Senior Director, International Legal Studies

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

79d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of International Legal Studies is a key member of the leadership team for the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies with primary responsibility for conceptualizing, developing, promoting, and overseeing internationally-focused activities and programs for Harvard Law School. Oversee all aspects of the department’s international programs and activities, including official student and faculty exchange programs with designated foreign law schools, semester abroad, the Cambridge JD/LLM program, and key grant programs. Monitor international program trends and outcomes, and manage grant parameters, application and selection processes, funding, and reporting; set or advise on policy where appropriate. Chair HLS International Travel Committee; develop and manage international travel safety protocols for students, staff, and other members of the HLS community traveling abroad. Represent HLS in implementation of the University’s travel policies in consultation with the University’s Senior Assistant Provost for International Affairs and with Harvard University Global Support Services; serve as HLS delegate to University-wide International Emergency Management Team and participate on committees regarding international services. In partnership with Assistant Dean, establish strategic goals, promote and support student and alumni work in international topics and settings and develop and oversee international outreach, communication strategy, and development activities. Coordinate with senior department leadership on key Graduate Program initiatives, including annual Orientation programs, LLM admissions, and other key events. Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on a high volume of LLM applications, including assessing substantive legal essays for cogency. Plan and oversee annual ILS budget; coordinate with Assistant Dean on departmental budget matters. Work with Assistant Dean and Vice Dean to execute campus visits by distinguished foreign scholars and jurists. Perform other duties and tasks as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 or more years of related experience (law practice or experience in higher education/academia).
• Candidates holding a JD or equivalent law degree will be considered with 5 or more years’ related experience.
• Understanding of international legal systems.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, organizational, and supervisory skills.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Must be self-directed and able to manage workflow in deadline-driven environment with frequently changing priorities.
• Demonstrated background and achievement in an internationally-focused professional and/or educational setting.
• The ability to respond with flexibility and imagination to unanticipated situations.
• Dedication to ensuring an excellent student experience and to promoting the international aspects of a high-quality legal education.
• Deep appreciation for working with international students and stakeholders and a wide variety of constituent groups.
• The desire to build and foster an internal culture of positive collegiality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the department’s international programs and activities, including official student and faculty exchange programs with designated foreign law schools, semester abroad, the Cambridge JD/LLM program, and key grant programs.
• Monitor international program trends and outcomes, and manage grant parameters, application and selection processes, funding, and reporting; set or advise on policy where appropriate.
• Chair HLS International Travel Committee; develop and manage international travel safety protocols for students, staff, and other members of the HLS community traveling abroad.
• Represent HLS in implementation of the University’s travel policies in consultation with the University’s Senior Assistant Provost for International Affairs and with Harvard University Global Support Services; serve as HLS delegate to University-wide International Emergency Management Team and participate on committees regarding international services.
• In partnership with Assistant Dean, establish strategic goals, promote and support student and alumni work in international topics and settings and develop and oversee international outreach, communication strategy, and development activities.
• Coordinate with senior department leadership on key Graduate Program initiatives, including annual Orientation programs, LLM admissions, and other key events.
• Review, evaluate, and make recommendations on a high volume of LLM applications, including assessing substantive legal essays for cogency.
• Plan and oversee annual ILS budget; coordinate with Assistant Dean on departmental budget matters.
• Work with Assistant Dean and Vice Dean to execute campus visits by distinguished foreign scholars and jurists.
• Perform other duties and tasks as needed.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior