Executive Director of the Center for Geographic Analysis

03-Sep-2024

Executive Director of the Center for Geographic Analysis

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

66733BR

Position Description

The Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA) is a member organization under the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS). It was established in 2006 to support research and teaching across all disciplines in the University as they relate to geospatial technology and methods. Combining consultation services, technical training, platform development and sponsored research, the Center enables a diverse range of research projects involving geospatial analysis. This position directs the operation of the CGA in all aspects, with general guidance from the Chair of the Faculty Advisory Group.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Relationships

• Develop and implement strategic goals and set long term direction for the CGA with advice and guidance from the faculty advisory group chair and IQSS management team
• Develop solutions for CGA’s financial sustainability, seek fundings from internal and external sources including the provost subvention, schools and departments cost sharing, industry sponsorships and research grants
• Cultivate and maintain Harvard's relations with the GIScience scholarly field (i.e., UCGIS, AAG, OGC, etc.) and the geospatial industry (i.e., Esri, Google, Trimble, etc.)
• Collaborate with a wide range of external research institutions, industry, vendors, and partners

Direct CGA Service Programs

• Direct CGA operations including research consultations, virtual helpdesk, websites, hosted services, computer equipment and operational databases
• Monitor the geospatial technology trends and guide CGA staff to remain up to date on current developments
• Communicate with technology service providers and open-source development community for extended services to augment CGA capacity if needed

Direct Education Programs

• Organize annual symposium on a selected aspect of geospatial technology relevant to the University's research and teaching missions
• Organize monthly academic and technological seminar series, including Geography Colloquium and ABCD-GIS tech talks
• Organize CGA instructional activities including biannual graduate institutes, workshops and short instructional seminars
• Direct CGA staff to update educational programs to reflect most current themes and advancements

Manage Geospatial Technology Resources

• Evaluate and implement university-wide site licenses for geospatial software and data
• Negotiate educational discounts, apply for educational grants, and sign enterprise license agreements on behalf of University
• Evaluate and select complex computing infrastructure platforms among a comprehensive set of commercial and academic resources, private research clouds at partner universities, etc., direct CGA resources to maximize efficiency in their utilization

Manage Staff and Associate Positions

• Organize CGA staff effectively, including determining staffing needs, filling positions and managing staff performance
• Set priorities for CGA projects and initiatives, allocate staff and resources
• Evaluate and selectively approve affiliated appointments at the CGA, including research associates, postdocs, visiting scholars, fellows and interns

Financial Responsibilities

• Manage CGA budgeting and appointments with support from the IQSS admin team
• Develop annual budget plans for the CGA
• Set priorities for operational expenses
• Manage sponsored research accounts

Manage External Research Grants

• Develop grant proposals in collaboration with faculty and researchers across Harvard and in external institutions
• Manage federal and other sponsored projects with support from IQSS Sponsored Research Administrators and grant project PIs
• Collaborate with partner universities, attend grant related meetings and events representing Harvard research team
• Coordinate CGA activities to fulfill grant obligations
• Publish and present research outcomes as needed
• Direct CGA staff to monitor + evaluate grant sources to identify funding opportunities

Direct Sponsored Research Projects May serve as PI or Co-PI

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of eleven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• Minimum of two years of mentoring or project management

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in geographic information science or a related field strongly preferred.
• 10 years’ progressing experience in geographic information science research and/or geospatial technology development strongly preferred.
• Thorough understanding of the life cycle of applying geographic analysis in research or operational settings.
• Staff and budget management, customer and vendor relationship management, grant application and research project management.
• Strategic decision making in research service center operation.

Working Conditions

Occasional travel may be required.

Additional Information

Please include a cover letter with your application.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science, which is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I1260M IT RC Software/Data Mgt VI

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Social Sciences

Salary Grade

060

Department

Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS)

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

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.

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