Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

19-Jan-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

64819BR

Position Description

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Engagement, the Director leads and manages all aspects of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF), whose primary mission is to serve Harvard College students, faculty, and administrators as the primary source of information about undergraduate research, scholarships, and fellowships at Harvard and beyond. The Director will develop and implement long-term strategies to increase the accessibility and visibility of URAF as this hub of information and advising for undergraduate research and postgraduate fellowship opportunities at Harvard College. This position will provide overall strategic management of the office in the areas of policy development, program management, financial management, data reporting, evaluation, staffing, delivery of services, and relations with internal and external constituents. The Director of URAF will work with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education to lead the office in new directions in accordance with the mission of Harvard College.

Specific duties include:

• Sets vision and goals for the office, sets office priorities and policies, and is ultimately responsible for overall office performance.  Monitors, analyzes, and evaluates URAF programs and services.
• Leads and provides overall supervision to a team that manages undergraduate research and fellowship programs administered by the College, including pedagogical design, operational planning, and implementation.
• Plans, implements, and directs innovative and new programs, in consultation with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Engagement, and in coordination with other OUE, College, and University colleagues.
• Overall responsibility for a portfolio of undergraduate research, scholarships, and fellowship programs and opportunities and serves as university-wide expert on all matters regarding undergraduate research and fellowships, identifies and analyzes benchmarks and manages complex relationships among university-wide research units.
• Works with faculty across Harvard University and affiliated research institutions (e.g. the Broad Institute) to enhance research and fellowship experiences growing out of undergraduate concentrations.
• Manages over $6M in funds to support undergraduate research and postgraduate fellowships.
• Makes strategic programming recommendations to the Dean of Undergraduate Education for new/expanded research and fellowships initiatives.
• Stewards relationships with external organizations, including foundations and other higher education institutions, and manages grant application and reporting processes. Consults with departmental, divisional, school, and other leadership to ensure equity and consistency in undergraduate research training and opportunities.
• Oversees URAF administration and budget in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Administration. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of practices in research and fellowships administration in higher education institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated program development and management skills, with an emphasis on initiative, creativity, analysis, assessment, and follow through.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, and the ability to develop effective programs and policies.
• Energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for improving access to opportunities for all undergraduates interested in conducting research or engaging in a fellowship, with special focus on students from backgrounds and experiences historically underrepresented in academia.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral communication, and written communication skills, as well as the ability to collaborate as an advisor to and team member with students, faculty, administrators, and external partners, domestic and foreign.
• Proven capacity to manage and prioritize multiple and complex responsibilities simultaneously, and to function independently, effectively, and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Preferred knowledge of undergraduate curriculum and faculty research, as well as domestic and foreign academic enrichment and career development opportunities for students and postgraduates.
• Proven ability in financial resource management.
• Donor relations and/or fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Knowledge of academic and research career development strategies and academic enrichment programs.
• Experience managing both professional and support staff.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

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

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

S0360M FSS Student Service Mgt VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

Union

00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

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.