Career Center

This position will support a new faculty project on the Future of Corporate Governance. In the past few years, calls for changes in corporate governance have proliferated as societies around the globe have responded to COVID-19 and begun to grapple with climate change, inequality, racial inequity, immigration, digitalization, and other large-scale challenges. Business leaders, institutional investors, stock exchanges, lawmakers, regulators, academics, and others have put forth a wide range of proposals and recommendations aimed at improving corporate governance and driving closer alignment between how companies function and the needs of society. Some of these proposals address specific topics such as corporate purpose, board composition, executive pay, corporate reporting, or investor stewardship, while others seek to promote a whole new approach to governance, or even to modify the corporation's legal structure. The purpose of this project is to examine these developments more systematically and to determine the extent to which corporate boards are adopting these proposals in practice. More broadly, the project seeks to understand how corporate governance is evolving and what it might look like in the future.

The individual in this position will interact with corporate board directors, CEOs, and other senior executives to assist in administering and conducting the planned research. This work will involve a wide range of activities including literature searches, document reviews, landscape scanning, identification of interview subjects, coordinating of interviews, developing interview protocols, conducting interviews, analyzing interview results, developing and implementing online surveys, analyzing survey results, planning and implementing virtual roundtable events, managing invitations, acceptances and communications with participants, drafting white papers, case writing and other project work as needed. The initial focus will be on US corporate governance but the project will also draw on the School's Global Research Centers to assist in identifying developments outside the US.

This role is also responsible for other duties as assigned.


This is a full-time term appointment starting this summer through June 30, 2023, with potential for re-appointment for the following year. All HBS RA roles are structured as one-year appointments.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration. Upon the review of application materials, applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample and transcript(s). All positions will be given a writing exam.

HBS is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard's Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University's

Advanced degree (beyond a B.A. or B.S.) preferred and 1-2 years minimum relevant experience in a research, consulting or professional services firm environment.

3-4 years relevant experience preferred. Ideal candidates will thrive in an environment with high levels of autonomy and intellectual curiosity where research priorities, projects, and responsibilities are fluid. They will be comfortable with ambiguity and employ an entrepreneurial approach to balancing important tasks with urgent ones. They will have strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills that will enable them to interact effectively with board directors and senior executives. Prior knowledge of corporate governance is a plus.

We encourage candidates of all identities and backgrounds apply.

Role Specific Competencies:

Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in handling change, ability to juggle multiple and evolving priorities, and adjustment of style to achieve intended results.

Analytical skills: Ability to comprehend, synthesize and distill complex information, theory, and data into concise and accurate insights. Knowledge of Excel, Stata, and other analytical software a plus.

Attention to detail: Ability to complete tasks meticulously with speed and accuracy, while organizing time and resources efficiently.

Communication: Ability to comprehend complex information and express ideas clearly in conversation and written English.

Initiative: Ability to proactively identify and initiate opportunities for contribution, decision-making, and improvement at the appropriate level. Works independently while organizing time and resources effectively to accomplish intended results

This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.