Director of International Admissions

Job Summary: Oversee all aspects of the recruitment, evaluation and selection of students seeking admission. Responsible for the overall direction of admissions operations including recruitment, marketing, and analysis.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Implement marketing & outreach plans, based on Harvard's commitment to recruit a highly diverse applicant pool across multiple dimensions; oversee efforts to improve pathways to college for international students.
  • Establish and monitor policies and procedures for the international admissions process, recruitment strategy, and alumni interviewing abroad.
  • Supervise two staff.
  • Forecast and monitor budget; work with admissions officers to design cost-effective recruiting trips abroad.
  • Evaluate international credentials (e.g., applicants, potential student-athletes, advanced standing petitioners, etc.) and evaluate applications for first-year admissions; investigate possible cases of fraud; chair admissions subcommittees; serve on transfer admission committee.
  • Train and guide admissions officers in the evaluation of international applications/credentials and other admissions-related tasks (including responding to inquiries, working with alumni, etc.).
  • Advise/collaborate with other Harvard offices; represent Harvard College international admissions to a wide range of stakeholders, partners, and other professionals.
  • May travel abroad to present information about Harvard College, explain admissions criteria and procedures, interview and recruit students, cultivate alumni relations, train interviewers, and develop relationships with schools, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), CBOs (community-based organizations), and US State Department educational advisers.


Working Conditions:

  • Must be able to work nights/weekends and travel as needed.
  • Work is typically performed in an office setting, but may be hybrid as directed by FAS.
  • This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (such as CT, MA, NH, and RI).


Physical Requirements:

  • Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.
  • Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion.

Basic Qualifications (required):

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
  • Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience
  • Supervisory experience


Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

  • Advanced knowledge of international recruitment strategies and programs preferred.
  • Ability to undertake extensive international travel when necessary.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills, including ability to build rapport across teammates, motivate others, foster genuine and meaningful collaboration with diverse constituencies, and share knowledge effectively.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), including ability to make presentations to large groups. Ability to build relationships and collaborate with a diverse set of internal and external constituencies.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, as well as strong time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated initiative, professional judgment, and ability to keep information confidential; problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Ability to quickly learn and navigate complex organizations and contexts.
  • Knowledge of foreign language(s) and/or experience teaching English as a foreign language helpful.
  • Knowledge of U.S. student visa process helpful.
  • Master's degree in relevant field helpful.
  • Proficiency with the office productivity and collaboration tools, as well as admissions and financial aid software; access to internet to review applications and work remotely as needed.


Certificates and Licenses:

Valid driver’s license for business trips when permitted by FAS policy.

  • Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal and Reference checks required.

Other Information:

  • In order to be considered for this position, please demonstrate basic qualifications are met.
  • Applicants MUST submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
  • This position has a 6-month orientation and review period.
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

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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 University’s 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 059. 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.