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Why join the Harvard Radcliffe Institute?

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University, known colloquially as Harvard Radcliffe Institute, is one of the world’s leading centers for interdisciplinary exploration. We bring together students, scholars, artists, and practitioners to pursue curiosity-driven research, expand human understanding, and grapple with questions that demand insight from across disciplines.

The Fellowship Program annually supports the work of 50 leading artists and scholars. Academic Ventures fosters collaborative research projects and sponsors lectures and conferences that engage scholars with the public. The Schlesinger Library documents the lives of American women of the past and present for the future, furthering the Institute's commitment to women, gender, and society. The Emerging Leaders Program is a youth leadership development program partnering local high school sophomores with Harvard undergraduates in a mentoring relationship.

The Institute’s work is shaped by its history as the former Radcliffe College—a school founded to ensure that the standard of education embodied in Harvard was accessible to women, who were then excluded from the University. But the legacy of Radcliffe College is not simply coeducation at Harvard; it is the recognition that universities will always be greater when they draw wisdom and talent from the widest possible pool.

Take a look at this video to get different staff perspectives on working at Harvard Radcliffe Institute!

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs (Associate Dean), the Executive Director provides intellectual and administrative leadership for Harvard Radcliffe Institute’s renowned residential fellowship program. Each year, the program brings approximately 50 leading scholars, scientists, artists, and practitioners from around the world to pursue ambitious, original projects within Radcliffe’s uniquely vibrant interdisciplinary community.

The Executive Director sets the strategic direction of the fellowship program; ensures the rigor, fairness, and visibility of its selection processes; and stewards the fellows’ experience from recruitment through selection, residency, and alumni engagement. In close collaboration with the Associate Dean, the Dean of the Harvard Radcliffe Institute, and program partners, the Executive Director ensures that the fellowship program advances the Institute’s mission as a leading center for cross-disciplinary exploration and public engagement.

The ideal candidate is an intellectually curious and highly collaborative academic leader who is energized by Radcliffe’s cross-disciplinary mission. They have substantial experience building and leading scholarly programs and are skilled at both designing ambitious initiatives and managing the details that make them succeed. They are adept at cultivating diverse, international communities, and leading and developing a high-performing professional staff. They are comfortable serving as a visible ambassador to faculty, alumni, and donors. They are also committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment—for both fellows and staff—in which people can take risks, grow in their roles, and pursue path‑breaking work.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Program Direction

• Provide intellectual and administrative leadership for the Radcliffe Fellowship Program as a whole, encompassing the core academic-year fellowships and related components such as the Radcliffe Research Partners Program (with undergraduates), a summer program of visiting fellows, 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 and align the program with the Institute’s mission, strategic plan, 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 across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

• Lead the annual selection process for approximately 50 fellows, working closely with external reviewers, the Associate Dean and Dean, and other senior colleagues to ensure a rigorous, equitable, and transparent review.

• In collaboration with External Relations, design and implement a comprehensive alumni engagement strategy that maintains fellows’ connection to Radcliffe and Harvard and supports ongoing intellectual, professional, and institutional relationships.

Program Design, Delivery, and Assessment

• Oversee the design and delivery of the year-round fellowship experience, including orientation, weekly lunches and colloquia, seminars and workshops, and the culminating annual fellowship event; identify and develop additional programs and events that deepen intellectual community and engagement.

• Ensure effective administrative structures and processes for all stages of the fellowship lifecycle, from application and review through residency and alumni engagement.

• Lead ongoing assessment and continuous improvement of the program, including annual surveys of academic-year fellows and periodic surveys of alumni, and incorporate findings into program design.

External Representation, Partnerships, and Advancement

• Work with Communications and External Relations to develop strategies and materials that effectively present fellows and their projects to internal and external audiences, including Institute supporters, alumni, and the general public; prepare regular reports and presentations for the Dean’s Advisory Council and other stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain relationships with peer leaders at other institutes for advanced study and related organizations and monitor emerging models and best practices in fellowship programs.

• Actively support fellows in establishing connections across Harvard to maximize their residency experience, serving as a trusted advisor, advocating and providing introductions and/or recommendations as appropriate.

Staff, Financial, and Operational Management

• Lead and manage the Fellowship Program staff responsible for administering the annual selection cycle and operating the year-round program; set goals and expectations, provide regular feedback, and support staff development in a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

• Direct the department’s multiyear financial planning and annual budgeting processes; monitor expenditures to ensure sound 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:

The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• The role frequently involves attending in-person meetings, presentations, and events, including moving between buildings on campus.

• The employee must be able to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via electronic communication.

• Occasional lifting and moving of materials (such as files, event materials, or equipment) up to 15–20 pounds may be required.

• Some evening and weekend work is required, particularly during peak program periods and special events.

• Limited domestic and/or international travel may be required for conferences, outreach, or partnership development.

Basic Qualifications:

• Post-graduate degree required; doctoral degree is strongly preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, program leadership, or a closely related field in higher education or a comparable scholarly setting. Included in this experience is: 

  • Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and overseeing complex academic, research, or fellowship programs (e.g., institutes, centers, residencies, or large-scale academic initiatives).

  • Proven experience managing professional staff, including hiring, supervising, and developing individuals and/or teams.

  • Effective collaboration with faculty, scholars, artists, and/or practitioners across disciplines.

  • Strategic planning and budgetary responsibility for a program or department.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills, as reflected in professional roles that involve writing for diverse audiences (e.g., reports, proposals) and institutional representation.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience leading or playing a central role in a fellowship program or an institute for advanced study.

• Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusion and belonging in academic programs, particularly through recruitment and support of diverse cohorts.

• Experience working with alumni, advisory councils, and/or donors, and collaborating with communications and development/advancement professionals.

• Familiarity with Harvard University and/or the Harvard Radcliffe Institute is highly desirable.

• Comfort working with data and digital platforms for application, review, and assessment processes.

• Ability to thrive in a complex, matrixed environment, and juggling multiple priorities.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Employment.
• Cover Letter: Please note that cover letters are required for every application for a position at the Radcliffe Institute. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document that is uploaded when you are instructed in the application.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting 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 or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.