Executive Director

Posting date: March 10, 2026

002445SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Cambridge
3. School/Unit Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
4. Salary Grade 059
5. Job Function General Administration
6. FLSA Status Exempt
7. Term Appointment No
8. 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:

The Harvard University Center for African Studies is a globally recognized, interdisciplinary university-wide center at Harvard University that broadens knowledge about Africa and brings African perspectives to bear on the scholarship of the Harvard community and beyond. The Center is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts with an Africa Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Executive Director plays a key role in overseeing and implementing the Center for African Studies’ (CAS) programmatic activities across the FAS and Professional Schools as well as in Africa. The position forges professional engagement with faculty and key administrators across the University, as well as with counterparts in institutions in Africa. The Executive Director reports to and works closely with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director and the Faculty Executive Committee for the drafting and execution of CAS’ strategic plan and budget, which fosters cross-school, interdisciplinary research, events and public programming initiatives, student programs in Africa, faculty support, and fellowships.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Serves as chief administrator, responsible for the organization and day-to-day management of CAS staff and programming. Provides oversight of sponsored programs, human resources, and infrastructure, identifying and implementing program goals and priorities, and aligning fundraising targets with CAS’ mission. Prepares and manages budgets, supervises staff, allocates resources, and controls and monitors spending in accordance with University policies and grant and gift terms.
• Plays a key partnership role with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director in the conceptualization, design, and implementation of fundraising, sponsored research grants, publications, events, public outreach programming, fellowships, student support, and various research projects.
• Collaborates with the Oppenheimer Faculty Director and other faculty members to support the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program (HSAFP), Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, and other visiting scholar initiatives.
• Coordinates governance by the Faculty Executive Committee and serves as liaison to the Africa Advisory Board and Leadership Council. Interacts with and expands pool of Faculty Affiliates from across the University.
• Works closely with FAS and other University offices to facilitate and expand collaboration across the FAS and the Professional Schools of the University, as well as with constituents in the Provost’s Office, the FAS Dean’s Office, the Office for Sponsored Programs, the Office of General Counsel, the University Development Office, and Harvard Global.
• Serves as operational liaison between Harvard Global and the CAS Africa Office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and minimum ten years of progressively responsible management experience, preferably in university administration. Experience supervising two or more staff, managing budgets of at least $1m, and managing federal and non-federal sponsored programs.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree or PhD preferred.
• Experience in university administration, personnel management, and HR.
• Experience in strategic planning, program and project development, and building partnerships and networks. Familiarity with Africa or African Studies a strong plus.
• Strong financial and budget planning background. Fundraising or donor canvassing a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, supervisory, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the University and external organizations.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple projects, balance conflicting priorities, and handle confidential information appropriately.
• Windows or Macintosh and MS Office experience required.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• This is a hybrid position with four days on campus and one day work from home.

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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 059. 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.

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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.