Harvard University

21-Sep-2023
Executive Director of Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
63568BR

Job Summary

The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (CHSI) seeks an experienced and transformative leader to manage the Collection in the next phase of service to Harvard students, staff and faculty, the broader scholarly community, and the public. In partnership with the Faculty Director and Chair of the History of Science Department, the Executive Director will establish strategic priorities for use of the collection for teaching, research, and outreach and will allocate resources to support collections priorities. The Executive Director will ensure effective coordination and execution of all museum activities, working closely with internal and external stakeholders and a team of direct reports that manage operations, curation, collections management, and academic programs.

Position Description

Strategic Planning

• Lead the effort to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing collections care, storage, security, and facilities issues, including large-scale collections moves.
• Work with a wide range of stakeholders and constituents inside Harvard and external to Harvard to develop innovative programs that fully utilizes the potential of the collection to advance Harvard's mission of teaching and learning in its classrooms and community.
• Develop and maintain CHSI committees supporting governance, long-term planning, and develop a close working relationship with Harvard Museum of Science and Culture (HMSC).

Management

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students and HMSC to oversee the planning and execution of exhibits and student programs.
• Organize and supervise a team of staff responsible for curation, collection management, CHSI programs, projects, and academic and faculty support.
• Manage human resources for staff, including recruiting, performance management, compensation, and training and development in close collaboration with FAS Human Resources.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Director, Department Chair, and staff to create a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Develop the CHSI budget, monitor and track spending, and oversee payroll and sponsored research activities.
• Ensure that CHSI's procedures are in line with university policies and best practices.

Development and Outreach

• Works with the Faculty Director and FAS Development Office to manage all development activities, donor relationships, and reporting.
• Develops new prospects and funding opportunities for CHSI including drafting gift and grant proposals for new projects.
• Represents the Collection at meetings, conferences, and events.
• Performs all other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications
MA and at least eight years of experience managing a museum or collection in an academic or research environment; including staff management experience, collections management, donor relations, administrative management, and project management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

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PhD desirable. Ability to work as a member of a team in cooperation with a wide range of people from administrative staff to students and faculty. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as strong leadership, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Must be comfortable with technology and possess strong computer skills.
Working Conditions
Expected in office schedule 4 days per week.
Additional Information
**Qualified candidates may have the option to teach relevant undergraduate or graduate courses in the Department of the History of Science.

Since 1672, Harvard University has been acquiring scientific instruments for teaching and research. In 1948, the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments was established to preserve the objects as a resource for teaching and research in the history of science and technology. It has since grown to more than 20,000 objects dating from about 1400 to present day making it one of the three largest university collections of its kind in the world. Originally associated with the Harvard Library system, the collection was placed under the stewardship of the Department of History of Science in 1987. The collection represents a broad range of scientific disciplines and is home to objects like the handmade globe electrical machine (circa 1750) Harvard President Edward Holyoke created using recycled materials to perform experiments with Professor John Winthrop or the camera obscura given to the College by Benjamin Franklin.

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

Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website 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.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, 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 excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Job Function
Museum

Sub Unit
Social Sciences

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity

Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Work Format
On-Site

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, 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 excellence and diversity 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.



Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/xGQY2VC2yxw4nFxbxuGBPa 

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