Senior Director of Diplomatic Fellowships

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here Is What We Offer

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture
  
  

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Job Purpose

Howard University is seeking a Senior Director of Diplomatic Fellowships committed to advancing the programs’ missions to promote excellence and diversity in the U.S. government’s Foreign Services, as well as to provide oversight and guidance in the administration of the cooperative agreements that provide the frameworks for these programs. This is a senior director role that leads Howard University’s implementation of thirteen cooperative agreements worth over $70 million with four federal agencies, supervises program directors for the various fellowship programs and a staff of almost 30 people, and conducts high-level engagement with federal government, university, and other program stakeholders.

This position reports to the Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Howard University. Among the programs that this position oversees are the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program, the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program, the Donald M. Payne International Development Program, the Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Program, the Animal Plant Health Inspection Foreign Service Fellowship Program, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Champions Sponsorship Programs. Sponsors for these programs include the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide leadership, oversight, and guidance in the administration of Howard University’s Diplomatic Fellowships and Programs, an array of thirteen complex cooperative agreements worth over $70 million with four federal agencies. This senior director role oversees, coordinates, and assumes responsibility for strategic planning, program administration, compliance with sponsor and Howard University policies, and supervision of the Howard University staff working on these programs.
• Organize the operations and coordination of a staff of approximately 30 people working on the various programs to ensure sharing of best practices, benefitting from economies of scale, and enhancing visibility of all programs and the Howard University Diplomatic Fellowships’ brand.
• Serve as primary liaison and advocate for the diplomatic fellowships in working with senior officials at Howard University, federal agencies, Congress, and other program stakeholders. Represent Howard University and the Diplomatic Fellowships as a speaker at events and conferences throughout the United States.
• Oversee the financial teams for the Rangel, Pickering, FAS, and APHIS Fellowships, including supervising the Financial Managers for these programs, to ensure rigorous analysis, compliance, and reporting.
• Oversee the pursuit of and application for grants for the Diplomatic Fellowships, including working with the Directors to ensure high quality applications to retain existing grants and to search for new grants. Provide support and guidance to Bunche Center staff on its grant applications.
• Oversee communication and outreach across all programs, a critical element for these fellowships.
• Provide leadership in identifying professional development opportunities for staff.
• Oversee outreach and recruitment for the programs, ensuring consistency, best practices, and economies of scale.
• Oversee and participate in professional development and training for the fellows and scholars in the diplomatic fellowships, ensuring consistency, best practices, and economies of scale.
• Oversee compliance and reporting to meet both sponsor and Howard policies, ensuring consistency, best practices, and economies of scale.
• Oversee the selection process for fellows and scholars for the programs, ensuring consistency, best practices, economies of scale.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Demonstrated success in leadership roles, taking considerable initiative, collaboratively setting and attaining performance goals, and managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative responsiveness to problem-solving within a team environment;
• Strong record of communication and collaboration with stakeholders, including sponsoring agencies, internal organizational contacts, and customers/beneficiaries;
• Effective engagement and mentorship of college-level students and early-career professionals;
• Proficiency in the preparation of proposals and administration of grants, cooperative agreements and contracts, particularly with government entities;
• Demonstrated skills in representation, external engagement and public speaking;
• Demonstrated sensitivity to international, intercultural, or diverse environments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, manage people and resources, and demonstrate attention to detail; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to listen and communicate in a professional and positive manner.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Masters preferred; Bachelors required in any field 
• 12+ years working in the administration of fellowships, international affairs, or management of grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts 
• 5 years managerial experience 
• Knowledge of U.S. foreign service agencies and grant administration preferred
• Openness to flexible work hours, including some evening and weekend work, and travel 2-3 weeks per year
  
  

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $127,273 - $140,000