Manager – Research Data Management and Acquisition

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Research Computing and Data Services within Research and Library Services (RLS), the Manager of Data Acquisition and Management is responsible for sourcing, licensing, and managing the lifecycle of research data resources used across research projects at Harvard Kennedy School. This role oversees data vendor relationships and contract negotiations; ensures compliant, efficient, and cost-effective acquisition of data resources; and builds systems and policies organizing, storing, and governing institutional data assets. The manager leads a team of research data management staff who create compliant data management plans for contractual and sensitive data use in research projects at HKS. The manager works closely with faculty, researchers, and RLS and IT colleagues to ensure data resources are discoverable, accessible, well-documented, and used in compliance with licensing and data governance requirements.

The Manager serves as a key point of contact for research data acquisition and management for HKS faculty and researchers, internal and external data providers, and University-level offices including the Office of Sponsored Programs, IRB, Office of General Counsel, and others to ensure that research data acquisition supports the School’s public policy research mission while managing legal, financial, and reputational risk.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Data Licensing & Acquisition:

• Manage, lead and identify the appropriate administrative process at Harvard for any given data acquisition, which may require working with the Manager of Library Services & Collections at HKS and/or negotiators in Harvard Library, Strategic Procurement, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of General Counsel.
• Interpret and review data license and Data Use Agreement (DUA) terms for compliant use of data at HKS. Work with Harvard units and/or data providers when additional clarity is required.
• Manage licensed data contracts and renewals.
• Build strong relationships with data vendors to enable ongoing positive relationships between HKS and data providers.
• Partner with HKS and Harvard stakeholders to coordinate the review of complex agreements, identify policy and risk considerations, and facilitate appropriate approvals and resolution of contractual issues.

Data Management & Safety

• Lead a team of Data Safety reviewers, working closely with the team to interpret DUA and data license terms into compliant data management plans. Manage, coach, and develop the team while translating RLS strategy into actionable day-to-day work for the team.
• When necessary, conduct risk assessments of incoming contractual research data governed by contract or prospectively collected data and identify mitigating strategies including evaluating sensitivity classification, re-identification risk, security requirements, and downstream use restrictions. Advise RLS leadership on acceptable risk thresholds. 
• Serve as escalation point for complex or high-risk data compliance issues

Policy, SOP's and Governance

• Develop, maintain, and periodically update SOPs governing access to, use of, and disposition of sensitive and licensed research data at HKS.
• Ensure SOPs align with Harvard University policy, funder/sponsor requirements, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Design and maintain workflows and on- and off-boarding processes for HKS faculty and researchers requesting access to licensed or restricted datasets.
• Deliver training and guidance to HKS researchers and RLS staff on data use agreement obligations and compliance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Act as primary liaison between HKS faculty and researchers, data providers, Harvard Library and school libraries, Harvard’s Office of General Counsel, and university compliance offices throughout the data acquisition lifecycle.
• Provide regular reporting to the Chief Research Enablement Officer, Director of Research Computing and Data Services, Director of Library Services, and Manager of Library Services & Collections on the School’s data licensing portfolio, compliance status, and risk exposure.
• Represent HKS and Harvard in discussions with data vendors, consortia, and peer institutions on licensing and data-sharing matters.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., data governance, information or library science, law, public policy, research administration).
• 5+ years of experience in data licensing/contracts, research compliance, or a related field, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating data contracts, licenses, or data use agreements.
• A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in the above fields, a plus.
• Experience in a higher education, academic research, or public policy research setting.
• Familiarity with research data management platforms, data enclaves, or secure computing environments.
• Certification in privacy, compliance, or contract management (e.g., CIPP, CRA, CCEP).
• Experience with sensitive data types such as human subjects data, protected health information, or controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Working knowledge of research compliance frameworks (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, GDPR, CUI, export control, IRB requirements).
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating contractual risk, liability, and indemnification language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate legal/contractual language for non-legal audiences.
• Experience developing SOPs, policies, or governance documentation.

Additional Information

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA and required to work on campus 3 days/week.
• Application Instructions: A complete application must include a resume and cover letter.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 058