Executive Director at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Executive Director

Req ID: 67079BR

School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Description: Job Summary

The Asia Center seeks a new Executive Director to work in partnership with the Faculty Director to provide strategic leadership and management of the center. The Asia Center is an inter-faculty initiative committed to facilitating the cross-cultural study of Asia at Harvard University by fostering research and bringing together faculty members, students, scholars, and other professionals to explore the interconnected histories of the region and the significant issues facing Asia today. The Asia Center focuses its initiatives, events, and student and faculty grants on East, South, and Southeast Asia, with an emphasis on topics that cross national boundaries and academic disciplines. A priority of the Asia Center is the development of Southeast Asian Studies at the University.

Position Description

• In close partnership with the Faculty Director, the Executive Director (ED) conceptualizes and develops new programs, strategies, and initiatives to advance the academic, research, and programmatic agenda of the Center.
• Enhances collaboration and connectivity between Asia-focused programs within Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and other faculties. Additionally, The ED promotes interdisciplinary research and cooperative endeavors among the University's libraries, museums, regional centers, and institutes.
• Assumes a leadership role in identifying funding sources for Center program initiatives, cultivating and maintaining existing relationships with foundations and donors, and developing a strong program of stewardship activities. Writes grant proposals and reports, while also guiding and supervising other Center staff in these activities.
• Manages the implementation of current and future Center programs including: sponsored research, publications and a diverse range of conferences, seminars, working groups, exhibits, and other special events.
• Oversees services for Asia-related Centers at Harvard and facilitates organizational relationships to support their activities. Regularly communicates and consults with colleagues in other Asia-related centers on the Asia Center's plans and activities.
• Identifies opportunities to supplement other Asia-related programs and institutes around the University providing a focal point through the Asia Center for interaction and exchange on topics of common interest for the Harvard community and Asian intellectual, political, and business circles.
• Serves as chief administrator, responsible for the organization and management of the Center's three units: Programs, Finance and Administration, and Publications. In consultation with the Faculty Director and Center leadership team, provides oversight of sponsored programs, human resources, and infrastructure, identifying and implementing program goals and priorities, allocating staff and resources, and aligning fundraising targets with the Center's mission.
• Manages Center staff. Management responsibilities include building and developing a diverse, inclusive, and effective team; planning and delegating work effectively; communicating and monitoring performance expectations; motivating, nurturing and developing direct reports; providing staff development and mentorship; and ensuring compliance with Harvard and FAS policies and procedures.
• As a member of the Center's senior management team and Administrative Action Group, the ED coordinates work with other FAS and Harvard research centers and administrators, and collaborates with counterparts across other Harvard Schools and University administration. Serves as the primary administrative liaison with FAS administration, ensuring close and effective collaboration.
• Serves on the Center's Steering Committee, Advisory committee, and the Council on Asian Studies. In consultation with the Director, develops agendas or discussion items and ensures implementation of action items generated by the committees.
• Networks and collaborates with other regional research centers within FAS and other relevant schools and departments of the University.
• Participates in FAS and University-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.
• May also contribute to the Center's intellectual mission through teaching, writing, and/or research.
• Some travel required (domestic and international).
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required and at least 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including leadership role(s) within a research or academic institution. Demonstrated experience managing staff and overseeing budgets. Grant management experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Prior work or academic experience in Asia is a plus. Experience managing federal and non-federal sponsored programs. Fundraising experience desired. A successful candidate will have demonstrated success leading collaborative projects, achieving exceptional operational results, and possess a strong reputation for being an organized and dynamic leader. Substantial writing experience is essential.

Additional Information

This position will require a minimum of 3 days a week on campus and for events and meetings as needed.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: 361060 Administrative Manager

Job Function: General Administration

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: Social Sciences

Salary Grade: 060

Department: Asia Center


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity


Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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