Position Title: Executive Director, Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative
Req ID: 67151BR
School or Unit: University Administration
Description: Job Summary
Harvard University is seeking an Executive Director for its Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative (H&LS), a University-wide effort to recognize and reckon with Harvard's legacy of slavery and its modern implications; to identify and engage with descendent communities; and to advance visible, lasting, and effective actions grounded in Harvard's educational mission and guided by the recommendations outlined in the Presidential Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery's report.
The Executive Director reports to and works closely with the Vice Provost for Special Projects (VPSP), who sets the vision and strategy of H&LS and serves as its primary spokesperson. The Executive Director will be an outstanding administrative leader, responsible for the execution of H&LS's implementation plan and ensuring its operational functions are streamlined and mission oriented. This role is instrumental in H&LS's financial planning and reporting; programmatic oversight, organizational and staff management, and communications management. The Executive Director collaborates with key internal stakeholders, including colleagues in the Office of the President and Provost, Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, the Office of Finance and Administration, and the University's many Schools and units, and develops strong relationships with external partners such as community organizations and descendant communities.
H&LS is seeking an Executive Director who shares a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all involved.
Position Description
Oversee and ensure the successful implementation of the report's recommendations across Harvard Schools and units in close partnership with the VPSP and relevant Central Administration, School, and department staff, ensuring mutual clarity of expectations and relevant timelines.
Develop short- and long-term financial planning in support of the strategic vision and goals; manage the annual budget while constantly assessing with recommendations to streamline; work collaboratively with the Office of Finance to align with H&LS strategic priorities and adhere to endowment's use restrictions.
Manage H&LS staff, including determining staffing needs and resources, managing performance processes, overseeing student hiring processes, and professional growth and development.
Oversee the Reparative Grant Program - and other requests for sponsorship - including the annual call for proposals, review submissions (e.g., project descriptions, proposed budgets, etc.), the selection process, the funds distribution and progress reporting throughout the grant life cycle.
Implement and strengthen administrative systems, policies, best practices, and infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and communications, including contract negotiation and management, records management, data security, compliance with University policies, etc.
Oversee and analyze programmatic and other key metrics for annual reporting obligations.
Support the H&LS Advisory Committee, the H&LS Cross-University Committee, the H&LS Memorial Project Committee and other advisory bodies to advance implementation efforts.
Support School- and unit-based H&LS efforts, providing guidance and coordination as needed.
Execute Harvard-wide strategies for coordinated implementation of the recommendations, considering Harvard's strengths, existing commitments, and partner organization interests.
Build and foster strong relationships with community organizations, other educational institutions, and descendent communities. Build trust and establish the deep, meaningful partnerships envisioned in the recommendations through listening and understanding of priorities for key partners and stakeholder groups.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Bachelor's degree.
Minimum ten years of progressively responsible leadership, management, and financial and operational experience required. Additional education may count towards years of experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Advanced degree preferred
Experience in public service, non-profit, or higher education settings a plus
Skilled manager with the ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments; evaluate performance; and mentor and coach employees to achieve maximum productivity
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Collaborative and inclusive orientation with the ability to build strong working relationships across and
between institutions and communities
Solution-oriented strategic thinker with good judgment, strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, highly decentralized organizations; implement large-scale programs; and effectively identify, assemble, and engage key stakeholders
Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, academic institutions, racial justice, and legacies of slavery
Additional Information
Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-MT1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 361061 Administrative Manager
Job Function: General Administration
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: Interfaculty Initiatives
Salary Grade: 061
Department: H&LS
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
