Director of International Admissions

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: Oversee all aspects of the recruitment, evaluation and selection of students seeking admission. Responsible for the overall direction of admissions operations including recruitment, marketing, and analysis.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Implement marketing & outreach plans, based on Harvard's commitment to recruit a highly diverse applicant pool across multiple dimensions; oversee efforts to improve pathways to college for international students.
• Establish and monitor policies and procedures for the international admissions process, recruitment strategy, and alumni interviewing abroad.
• Supervise two staff.
• Forecast and monitor budget; work with admissions officers to design cost-effective recruiting trips abroad.
• Evaluate international credentials (e.g., applicants, potential student-athletes, advanced standing petitioners, etc.) and evaluate applications for first-year admissions; investigate possible cases of fraud; chair admissions subcommittees; serve on transfer admission committee.
• Train and guide admissions officers in the evaluation of international applications/credentials and other admissions-related tasks (including responding to inquiries, working with alumni, etc.).
• Advise/collaborate with other Harvard offices; represent Harvard College international admissions to a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and other professionals.
• May travel abroad to present information about Harvard College, explain admissions criteria and procedures, interview and recruit students, cultivate alumni relations, train interviewers, and develop relationships with schools, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), CBOs (community-based organizations), and US State Department educational advisers.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work nights/weekends and travel as needed.
• Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid as directed by FAS.
• This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (such as CT, MA, NH, and RI).

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 (required):

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

• Advanced knowledge of international recruitment strategies and programs preferred.
• Ability to undertake extensive international travel when necessary.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including ability to build rapport across teammates, motivate others, foster genuine and meaningful collaboration with diverse constituencies, and share knowledge effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), including ability to make presentations to large groups. Ability to build relationships and collaborate with a diverse set of internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to work well under pressure, as well as strong time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, professional judgment, and ability to keep information confidential; problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and navigate complex organizations and contexts.
• Knowledge of foreign language(s) and/or experience teaching English as a foreign language helpful.
• Knowledge of U.S. student visa process helpful.
• Master's degree in relevant field helpful.
• Proficiency with the office productivity and collaboration tools, as well as admissions and financial aid software; access to internet to review applications and work remotely as needed.

Certificates and Licenses:

Valid driver’s license for business trips when permitted by FAS policy.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal and Reference checks required.

Other Information:

• In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met.
• Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
• This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.