Executive Director for Fairbank Center Chinese Studies Harvard Fund

Job Summary

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 and to the faculty chair of the Harvard China Fund to ensure effective implementation of interdisciplinary China-focused research activities in the humanities and social sciences.

The ED coordinates support for research and teaching activities throughout the university involving engagement with China, with particular focus on activities at the Harvard Center Shanghai (HCS). The ED represents the FCCS and the HCF to internal and external audiences and implements outreach to alumni, affiliates, and colleagues to identify areas for academic collaboration.

• 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 the Critical Issues Confronting China website and video production
• Oversee the production of annual reports and other communications, 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

• 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.

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 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.

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

• 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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