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

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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.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Responsibilities at the Fairbank Center:
Reporting to the Director of the FCCS, the ED is the administrative and programmatic leader of the FCCS, overseeing budgets and leading staff in implementing the Center’s strategic goals. The ED will: 
 

• 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:
Reporting to the Faculty Chair of the HCF, the Executive Director is the administrative and programmatic leader of the HCF, overseeing budgets and leading staff in the Cambridge office in implementing the Center’s goals.  Working in close collaboration with the Executive Director for University Programs at the Harvard Center Shanghai, the HCF ED will: 
 

• 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.

In close collaboration with the Faculty Director of the HCF and the ED for University Programs at the Harvard Center Shanghai, the ED will also develop and help implement a strategic vision for the Harvard Center Shanghai.

Outreach:
In consultation with the HCF faculty chair and in collaboration with the ED for University Programs at the Harvard Center Shanghai, the ED will meet with faculty and senior administrators across the university to promote academic collaborations and to catalyze new activities at the HCS.

The ED will coordinate with the ED of University Programs at the HCS and with the University Development Office on fundraising initiatives and on the annual meetings of the Harvard China Advisory Group, composed of alumni and friends.  

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.

• 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, Credit, Criminal
• Other Information:
  • This is an on site/in office position based in Cambridge, MA.
  • International travel is required

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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. 

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