Executive Director for the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies and the Harvard China Fund

Job Summary

Duties: The Executive Director (ED) of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies (FCCS) and the Harvard China Fund (HCF) plays a key role in building coordinated programs for the university’s research engagement with China. The ED reports to the Fairbank Center faculty director to ensure effective implementation of interdisciplinary China-focused research activities in the humanities and social sciences. The ED reports to the faculty chair of the Harvard China Fund to coordinate support for research and teaching activities throughout the university involving engagement with China, particularly with respect to activities at the Harvard Center Shanghai (HCS).

The ED represents the FCCS and the HCF to internal and external audiences. The ED will implement outreach to alumni, affiliates, and colleagues to identify areas for academic collaboration.

Responsibilities at the Fairbank Center

• Oversee FCCS programs, seminars, and events
• Propose, implement, and manage new programs and initiatives
• Build and maintain relationships to enhance Chinese studies within Harvard and beyond
• Consult with faculty on project organization or proposal development
• Provide guidance to FCCS visiting scholars, postdocs, and graduate student associates
• Oversee Critical Issues Confronting China website and video production
• Oversee the production of annual reports and other communications, and agendas for executive committee meetings and other meetings of FCCS leaders
• Hire, train and manage the FCCS staff
• Manage FCCS budget and space
• Help coordinate the Harvard Taipei Academy Summer School program

Responsibilities at the Harvard China Fund

• Oversee the administration and delivery of local HCF programs and events
• Oversee scheduling and planning of the meetings of the Harvard China Fund Steering Committee
• Develop relationships with Chinese institutions and with Harvard faculty interested in working in China
• Facilitate connections between US-based Harvard faculty and staff and the Harvard Center Shanghai
• Manage the Cambridge-based budget of the Harvard China Fund and work with the Executive Director for University Programs at the Harvard Center Shanghai on short- and long-term financial planning
• Oversee the Harvard Summer School program in Shanghai and the Summer Internship Program in Greater China
• Supervise staff at the HCF Cambridge Office

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Eight years’ experience in academic, research, or related administrative roles
• Supervisory and budgetary experience
• Proficiency in Mandarin and written Chinese

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree in a related discipline or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Broad knowledge of China Studies and familiarity with current affairs in Greater China
• Personal experience living and working in Greater China a plus
• Excellent English-language oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage organizational growth and balance multiple competing objectives
• Ability to work productively in a highly decentralized environment
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, and proven commitment to teamwork