Executive Director of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

05-May-2025

Executive Director of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

68212BR

Job Summary

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies seeks a full-time Executive Director who can play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership and management of the Center.

The interdisciplinary Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies was founded in 1948. Its mission is to advance research and scholarship on Russia and Eurasia at Harvard and to train new generations of scholars and experts on the region. The Center administers a master’s program in regional studies; sponsors academic, cultural, and community events; supports faculty and student research and regional and thematic research programs (Central Asia, Georgia, Imperial Russia, Cold War Studies), maintains the Davis Center Collection at Fung Library; hosts postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and research associates; publishes the award-winning Journal of Cold War Studies; and sponsors outreach to K-14 educators and students, and the broader community.

The Center is a home to all members of the Harvard community interested in the region — undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, visitors, and alumni. It also welcomes faculty and students from peer institutions in greater Boston and across New England. In addition, the Center works closely with the other international centers and institutes at Harvard and beyond to promote the study of global issues on campus and to expand Harvard's global reach.

The Executive Director works closely with the faculty Director in providing strategic leadership and management of the Center. The ED is responsible for the overall strategic, programmatic, and financial activities of an area-studies social science research center with a $4+ million annual budget, 18 staff, and many residential and non-residential faculty, students, and scholars. In close partnership with the faculty Director, the ED is responsible for advancing the Center’s mission.

This position reports to the Davis Center faculty Director with dotted line reporting to the Division of Social Science.

Position Description

Conceptualizes and develops new programs, strategies, and initiatives to advance the academic, research, and programmatic agenda of the Center.

Manages the strategic, operational, and financial planning of the Center and oversees key functions including sponsored research, finance, human resources, development, communications, public relations, events management, faculty, student, and scholar program, and research activities.

Manages the implementation of programs and activities that further the Center’s mission, ensuring that staff activities match DCRES goals and priorities.

Provides oversight of the Title VI Grant from the Department of Education, which includes FLAS (foreign language and area studies) awards, teaching and library support, language instruction, and K-14 outreach activities. Co-writes research grant proposals and reports and supervises the efforts of other Davis Center staff in these endeavors.

Takes a lead role in identifying funding sources for Center program initiatives, developing new and managing existing relationships with foundations and donors, and developing a strong program of stewardship activities, including alumni relations. With the faculty Director, cultivates an advisory board comprising business, academic, and non-profit leaders with strong ties to the region.

Manages staff to build and develop a diverse, effective, and inclusive team; effectively plans and delegates work; provides staff development and mentorship; communicates and monitors performance expectations; motivates and nurtures direct reports; and ensures compliance with Harvard and FAS policies and procedures.

Serves on the Center's Executive Committee (ex-officio) and works with the Director to develop agendas and ensure implementation of action items generated by the committee.

Networks and collaborates with other regional research centers within FAS (Faculty of Arts and Sciences) and other relevant schools and departments of the University. Represents the Center with FAS administration. Participates in FAS and University-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

Serves as the Director of Graduate Studies and Academic Advisor to the Center’s Master of Arts in Regional Studies—Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (REECA) program, a two-year course of study that offers advanced training in the history, politics, culture, society, and languages of the region. Participates actively in full-cycle admissions process. Teaches the 2-year proseminar to all REECA AM students and plays an active role in job placement of graduating students.

Basic Qualifications

PhD in one of the core social science disciplines and regional-based experience are required. At least ten years' management experience in a research or international academic environment, with relevant financial and budgetary experience and experience leading, managing, and building teams.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Must have the ability to represent the Director and the Center effectively at all levels of the University and with external constituents including donors, foundations, scholars, and peer institutions. Demonstrated ability to engage in strategic planning and to plan and manage a broad range of research and related activities in the field of Russian and Eurasian Studies. Fundraising and grants management experience preferred. Russian fluency preferred but not required, proficiency in other regional languages helpful. Availability for domestic and international travel is required.

Additional Information

A cover letter should accompany all applications.

Visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the Davis Center.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

Visit https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/ to learn more about the Davis Center.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing) 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

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

361060 Administrative Manager

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

060

Department

Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence 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.