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 residential fellowship program, which annually supports approximately 50 leading scholars, scientists, artists, and practitioners from around the world. The role sets strategic direction, ensures rigorous selection processes, and stewards the fellows’ experience from recruitment through alumni engagement, while advancing the Institute’s mission as a leading center for cross‑disciplinary exploration and public engagement.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Direction

• Provide intellectual and administrative leadership for the Radcliffe Fellowship Program, including core academic‑year fellowships, Radcliffe Research Partners Program, summer visiting fellows, and related initiatives.
• Formulate and implement short‑ and long‑term strategic plans to sustain the program’s position and align it with the Institute’s mission and evolving academic and public landscapes.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Dean, and other Institute leadership to integrate the fellowship program with related efforts across the Institute.

Recruitment, Selection, and Alumni Engagement

• Develop and implement application guidelines and outreach strategies that attract a diverse, multidisciplinary, and international applicant pool.
• Lead the annual selection process for approximately 50 fellows, working closely with external reviewers, senior colleagues, and the Associate Dean to ensure a rigorous, equitable, and transparent review.
• Co‑design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy in partnership with External Relations.

Program Design, Delivery, and Assessment

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

External Representation, Partnerships, and Advancement

• Work with Communications and External Relations to develop strategies and materials that present fellows and their projects to internal and external audiences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with peer leaders at other institutes for advanced study and related organizations; monitor emerging fellowship models and best practices.
• Support fellows in establishing connections across Harvard to maximize their residency experience.

Staff, Financial, and Operational Management

• Lead and manage the Fellowship Program staff, setting goals, providing feedback, and supporting staff development.
• Direct the department’s multi‑year financial planning and annual budgeting processes; monitor expenditures to ensure stewardship of resources and adherence to approved budgets.

Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed in a professional office setting within a university environment.
• The role requires frequent collaboration with faculty, staff, fellows, students, and external partners, both in person and virtually.
• The position may involve attending and hosting events in lecture halls, meeting rooms, and other campus venues.
• The work environment is fast‑paced and deadline‑driven, with periods of high activity during the fellowship recruitment, selection, and residency cycles.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent in‑person meetings, presentations, and events, including moving between buildings on campus.
• Effective communication in person, by phone, and via electronic communication.
• Occasional lifting and moving of materials up to 15–20 pounds.
• Some evening and weekend work, particularly during peak program periods and special events.
• Limited domestic and/or international travel may be required.

Basic Qualifications

• Post‑graduate degree required; doctoral degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, program leadership, or a closely related field in higher education or a comparable scholarly setting, including:
• Experience designing, implementing, and overseeing complex academic, research, or fellowship programs.
• Experience managing professional staff, including hiring and development.
• Effective collaboration with faculty, scholars, artists, and practitioners across disciplines.
• Strategic planning and budgetary responsibility for a program or department.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including writing for diverse audiences and institutional representation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience leading or playing a central role in a fellowship program or institute for advanced study.
• Commitment to advancing inclusion and belonging, particularly through recruitment and support of diverse cohorts.
• Experience working with alumni, advisory councils, and donors; collaborating with communications and development/advancement professionals.
• Familiarity with Harvard University and/or the Harvard Radcliffe Institute highly desirable.
• Comfort working with data and digital platforms for application, review, and assessment processes.
• Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed environment and juggle multiple priorities.

Job Details

• Standard hours: 35 hours per week.
• Visa sponsorship: Not available.

Salary Grade and Ranges

Salary grade level 060. Refer to Harvard's Salary Ranges for related information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Well‑being and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• 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. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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