Executive Director

Job Summary

The Harvard University Center for African Studies is a globally recognized, interdisciplinary university-wide center at Harvard University that broadens knowledge about Africa and brings African perspectives to bear on the scholarship of the Harvard community and beyond. The Center is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts with an Africa Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Executive Director plays a key role in overseeing and implementing the Center for African Studies’ (CAS) programmatic activities across the FAS and Professional Schools as well as in Africa. The position forges professional engagement with faculty and key administrators across the University, as well as with counterparts in institutions in Africa. The Executive Director works closely with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director and the Faculty Executive Committee for the drafting and execution of CAS’ strategic plan and budget, which fosters cross-school, interdisciplinary research, events and public programming initiatives, student programs in Africa, faculty support, and fellowships.

Auto req ID

61619BR

Job Code

361059 Administrative Manager

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Executive Director

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

059

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably in university administration.
• Experience supervising two or more staff, managing budgets of at least $1m, and managing federal and non-federal sponsored programs.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in university administration, personnel management, and HR.
• Experience in strategic planning, program and project development, and building partnerships and networks. Familiarity with African Studies a plus.
• Strong financial and budget planning background. Fundraising or donor canvassing a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, supervisory, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the University and external organizations.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects, balance conflicting priorities, and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Windows or Macintosh and MS Office experience required.

Harvard University will not provide visa support for this position.

Additional Information

Harvard University will not provide visa support for this position.

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


Department

Center for African Studies

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

M-F 35 hours per week

Job Function

General Administration

Position Description

The Harvard University Center for African Studies is a globally recognized, interdisciplinary university-wide center at Harvard University that broadens knowledge about Africa and brings African perspectives to bear on the scholarship of the Harvard community and beyond. The Center is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts with an Africa Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Executive Director plays a key role in overseeing and implementing the Center for African Studies’ (CAS) programmatic activities across the FAS and Professional Schools as well as in Africa. The position forges professional engagement with faculty and key administrators across the University, as well as with counterparts in institutions in Africa. The Executive Director works closely with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director and the Faculty Executive Committee for the drafting and execution of CAS’ strategic plan and budget, which fosters cross-school, interdisciplinary research, events and public programming initiatives, student programs in Africa, faculty support, and fellowships.

• Serves as chief administrator, responsible for the organization and day-to-day management of CAS. Provides oversight of sponsored programs, human resources, and infrastructure, identifying and implementing program goals and priorities, and aligning fundraising targets with CAS’ mission. Prepares and manages budgets, supervises staff, allocates resources, and controls and monitors spending in accordance with University policies and grant and gift terms.
• Plays a key leadership role in the conceptualization, design, and implementation of fundraising, sponsored research grants, publications, events, public outreach programming, fellowships, student support, and various research projects.
• Collaborates with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director and other faculty members to support the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP), Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, and other visiting scholar initiatives.
• Coordinates governance by the Faculty Executive Committee and serves as liaison to the Africa Advisory Board and Leadership Council. Interacts with and expands pool of Faculty Affiliates from across the University.
• Works closely with FAS and other University offices to facilitate and expand collaboration across the FAS and the Professional Schools of the University, as well as with constituents in the Provost’s Office, the FAS Dean’s Office, the Office for Sponsored Programs, the Office of General Counsel, the University Development Office, and Harvard Global.
• Serves as operational liaison between Harvard Global and the CAS Africa Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

EEO 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.

Working Conditions

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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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.

Work Format

On-Site