Executive Director of the Fellowship Program

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, the Executive Director provides intellectual and administrative leadership for Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s renowned residential fellowship program. The Director sets the strategic direction, ensures rigorous and fair selection processes, and stewards the fellows’ experience from recruitment through alumni engagement. The role collaborates with the Associate Dean, the Dean of the Institute, and program partners to advance Radcliffe’s mission as a leading center for interdisciplinary exploration.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Direction

• Lead the Radcliffe Fellowship Program, including core academic-year fellowships, the Research Partners Program, summer visiting fellowships, and other affiliated initiatives.
• Formulate and implement short- and long-term strategic plans that sustain Radcliffe’s position as an innovative, field‑leading residential fellowship program.
• Collaborate with Institute leadership to integrate the fellowship program with related efforts across Radcliffe.

Recruitment, Selection, and Alumni Engagement

• Develop application guidelines and outreach strategies to attract a diverse, multidisciplinary, international applicant pool.
• Lead the annual selection of approximately 50 fellows, working with external reviewers and senior colleagues to ensure a rigorous, equitable review.
• Design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy in collaboration with External Relations.

Program Design, Delivery, and Assessment

• Oversee design and delivery of the year‑round fellowship experience, including orientation, weekly lunch and colloquia, seminars, workshops, and the annual fellowship event.
• Ensure effective administrative structures for all stages of the fellowship lifecycle.
• Lead ongoing assessment and continuous improvement of the program, incorporating survey findings into program design.

External Representation, Partnerships, and Advancement

• Partner with Communications and External Relations to develop materials that present fellows and projects to internal and external audiences.
• Develop relationships with peer leaders at other institutes for advanced study and monitor emerging models in fellowship programs.
• Support fellows in establishing connections across Harvard to maximize residency experience, advising, advocating, and providing introductions.

Staff, Financial, and Operational Management

• Lead and manage Fellowship Program staff, setting goals, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture.
• Direct multi‑year financial planning and annual budgeting processes, ensuring stewardship of resources.

Working Conditions

• Professional office setting within the university environment.
• Collaboration with faculty, staff, fellows, students, and external partners both in person and virtually.
• Attendance and hosting of events in lecture halls, meeting rooms, and campus venues.
• Fast‑paced, deadline‑driven work environment with peaks during recruitment, selection, and residency cycles.

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk and computer use.
• In‑person meetings, presentations, and events; moving between campus buildings.
• Effective communication in person, by phone, and electronically.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 15–20 pounds.
• Some evening and weekend work, especially during peak program periods.
• Limited domestic or international travel for conferences, outreach, or partnership development.

Basic Qualifications

• Post‑graduate degree required; doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, program leadership, or a related scholarly setting, including:
  • Designing, implementing, and overseeing complex academic, research, or fellowship programs.
  • Managing professional staff, including hiring, supervising, and developing teams.
  • Collaborating with faculty, scholars, artists, and practitioners across disciplines.
  • Engaging in strategic planning and budgeting for a program or department.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills across diverse audiences.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience leading a fellowship program or institute for advanced study.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in academic programs.
• Experience working with alumni, advisory councils, and donors.
• Familiarity with Harvard University and/or the Harvard Radcliffe Institute highly desirable.
• Comfort with data and digital platforms for application, review, and assessment.
• Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed environment and manage multiple priorities.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please refer to Harvard’s Salary Ranges for specific salary information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance beginning on day one
• University‑contributed retirement plans
• Well‑being and mental health resources
• Family and caregiver support
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. The institution seeks talent from all parts of society and the world and strives to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. The university’s policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

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