Senior Director, International Legal Studies

002968SR
School/Unit Harvard Law School
Job Function General Administration
Location Cambridge
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 059
FLSA Status Exempt
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment No

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 Harvard Law School?

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

• 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 environments 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.