Executive Director, China Studies & Center Partnerships

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking an Executive Director for the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies (FCCS) and the Harvard China Fund (HCF) to lead interdisciplinary China-focused research engagement and program development across the university. The role reports to senior faculty and coordinates initiatives with the Harvard Center Shanghai to advance scholarly impact.

The ED will oversee programs, budgets, staff, and partnerships with Chinese institutions, alumni, and colleagues, ensuring strategic

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 FCCS meetings.
• 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.
• Develop and help implement a strategic vision for the Harvard Center Shanghai.

Skills

Mandarin proficiency

English fluency

Leadership skills

Budget management

Strategic planning

Team management

Education

Advanced degree in a related discipline

Job description

Harvard University is seeking an Executive Director for the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies (FCCS) and the Harvard China Fund (HCF) to lead interdisciplinary China-focused research engagement and program development across the university. The role reports to senior faculty and coordinates initiatives with the Harvard Center Shanghai to advance scholarly impact.

The ED will oversee programs, budgets, staff, and partnerships with Chinese institutions, alumni, and colleagues, ensuring strategic