Assistant Director, Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

Posting date: February 13, 2026

External Reference: 002309SR

Job Type

Full-time

Location

Cambridge

School/Unit

Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Salary Grade

057

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

FLSA Status

Exempt

Term Appointment

Yes

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 Description

Job Summary:

Independently assess the needs of the student body, develop and organize educational, social and cultural activities.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Prepare and process program application materials; read, review, and provide feedback on applications.
• Manage the entire selection process and oversee specific programs as delegated by the Director.
• Manage processes and day-to-day programmatic and social activities for the Laidlaw Scholars Program within the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village experience during their first summer.
• Design, implement and coordinate bespoke ethical leadership training over the course of the second-year of the Laidlaw Scholars Fellowship, coordinating this effort with the Oxford Ethical Leadership Certificate program.
• Manage second summer’s Leadership-in-Action international programming.

Administration:

• Manage collection of efficacy data and write analytical reports.
• Compose and design web and print-based promotional media, application forms, and other URAF publications.
• Recruit, schedule, and manage selection committees; serve on selection committees as required.
• Outreach to departments and residential Houses; plan and conduct information meetings, workshops, and panel discussions.
• Collaborate with academic departments, major administrative offices, and research centers across campus.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with national research sponsors; peer institution colleagues; federal agencies, and other organizations.
• Coordinate funding and payments with foundations and partners
• Ensure all program participants, institutional and domestic vendors, receive their stipends, reimbursements, tuition and fees, and all other payments in a timely fashion.
• Steward alumni outreach and maintain alumni records.
• Share with the director the writing of all online or paper publications, advising/training materials, and related communications for the office.
• Monitor and administer grant funding and write regular grant reports for Laidlaw Scholars Program.

Advising:

• Advise students on research and fellowship opportunities at Harvard and beyond, including one-on-one and workshop-style advising on topics such as research processes, essay and proposal writing, resume development, letters of recommendation, and interview skills.
• Conduct outreach to student groups, departments, House fellowship tutors, and faculty to build awareness of available opportunities; serving as a key point of contact.
• In collaboration with Associate Director and other Assistant Directors, design and compose all online and paper publications, advising/training materials, and related communications for URAF.

Supervise Student Program Assistants and Proctors

Assist in the selection and supervising of summer student program assistants and proctors.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Ability to work with students, student organizations, colleagues, clients and external organizations
• Communication skills (both written and verbal)

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 3 years from start date
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: Compensation is based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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 057. 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.