2025-07-03
Harvard University
Other
/yr
employee
contract
Cambridge
Massachusetts
02138
United States
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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
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.
A cover letter should accompany all applications.
Visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the Davis Center.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types 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:
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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.
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