Executive Director at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

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About The Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy

The Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy (IIHP) is part of Harvard University Central Administration (CADM). The IIHP advances interdisciplinary research, teaching, and training at the intersection of health, policy, and society. IIHP administers two academic programs: the Harvard PhD Program in Health Policy and the Harvard College Secondary Field in Global Health and Health Policy. The PhD program draws on faculty from six Harvard Schools, offers five concentrations, and enrolls approximately 65 students. The undergraduate Secondary Field is similarly interdisciplinary and is among the largest secondary fields at Harvard College.

Reporting to the IIHP Faculty Director and working in close partnership with faculty leadership, the Executive Director provides administrative, operational, and strategic leadership for IIHPs two academic programs. The role requires coordination across schools, departments, and central administrative units and serves as a primary point of continuity, institutional knowledge, and operational leadership for the initiative.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Program Operations

• Oversee academic administration for the PhD Program in Health Policy, including admissions and recruitment, course planning and curriculum updates, orientation, registration and enrollment, student services, financial aid, degree progress, career planning, and alumni engagement.

• Oversee the implementation of social and academic events to enhance program cohesion.

• Provide administrative leadership for the undergraduate Secondary Field in Global Health and Health Policy, including curriculum coordination, advising systems, degree progress, and awarding of summer fellowships.

• Ensure consistency, equity, and transparency in policies affecting students.

• Oversee two academic program websites, ensuring clear, accurate, and accessible communication for students, faculty, and external audiences.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop and manage IIHPs operating budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

• Oversee student financial aid, including allocating endowment funds for student aid, recommending students for support on training grants, and ensuring full funding for enrolled students.

• Draft sections of federal training grants applications and prepare annual progress reports, in collaboration with faculty PIs and grants administration staff.

• Support fundraising efforts in collaboration with faculty leadership and development partners.

Staff Leadership and Office Management

• Direct and supervise two IIHP staff, providing clear goals, performance management, and professional development opportunities.

• Establish efficient administrative systems and workflows to support academic programs, faculty engagement, and student services.

• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented office culture aligned with the academic mission of the initiative.

• Recruit and supervise occasional student employees to provide academic tutoring for PhD students and support discrete administrative projects.

• Ensure effective oversight of the office suite that serves as a shared administrative and academic hub for staff and PhD students, and occasionally program faculty.

Strategic Leadership and Program Administration

• Partner with faculty leadership to set strategic priorities, assess programmatic needs, and support long-term planning for both the PhD program and the undergraduate Secondary Field.

• Translate faculty vision and governance decisions into effective administrative and operational practices.

• Ensure that academic programs operate in compliance with University and school policies and procedures.

• Prepare reports, analyses, and briefing materials for program faculty and review committees.

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

• Bachelors degree required.

• Minimum of 7 years of administrative experience in higher education, academic research, or a comparably complex organization.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced degree strongly preferred.

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and students.

• Commitment to supporting inclusive, student-centered academic programs and collaborative faculty governance.

• Ability to support graduate students navigating complex academic or personal challenges, including conflict resolution and response to high-stress or crisis situations, exercising sound judgment and coordinating with appropriate University resources

• Strong financial and budget management skills, with experience overseeing multiple funding sources.

• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, manage competing priorities, and navigate ambiguity within a decentralized institutional environment.

• Experience in health policy and/or federal training grants a plus.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings ( Identity and Education)
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
  • This is a hybrid position with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the Universitys Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. 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.