Executive Director, Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative

16-Oct-2024

Executive Director, Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative

University Administration

67151BR

Job Summary

Harvard University is seeking an Executive Director for its Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative (H&LS), a University-wide effort to recognize and reckon with Harvard’s legacy of slavery and its modern implications; to identify and engage with descendent communities; and to advance visible, lasting, and effective actions grounded in Harvard’s educational mission and guided by the recommendations outlined in the Presidential Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery’s report.

The Executive Director reports to and works closely with the Vice Provost for Special Projects (VPSP), who sets the vision and strategy of H&LS and serves as its primary spokesperson. The Executive Director will be an outstanding administrative leader, responsible for the execution of H&LS’s implementation plan and ensuring its operational functions are streamlined and mission oriented. This role is instrumental in H&LS’s financial planning and reporting; programmatic oversight, organizational and staff management, and communications management. The Executive Director collaborates with key internal stakeholders, including colleagues in the Office of the President and Provost, Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, the Office of Finance and Administration, and the University’s many Schools and units, and develops strong relationships with external partners such as community organizations and descendant communities.

H&LS is seeking an Executive Director who shares a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all involved.

Position Description

• Oversee and ensure the successful implementation of the report’s recommendations across Harvard Schools and units in close partnership with the VPSP and relevant Central Administration, School, and department staff, ensuring mutual clarity of expectations and relevant timelines.
• Develop short- and long-term financial planning in support of the strategic vision and goals; manage the annual budget while constantly assessing with recommendations to streamline; work collaboratively with the Office of Finance to align with H&LS strategic priorities and adhere to endowment’s use restrictions.
• Manage H&LS staff, including determining staffing needs and resources, managing performance processes, overseeing student hiring processes, and professional growth and development.
• Oversee the Reparative Grant Program – and other requests for sponsorship – including the annual call for proposals, review submissions (e.g., project descriptions, proposed budgets, etc.), the selection process, the funds distribution and progress reporting throughout the grant life cycle.
• Implement and strengthen administrative systems, policies, best practices, and infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and communications, including contract negotiation and management, records management, data security, compliance with University policies, etc.
• Oversee and analyze programmatic and other key metrics for annual reporting obligations.
• Support the H&LS Advisory Committee, the H&LS Cross-University Committee, the H&LS Memorial Project Committee and other advisory bodies to advance implementation efforts.
• Support School- and unit-based H&LS efforts, providing guidance and coordination as needed.
• Execute Harvard-wide strategies for coordinated implementation of the recommendations, considering Harvard’s strengths, existing commitments, and partner organization interests.
• Build and foster strong relationships with community organizations, other educational institutions, and descendent communities. Build trust and establish the deep, meaningful partnerships envisioned in the recommendations through listening and understanding of priorities for key partners and stakeholder groups.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum ten years of progressively responsible leadership, management, and financial and operational experience required. Additional education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred
• Experience in public service, non-profit, or higher education settings a plus
• Skilled manager with the ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work assignments; evaluate performance; and mentor and coach employees to achieve maximum productivity
• Budget management and grant management experience
• Contract management, negotiations, and/or vendor management experience
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Collaborative and inclusive orientation with the ability to build strong working relationships across and
• between institutions and communities
• Solution-oriented strategic thinker with good judgment, strong project management and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex, highly decentralized organizations; implement large-scale programs; and effectively identify, assemble, and engage key stakeholders
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, academic institutions, racial justice, and legacies of slavery

Additional Information

Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources 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

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Interfaculty Initiatives

Salary Grade

061

Department

H&LS

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. 

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-MT1