Executive Director

09-Apr-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65328BR

Job Summary

The David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies seeks an experienced and transformative leader to manage the Center in the next phase of service to Harvard students, staff and faculty, and the broader scholarly community. In partnership with the Faculty Director and the Center Executive Committee, the Executive Director will establish strategic priorities for teaching, research, and outreach and will allocate resources to support the Center’s priorities. The Executive Director will ensure effective coordination and execution of all center activities, working closely with internal and external stakeholders and a team of direct reports.

Position Description

Governance and Strategic Planning

The Executive Director is responsible for the execution of the strategic vision set by the Faculty Director and the Executive Committee.

The Executive Director will steer DRCLAS activities to expand research and teaching on Latin America and related fields at Harvard University; help develop and execute strategic planning to; and strengthen ties between Harvard and institutions throughout Latin America through coordination of DRCLAS in Cambridge and its three overseas offices in Mexico, Brazil and Chile. 

The ED in collaboration with the Director will reshape DRCLAS advisory board to support the leadership of the center and all fundraising and development activities. 

The ED will develop and execute a plan to increase endowments and gift funds to grow center activities according to strategic priorities. 

The ED represents the Center in interactions with grantors and donors, the external DRCLAS Advisory Committee, government entities, and other units of the University. 

The ED will link medium and long term strategies to on-going activities and resource allocation decisions. Serves on the Executive Committee (ex-officio) and reports to the Director of DRCLAS.

Administration and Operations Oversight

The Executive Director is responsible for operations, financial, and human resource management of the Center.

Has overall operational responsibility for the Center and its overseas offices and programs, including budget and finance, communications, development, events, human resources, publications, and grant-making activities. 

Responsible for building a diverse and effective team, allocating staff and financial resources to meet the strategic goals of the Center. Ensures on-going communication, coordination, and financial affairs with the Office of the President and Provost, FAS and other Schools and research centers, ensuring compliance with Harvard policies and procedures.  

Provides leadership on issues of staff management, organization, and coordination.

ED Management responsibilities include building and developing a diverse and effective team; planning and delegating work effectively; communicating and monitoring performance expectations; motivating and developing direct reports; and ensuring compliance with Harvard and FAS policies and procedures.

Manages all space planning and collaborates with OPRP on capital projects for Cambridge and international locations. 

Programmatic Development and Oversight

The ED oversees current academic programs and works with Director to develop new initiatives, programs and events.  Current programs include: lecture series, symposia, workshops and conferences, visiting scholars program, faculty and student grants, publication (ReVista) and the development of programs, events and faculty and student support in three international offices.  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor degree required.
• Minimum of 10 years professional experience in an academic organization and/or in a senior leadership position in an organization preferably focused on research or teaching.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Advanced degree preferred. Demonstrated leadership, supervision, and communications skills, preferably in higher education.  Increasing level of responsibility in strategic planning, organizational design and general management.  Experience working in Latin America and Spanish and/or Portuguese language skills strongly preferred.

Must have a successful track record and proven skills in all phases of administration and operations –finance, human resources, strategic planning, organizational communications, academic program management, and program monitoring and evaluations. Demonstrated ability to lead through persuasion; develop, coach, and supervise a diverse staff; and promote collaboration.

Experience serving as an expert source of information, with a collaborative and flexible style; developing trusting long-term relationships with constituents and creating and maintaining a team culture with a commitment to supporting teaching/research opportunities for faculty and students. Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of an organization.  The candidate should be well organized, able to prioritize, have a strong attention to detail, and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, and partners in Latin America. The selected candidate will have a proven ability to work with a variety of constituents in developing and managing new projects,research opportunities and student programs.

Additional Information

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.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). 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.

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.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

361061 Administrative Manager

Department

David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

This position requires a minimum four days on-site. 

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.

EEO 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.

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