Executive Director
Harvard Medical School
Cambridge, MA
Job posting number: #7315784 (Ref:001438SR)
Posted: August 31, 2025
Job Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Law School?
Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), youâll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.
Harvard Law School invites applications for the full-time position of Executive Director of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program.ÂThe Executive Director works in partnership and under the direction of the Faculty Director on strategic planning and vision for the Program, as well as on all other aspects of the Program, including strategic planning, fundraising, formulating a communications and media strategy, communications and media, external relations with academic, NGO, and donor communities, research, events and conferences, publications, programs for students, administration, finance, fellowships, and other programmatic activities. The Executive Director also works independently to advance the Programâs public profile and impact through developing relationships with collaborating partners in the field, participating in events, lecturing, research, and writing.Â
As Executive Director you will:Â
- Engage in strategic planning alongside the Faculty Director to position the Program as the leading international research program in animal law & policy.Â
- Creatively pursue high-impact research projects related to animal law and policy and contribute to work product with research staff, often in collaboration with other programs at Harvard and elsewhere.ÂÂ
- Plan, execute, and substantively participate in Program workshops, conferences, and public events, including topic selection, identification and invitation of speakers, and review of proposals.ÂÂ
- Coordinate with the student Harvard Animal Law Society on planning events and other areas of strategic collaboration.ÂÂ
- Co-author and co-edit publications (reports, articles, op-eds, etc.) stemming from Program activities and developments in the field.ÂÂ
- Build and strengthen new and existing relationships, programs, and initiatives with relevant counterpart programs, faculty, etc. at Harvard, as well as other universities, research programs, and organizations working in the field of animal law and policy.ÂÂ
- Oversee Program staff, research fellows, visiting fellows, visiting scholars, and affiliated researchers.Â
- Develop and manage an active communications and media strategy and presence.ÂÂ
- Oversee creation of promotional materials such as the substantial and time-sensitive âyear in reviewâ and shorter occasional materials.ÂÂ
- Raise the visibility of the Program; oversee day-to-day operations and administrative activities, including staff management, space planning, annual and other reporting requirements, liaising with appropriate Harvard offices, and compliance with applicable policies and procedures; ensure proper fiscal management, including budget oversight, strategic planning for maintenance and growth, and grant/contract proposals and awards.ÂÂ
- Represent the Program at public engagements including animal law and related (environmental law, food law, etc) conferences worldwide, including ones held by other academic programs, NGOs, international agencies (such as UN, WHO, and WOAH), and governments.
Basic Qualifications
A law degree and an advanced law degree (LL.M.) that focused on animal law. Five or more years of relevant work experience. ÂÂ
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:Â
- Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.Â
- Superior oral and written communication skills.ÂÂ
- Expertise in animal law and policy and a strong sense of the strengths and areas of focus of the other academic animal law programs worldwide and willingness to learn more about them.Â
- In depth knowledge in the field to identify top researchers and speakers for events and collaborators for various projects.ÂÂ
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in teams.Â
- The ability to take initiative, anticipate and resolve problems, implement general directives and principles, and assist with strategic planning.ÂÂ
- The ability to identify the resources, procedures and systems needed to achieve general goals, and to develop, implement and revise them as needed.ÂÂ
- Motivation, initiative, and creative problem-solving skills. ÂÂ
- The ability to work flexibly in a small team to cover responsibilities of other staff members from time to time.ÂÂ
- A commitment to pursuing excellence in all facets of work.ÂÂ
Appointment End Date:ÂThis is a one-year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to funding and departmental need.â¯ÂÂ
Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-Time
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information:
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
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Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.Â
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 059. Please visitâ¯ÂHarvard's Salary Ranges⯠to view the corresponding salary range and related information.Â
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:Â
- Generous paid time off including parental leaveÂ
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day oneÂ
- Retirement plans with university contributionsÂ
- Wellbeing and mental health resourcesÂ
- Support for families and caregiversÂ
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursementÂ
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perksÂ
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.Â
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 Harvardâs academic purposes.Â
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment toÂprohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the universityâs non-discrimination policy. Harvardâs equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.Â
Harvard Medical School strives to cultivate an environment that promotes inclusiveness and collaboration among students, faculty and staff and to create new avenues for discussion that will advance our shared mission to improve the health of people throughout the world.