Research Data Management and Acquisition Manager
Posted 18 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Manager, Research Data Management and Acquisition”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Level
- 058
- Expected experience
- 5+ yrs
- Management level
- People management
- Employment
- Hybrid
- Contract
- Full-time
- Visa sponsorship
- Not offered
No salary listed for this role.
Field of studyData Governance, Information Science, Law, Library Science, Public Policy, Research Administration
Study levelBachelor's
CertificationsCIPP, CRA, CCEP
Field of studyData Governance, Information Science, Law, Library Science, Public Policy, Research Administration
Study levelMaster's
Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
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.