Harvard University Management Fellowship Program

As Harvard continues to conduct curricular change to strengthen efforts in the academic fields, as we pursue a variety of physical improvements to our campus, and as we engage with seemingly impossible yet critically important challenges around the globe, there is also a corresponding focus on strengthening the University infrastructure that supports these efforts. In the end, we owe our progress in each of these areas to the talent, energy, and diverse perspectives of the people who form our community. And like all organizations, the University is dependent on successfully attracting and retaining new employees to contribute innovative ideas and knowledge which can further shape and effect the administrative function.

The Harvard University Management Fellowship Program engages talented Harvard graduates to participate in strategic initiatives that are key to the University’s future success. Fellows receive full Harvard benefits and competitive salaries during the one year, full time Fellowship program.

History of the Program

The University Management Fellowship Program was created in July 2003 by then-President Summers to recruit the best of Harvard’s talented graduates to work on key Central Administrative initiatives and ultimately to attract some to careers in higher education administration. The program started with 8 Fellows participating in 6 different departments of Central Administration. It has since expanded, reaching to almost every unit within Central Administration and to some of the Schools of Harvard including Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and Harvard Medical School. Since its inception, over 60 Harvard Graduates have contributed to the success of the program.

Objective of the Program

The keys objectives of the program are to:

• Retain some of Harvard’s best graduating minds and talents to focus on and contribute to the advancement of key administrative initiatives.
• Create a learning environment that will contribute to the Fellows’ professional growth and development.
• Provide the Fellow with the opportunity to acquire and refine leadership and organizational competencies.

Program Structure

On a day-to-day basis, Fellows work on the priorities previously discussed with their managers. They attend regular office meetings, are considered to be part of the office team and, as such, are responsible for achieving agreed upon performance goals. To ensure a rich and cross-departmental experience, however, Fellows are also given the opportunity to be involved in broader administration and senior level activities such as working groups, meetings, interviews etc. Fellows have a robust support system in place, with both local managers available for development and support, as well as the Program Manager who can provide additional assistance and extensive links to the University.

In addition to local project work, Fellows participate in regular events organized by the Program Manager with direct input from local managers and Fellows. Standard events include:

• Monthly networking activities:
  • Speaker series luncheons with senior leadership
  • Informal events with cohort
• Monthly training events (topics may include):
  • Sessions on leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Career development and increased awareness of personal strengths
  • Organizational effectiveness
• Performance coaching, strategic goal setting and annual review
• Year-End Presentations by Fellows to local managers and University leaders

List of Current and Previous Fellowship Positions

View a list of previous Fellows

2009-2010 Position Descriptions

Special Projects Analyst, Institutional Research
General Education Management Fellow, Harvard College
Programs Manager, Advising Programs Office, Harvard College
Special Projects Analyst, Office of Budgets and Financial Planning
Data Analyst, FAS Registrar’s Office
Treasury Management Fellow, Office of Treasury Management
Special Projects Analyst, Office of the Executive Dean

Application Information

Current year and very recent graduates (previous 1-2 years) from any of the Schools of Harvard University are eligible to apply for the Management Fellowship Program. The Fellowships are highly competitive with over 200 applicants for the openings.

There are three required components to an application:

1. The FY10 Fellowship Application [Download here]
2. A resume detailing your professional and educational experience
3. A Statement of Purpose that briefly describes your professional and academic interests as related to employment with Harvard University, and more broadly, the field of Higher Education and how participation in the University Management Fellowship program can help advance these interests. Be sure to explain why you are seeking a Fellowship, what you hope to gain from the experience and how you might contribute to the hiring department.

You are welcome to apply for multiple Fellowship positions using a single application and resume; however, you should customize your statement of purpose for each position.

The recruitment and selection time line is as follows:

February 24, 2009 - FY10 Fellowship positions announced: website updated to include position descriptions and FY10 Fellowship application form.