Director, Sea-Level Investigation and Management (SLIM)

Harvard’s program on Sea-Level Investigation and Management explores storage of water on and under land at volumes that matter for global sea level, and what such storage is worth. Candidate measures include stabilizing over-pumped aquifers, injecting water into deep geologic formations, and diverting seawater into below-sea-level depressions. Any of these may prove technically impossible, economically infeasible, or too costly to society. Existing knowledge does not permit dismissing them, however, and the program’s work is to establish which can be responsibly pursued.
We seek a Director to co-lead the program with the Faculty Director. Reporting to the Executive Director, with a dotted line to the Faculty Director of the Salata Institute, the Director will bring a deep understanding of water management and hydrology to the program's strategy and direction: building, convening, and engaging a consortium of investigators at Harvard and other universities; building the program's working relationships with industry — the operators of large-scale water treatment, conveyance, and injection systems whose facilities and expertise the research depends on; convening scientists, engineers, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and affected communities in the United States and internationally; developing and executing a fundraising strategy that grows the program beyond its founding gift; and directing the program's operations, communications, and finances.
This is a senior position with broad authority over program strategy and execution. This is a benefits-eligible, one-year term position with the possibility of extension.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Build the consortium. Recruit principal investigators across universities; structure and manage subawards; set milestones with the Faculty Director and track delivery against them.
Convene. Design and run workshops and other convenings that connect academic investigators with the organizations that operate large-scale water treatment, conveyance, and injection systems, and with the government agencies that would host or regulate storage; cultivate and manage relationships with all pertinent stakeholders.
Fundraise. Develop prospects among foundations, philanthropists, and international partners; draft proposals and briefing materials; steward existing donors.
Communicate. Direct the program’s website and publications, including briefing notes, program reports, and op-eds; represent SLIM within the University and to external audiences.
Operate. Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, events, and risk management, drawing on HUCE administrative support; monitor accounts and inform strategic decisions about spending.
Contribute to the research. Participate in the program’s research discussions and co-author briefing notes, reports, and papers within the candidate’s area of expertise.
Working Conditions:
The position is based on the Harvard University campus, with the option to work remotely one day per week.
Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.
Advanced degree in earth science, engineering, economics, public policy, or a related field.
Ten or more years of relevant professional experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Ph.D. preferred.
A record of building and leading — a research program, a technical organization, a venture, or an equivalent record of intellectual leadership within a larger institution.
A demonstrated ability to raise funds.
Technical fluency sufficient to engage credibly with hydrogeologists, reservoir engineers, economists, and infrastructure operators.
Experience developing international partnerships; experience in the Middle East or North Africa is valuable.
Strong writing skills.
A collaborative style suited to working with faculty, advisors, and administrators across a decentralized university

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid