At the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab (GPL), we partner with governments to improve outcomes for communities across the United States. Our teams work on challenges such as rethinking who responds to certain 911 calls, identifying earlier points of support for children and families, and strengthening efforts that prevent people from losing their homes.

Working at the GPL means contributing to systems-level change—designing strategies, informing policy, and helping government leaders deliver better services.

Current Opportunities

Director of Strategic Operations

The GPL is seeking a Director of Strategic Operations to work closely with the Executive Director in a Chief-of-Staff–style role.
This leader will translate GPL’s strategic vision into organization-wide execution, designing and strengthening internal systems that support high-impact work.

Responsibilities include:

• Improving core functions across the organization

• Building operational systems that enhance performance

• Driving alignment between strategy and implementation

Apply here

For more information click here

Government Innovation Fellow

The GPL is hiring Government Innovation Fellows—professionals passionate about improving government performance and advancing social change.

Fellows lead day-to-day project work with partner governments, managing transformation initiatives from concept through implementation.

Fellows gain experience in:

• Project management

• Research and data analysis

• High-level stakeholder engagement

• Designing and testing service delivery reforms

Apply here

For more information click here

Why Work at the GPL?

Voices From Our Team

System-Level Impact

“I came to the GPL because I wanted to tackle systemic challenges that caused the problems I saw in my direct service work.”
—Sherraine Ashley, Government Innovation Fellow

Access to High-Level Decision-Making

“In my project, I recently briefed a state commissioner on efforts to prevent families’ involvement in the child welfare system.”
—Kaitlin Tufts, Children & Families Project Leader

Amplifying Insights Nationally

“I interviewed police chiefs, visited a 911 call center, and helped develop resources to improve alternative emergency response programs across the country.”
—Analisa Sorrells, Research & Writing Project Leader

Early Career Leadership

“One of my first projects delivered $150 million in recovery funds to communities that needed it.”
—Lars Benson, Homelessness & Housing Project Leader

Roles at the GPL

Government Innovation Fellows

Work directly with government partners to design and test reforms that create more equitable, effective service systems.

Research & Writing Fellows

Translate lessons from GPL projects into resources and publications that help governments nationwide.

Core skills developed by all fellows:

• Research & Data Analysis

• Project Management

• Stakeholder Management

• Strategic Communication

Across teams—from Safety & Justice to Children & Families—fellows play a hands-on role in shaping innovations that improve residents’ lives.

Career Pathways

Many fellows go on to leadership positions within the GPL.

Project Leader

Leads project work, manages fellows, and co-creates insights with government partners.

Assistant Director

Oversees project portfolios, scopes new engagements, and guides team development and training.

Initiative, Policy & Managing Directors

Set strategy, advise senior government officials, lead major initiatives, and generate insights that advance better outcomes nationwide.

Staff Perspective

“Two years after my MSW, I was helping my state reduce recidivism, analyzing youth prison safety, and improving correctional programs statewide.”
—Megan Toohey, Managing Director of Children & Families

“We’ve helped governments send unarmed responder teams to tens of thousands of 911 calls—creating a real alternative for communities.”
—Gabriela Solis Torres, Assistant Director of Criminal Justice

The Hiring Process

The GPL application window typically opens in late winter or early spring.
Past applications have included:

• A resume

• Short written responses about interest and experience

Where GPL Alumni Go

Training new public and social sector leaders is core to the GPL’s mission.
Alumni bring their skills to government agencies, social sector organizations, and policy teams across the country.

Alumni Spotlight

“The skills I gained at the GPL are the ones I now rely on every day as we work to alleviate child poverty in Maryland.”
—Andrea Barnes, Policy Advisor, Maryland Governor’s Office for Children