Position Description

• Leading the front-end development of major Atlas and Metroverse data visualizations and UI/UX components within large, existing codebases
• Leading aspects of quality standard development and testing that promotes code that is reliable, readable, maintainable, well-documented
• Collaborating closely with design, backend and product team members to scope new feature requests and articulate relevant trade-offs
• Participating in various phases of feature development, including requirements analysis, design, testing, brainstorming and sprint planning meetings
• Executing technical troubleshooting and bug fixes
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation for all relevant front-end aspects
• Helping to optimize our Google Analytics

• Leading the development of front-end frameworks and standards that adhere with the Growth Lab's high performance standards and design aesthetic
• Building custom and dynamic web-based data visualizations
• Planning and accommodating for various mediums, screen sizes and device types
• Occasionally presenting aspects of your work at staff meetings and Harvard events

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• At least 2 years of active React development experience through academics and/or previous employment positions
• Demonstrated experience using modern HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Demonstrated experience building interactive data visualizations

Additional Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with GraphQL and/or REST API frameworks
• Experience with TypeScript, Node, and command line
• Strong understanding of browser rendering behaviors and performance, including mobile development best practices
• Familiarity with source code control systems for collaboration (GitFlow, Github Flow or similar)
• Awareness of website accessibility standards
• Ability to proactively confront ambiguity with good judgment and mature problem-solving skills
• Excited to explore and learn new technologies and innovative practices in data visualization development
• Experience working within an Agile software development cycle
• Comfortable and willing to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Interested in economic and social development issues

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please note: As part of the interview process, applicants should be prepared to undertake an online technical challenge and demo samples of personal or professional work that best demonstrates relevant capabilities.

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.

Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

Please note: This a hybrid position and we can consider candidates who want to work primarily remote, with the expectation to be able to come to our campus in Cambridge, MA 2-3 times per month for meetings and events.

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.

Salary Range: $74,200 - $126,200

Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

• 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

About Harvard University Kennedy School

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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