Senior Director, International Legal Studies

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Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

The Senior Director of International Legal Studies is a key member of the leadership team for the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies with primary responsibility for conceptualizing, developing, promoting, and overseeing internationally-focused activities and programs for Harvard Law School.

As Senior Director of International Legal Studies, you will: 

• Oversee all aspects of the department’s international programs and activities, including official student and faculty exchange programs with designated foreign law schools, semester abroad, the Cambridge JD/LLM program, and key grant programs. 
• Monitor international program trends and outcomes, and manage grant parameters, application and selection processes, funding, and reporting; set or advise on policy where appropriate.
• Chair HLS International Travel Committee; develop and manage international travel safety protocols for students, staff, and other members of the HLS community traveling abroad.
• Represent HLS in implementation of the University’s travel policies in consultation with the University’s Senior Assistant Provost for International Affairs and with Harvard University Global Support Services; serve as HLS delegate to University-wide International Emergency Management Team and participate on committees regarding international services.
• In partnership with Assistant Dean, establish strategic goals, promote and support student and alumni work in international topics and settings and develop and oversee international outreach, communication strategy, and development activities.
• Coordinate with senior department leadership on key Graduate Program initiatives, including annual Orientation programs, LLM admissions, and other key events. 
• Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on a high volume of LLM applications, including assessing substantive legal essays for cogency.
• Plan and oversee annual ILS budget; coordinate with Assistant Dean on departmental budget matters.
• Work with Assistant Dean and Vice Dean to execute campus visits by distinguished foreign scholars and jurists. 
• Perform other duties and tasks as needed.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8 or more years of related experience (law practice or experience in higher education/academia). Candidates holding a JD or equivalent law degree will be considered with 5 or more years’ related experience.   

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people with:

• Understanding of international legal systems.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, organizational, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and diplomacy. Must be self-directed and able to manage workflow in deadline-driven environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Demonstrated background and achievement in an internationally-focused professional and/or educational setting.
• The ability to respond with flexibility and imagination to unanticipated situations.
• Dedication to ensuring an excellent student experience and to promoting the international aspects of a high-quality legal education. 
• Deep appreciation for working with international students and stakeholders and a wide variety of constituent groups.
• The desire to build and foster an internal culture of positive collegiality

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit

Other Information:

This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.   

This position is Harvard Law School’s primary on-call resource for international emergency support and management.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

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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. 

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.