Application Guide

How to Apply for Fellow Positions – Summer 2026 Cohort

at Harvard Kennedy School

🏢 About Harvard Kennedy School

The Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab is unique because it operates at the intersection of academic research and hands-on government transformation, working directly with state and local agencies to solve complex social problems. Someone might want to work here to apply rigorous, data-driven approaches to improve public systems while being part of Harvard's prestigious ecosystem focused on public service impact.

About This Role

This Fellow position involves managing end-to-end government transformation projects, from conceptual design through implementation, with a focus on building performance management systems and analyzing administrative data to improve service delivery. It's impactful because you'll directly help governments collaborate more effectively with service providers to create more just and equitable outcomes for vulnerable populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing administrative data sets to identify service delivery gaps, facilitating a virtual workshop with government partners to design performance metrics, and coaching agency staff on implementing new processes. You'll balance deep analytical work with stakeholder management, often coordinating across multiple time zones while advancing project milestones.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Harvard Kennedy School Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of professional experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, preferably in government, consulting, or social sector organizations
  • Demonstrates proven ability to build trust and credibility with diverse government stakeholders while navigating bureaucratic complexities
  • Possesses strong analytical skills with experience matching and analyzing administrative data to derive actionable insights
  • Is comfortable with regular travel for some projects and has experience facilitating meetings, trainings, or coaching sessions

📝 Tips for Applying to Harvard Kennedy School

1

Highlight specific examples where you've managed transformation projects from conceptualization through implementation, not just execution phases

2

Quantify your experience with performance management systems or data analysis in government or social sector contexts

3

Demonstrate understanding of the Lab's specific approach by referencing their published case studies or project methodologies

4

Show how you've built capacity in government organizations through coaching or training permanent staff

5

Address both the required travel flexibility and your remote work effectiveness since this is a US-remote position

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience managing complex projects with government or social sector stakeholders from start to finish', "Specific examples of how you've used data analysis to improve service delivery or measure population outcomes", 'Your approach to building trust and credibility with diverse stakeholders in bureaucratic environments', "Why the Lab's mission of improving government function resonates with your professional goals and values"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Lab's published project case studies and their specific methodologies for government transformation
  • → Study the Lab's focus areas and recent projects to understand which social problems they're currently addressing
  • → Research Harvard Kennedy School's broader ecosystem and how the Lab fits within it
  • → Look into the specific state and local governments the Lab has recently partnered with
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a project where you transformed a process or system from conceptualization through implementation
2 How would you approach building a performance management system for a government agency resistant to change?
3 Describe your experience matching and analyzing administrative data from multiple sources to measure outcomes
4 How have you successfully coached or built capacity in permanent staff during a time-limited project engagement?
5 What interests you specifically about the Government Performance Lab's approach compared to other government innovation organizations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on academic credentials without demonstrating hands-on project management experience with government stakeholders
  • Presenting generic public service interest without showing specific understanding of the Lab's data-driven, implementation-focused approach
  • Failing to address both the analytical/data aspects AND the relationship-building/coaching aspects of the role

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Harvard Kennedy School!

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