2025-05-07
Harvard University
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Cambridge
Massachusetts
02163
United States
Harvard University
Position Title: Executive Director
Req ID: 68212BR
School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Description: Job Summary
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies seeks a full-time Executive Director who can play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership and management of the Center.
The interdisciplinary Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies was founded in 1948. Its mission is to advance research and scholarship on Russia and Eurasia at Harvard and to train new generations of scholars and experts on the region. The Center administers a master's program in regional studies; sponsors academic, cultural, and community events; supports faculty and student research and regional and thematic research programs (Central Asia, Georgia, Imperial Russia, Cold War Studies), maintains the Davis Center Collection at Fung Library; hosts postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and research associates; publishes the award-winning Journal of Cold War Studies; and sponsors outreach to K-14 educators and students, and the broader community.
The Center is a home to all members of the Harvard community interested in the region - undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, visitors, and alumni. It also welcomes faculty and students from peer institutions in greater Boston and across New England. In addition, the Center works closely with the other international centers and institutes at Harvard and beyond to promote the study of global issues on campus and to expand Harvard's global reach.
The Executive Director works closely with the faculty Director in providing strategic leadership and management of the Center. The ED is responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, and financial activities of an area-studies social science research center with a $4+ million annual budget, 18 staff, and many residential and non-residential faculty, students, and scholars. In close partnership with the faculty Director, the ED is responsible for advancing the Center's mission.
This position reports to the Davis Center faculty Director with dotted line reporting to the Division of Social Science.
Position Description
Conceptualizes and develops new programs, strategies, and initiatives to advance the academic, research, and programmatic agenda of the Center.
Manages the strategic, operational, and financial planning of the Center and oversees key functions including sponsored research, finance, human resources, development, communications, public relations, events management, faculty, student, and scholar program, and research activities.
Manages the implementation of programs and activities that further the Center's mission, ensuring that staff activities match DCRES goals and priorities.
Provides oversight of the Title VI Grant from the Department of Education, which includes FLAS (foreign language and area studies) awards, teaching and library support, language instruction, and K-14 outreach activities. Co-writes research grant proposals and reports and supervises the efforts of other Davis Center staff in these endeavors.
Takes a lead role in identifying funding sources for Center program initiatives, developing new and managing existing relationships with foundations and donors, and developing a strong program of stewardship activities, including alumni relations. With the faculty Director, cultivates an advisory board comprising business, academic, and non-profit leaders with strong ties to the region.
Manages staff to build and develop a diverse, effective, and inclusive team; effectively plans and delegates work; provides staff development and mentorship; communicates and monitors performance expectations; motivates and nurtures direct reports; and ensures compliance with Harvard and FAS policies and procedures.
Serves on the Center's Executive Committee (ex-officio) and works with the Director to develop agendas and ensure implementation of action items generated by the committee.
Networks and collaborates with other regional research centers within FAS (Faculty of Arts and Sciences) and other relevant schools and departments of the University. Represents the Center with FAS administration. Participates in FAS and University-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.
Serves as the Director of Graduate Studies and Academic Advisor to the Center's Master of Arts in Regional Studies-Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (REECA) program, a two-year course of study that offers advanced training in the history, politics, culture, society, and languages of the region. Participates actively in full-cycle admissions process. Teaches the 2-year proseminar to all REECA AM students and plays an active role in job placement of graduating students.
Basic Qualifications
PhD in one of the core social science disciplines and regional-based experience are required. At least ten years' management experience in a research or international academic environment, with relevant financial and budgetary experience and experience leading, managing, and building teams.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Must have the ability to represent the Director and the Center effectively at all levels of the University and with external constituents including donors, foundations, scholars, and peer institutions. Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and to plan and manage a broad range of research and related activities in the field of Russian and Eurasian Studies. Fundraising and grants management experience preferred. Russian fluency preferred but not required, proficiency in other regional languages helpful. Availability for domestic and international travel is required.
Additional Information
A cover letter should accompany all applications.
Visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the Davis Center.
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.
About Us
Visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the Davis Center.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
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