school staff meet to share artifacts and discuss their own definitions, experiences with, and vision for more equitable SEL and character- related programming in schools; and
- Participatory Action Research (PAR), in which community members identify their own research questions tied to SEL and equity in schools and conduct year-long research studies to build knowledge and identify potential actions that can improve specific practices, policies, structures and conditions related to how their own school promotes social-emotional development and wellbeing for young people.
Position Description
The EASEL Lab is looking for an experienced YPAR Facilitator who will be responsible for working closely with the Project Design Team and NYC sites to design and lead the following activities:
- Development of PAR and COP workshop facilitation materials: This includes creating an overall program structure and materials for PAR and youth-adult partnership work, and supporting the design of COP workshop agendas, activities, and feedback surveys, as needed
- Facilitation at participating school sites: This includes co-facilitation of PAR and COP workshops
- Data collection: This includes designing and implementing surveys, designing interview protocols and leading focus groups, and completing field notes during workshops
- Data processing, cleaning, and analysis: This includes transcribing focus groups and interviews, analyzing and synthesizing field notes, and analyzing survey data to share with funders, community partners, and other audiences; including working with participants and/or supporting adult and youth participants to analyze and interpret findings
- Authorship and publication: This includes contributing to and/or co-writing journal articles or case studies in collaboration with project partners
The YPAR Specialist will support the project team (including senior researchers at HGSE, an EASEL Lab Project Coordinator, and student interns) to execute all project activities, including contributing to written reports and slide decks; communicating and coordinating with project partners; and providing timeline and progress updates to the project team. The YPAR Specialist will work closely with school and community partners at 3-6 school sites in NYC, including school leadership and support staff, teachers, and elementary and middle school youth. Finally, the YPAR Specialist will collaborate with the EASEL Lab leadership team to identify opportunity to integrate youth participatory action research and other forms of youth input/youth voice into the ongoing work of EASEL Lab projects.
This is a term position with an end date of July 31, 2025
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with youth, either facilitating youth-led programs or activities in schools or other learning environments with middle and/or high school-age students. Must be familiar with social and emotional developmental literature and/or SEL programs.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, demonstrable initiative, ability to work independently, and strong interpersonal and administrative skills. A high capacity to plan and organize is required.
- A master’s degree in human development, education, or related field
- Knowledge of and experience developing and facilitating participatory action research
- Familiarity with social-emotional developmental literature and SEL or school-based programs
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills – both written and oral
- Knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data processing and analysis
- Willingness to collaborate with team members on diverse project tasks
- Knowledge of and experience working in education in diverse US contexts
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.
Work Format Details
This 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.
About Us
HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve;
- Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged;
- Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation;
- Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion;
- Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
- Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.
About the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu
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.
Job Function
General Administration
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
403040 Coordinator II
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Union
55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Appointment End Date
31-Jul-2025
Pre-Employment Screening
Identity
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.