Harvard Quantum Executive Director

at  Harvard University

JOB SUMMARY

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seek an Executive Director to play a leading role in the Harvard Quantum Initiative, a multi-disciplinary research initiative that aims to help scientists and engineers make new discoveries and develop new quantum tools and technologies. In close collaboration with the Faculty Co-Directors, the Executive Director will develop, communicate, and implement the Initiative’s strategic vision; build and sustain dynamic strategic relationships with the local and national quantum ecosystem; partner with FAS, SEAS, and the Development Office to raise funds; help coordinate and write programmatic grant proposals; while fostering a vibrant and innovative community of scientists and engineers across the FAS, SEAS, and the University. The Executive Director will also serve as the chief operating officer of the Initiative and will oversee its financial, human resources, and operational functions.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

• In consultation with the Faculty Co-Directors and Faculty Executive Committee, develop and implement the short-, medium-, and long-term strategic plans and identify potential roadblocks that might impede their execution.
• Serve as an expert source of information and the primary point of programmatic contact for faculty and other program participants who constitute the internal and external stakeholders in the Institute’s work.
• Forge, strengthen, and sustain connections across the local area and national quantum ecosystems.
• Contribute to the identification and prioritization of new opportunities related to fundraising from corporate, government, and philanthropic sources, to be accomplished in collaboration with the Alumni Affairs & Development (AAD) Office to build long-term support for the Initiative.
• Oversee all operational areas including finance, human resources, IT, space management, program development, etc. including managing, motivating, and inspiring a team of programmatic and administrative staff.
• Oversee the Education Director and their work in the development, growth, and execution of the Institute’s educational programs, including the Quantum Science and Engineering PhD program and undergraduate programs.
• Help coordinate and write grant proposals including education/training grants, center grants, equipment grants, and other HQI-centric programmatic grants. Support grant project execution for funded proposals.
• Support Harvard’s commitment to broadening the diversity of participants in STEM fields.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Physics or related Scientific or Engineering area of expertise, and
• 10+ years’ experience in research/scientific environment, with
• 5+ years’ administrative leadership experience.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Broad scientific/engineering background with the ability to effectively communicate and interact with scientific audiences.
• Ability to foster and manage strong, successful working relationships with a broad constituency of faculty, students, post-doctoral fellows, administrators, funding agencies, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage a program of similar scope and complexity.
• Strong operational management experience including strategic planning, finance, and fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing. The effectiveness in writing grant proposals will be considered favorably.
• Prior experience with the implementation of grant-funded research is beneficial.

ABOUT US

We are committed to cultivating not only the diversity of our faculty, staff, and students but also in developing an inclusive culture that is vibrant, engaging and encouraging of innovation as well as intellectual debate. We believe creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace allows employees from all backgrounds and walks of life to achieve their fullest potential. We also believe an inclusive culture is one that accepts, values and views as strength the difference we all bring to the workplace.

Please refer the Job description for details