Administrative Fellowship Program

  • Administrative Fellows Program
  • Administrative Fellows Program

Harvard University's Administrative Fellowship Program (AFP) is one of the cornerstones of our diversity and inclusion efforts. Launched in 1989, the program seeks talented, mid-career professionals who are members of historically underrepresented groups to promote leadership opportunities and careers in higher education. The University encourages applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds and others who may contribute to Harvard's leadership. To this end, the Administrative Fellowship Program offers a leadership experience complemented by a professional development program.

The program is structured to provide fellows with:

  • exposure to and engagement with senior leadership in higher education
  • reflection and self-assessment, career growth and development
  • multiple professional networking opportunities
  • unique and valuable experience working in the Harvard University environment

The program offers two types of Fellowships: Visiting and Resident.

Visiting Fellows

Visiting Fellows are professionals from business, government, education, and other professions who identify as members of a historically underrepresented population seeking an opportunity to expand their professional experiences by working in an academic environment as a mid-level administrator. Candidates who meet the qualifications are invited to apply for a specific AFP job opening in a school or unit throughout the University. Positions vary based on the need for particular school/unit. All available AFP positions will be posted on Harvard CareersSuccessful candidates will be offered an appointment between 1-2 years with hiring department, based on funding and need.

Application process for Visiting Fellows

Resident Fellows

Resident Fellows are current Harvard exempt employees who are mid-career administrators (see requirements below) and identify as members of a historically underrepresented population. Resident Fellows are highly motivated to pursue career and leadership development at Harvard.

In addition to carrying out their position duties, all fellows participate in seminars, workshops, lectures, formal discussions, and learn through case studies. As a complement to the learning series, fellows receive a career coach and participate in mentoring circles. The program provides participants with opportunities to increase their knowledge, become familiar with day-to-day systems and operations, and to develop University-wide networks.

Application process for Resident Fellows

AFP Program Content & Design

During the fellowship, visiting and resident fellows participate in:

  • Program Orientation
  • Educational and Professional Development Seminars
  • Coaching and Mentoring
  • Networking
  • Check-Ins and Evaluations
  • Closing Ceremony

Application Process for Visiting Fellows – 2024-2025 Program

February 26, 2024: Portal to submit visiting fellow proposals will be open. Please complete the Visiting Fellow application form here.

Virtual Information Sessions for Harvard schools, units, department heads, or hiring managers interested in sponsoring a visiting fellow have been scheduled on the following dates/times:

Wednesday, March 6, 2024
10:00am-10:45am EST via Zoom

Friday, March 8, 2024
10:00am-10:45am EST via Zoom

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
10:00am-10:45am via EST Zoom

Friday, April 5, 2024
10:00am-10:45am EST via Zoom

April 26, 2024: Deadline for Sponsorship Proposals from schools or units interested in sponsoring visiting fellows

May 2024: Confirmation of AFP Visiting Fellows partnerships with participating departments

May – July 2024: Open positions for visiting fellows will be posted on Harvard Careers and highlighted on the side panel of this page. Interviews will be conducted by local hiring committees in collaboration with AFP.

July – September 2024: Visiting fellows hired and onboarded by their local departments

September 2024: AFP Program Orientation (all participants are required to attend)

Application Process for Resident Fellows – 2024-2025 Program

Resident fellows are current full-time exempt-level Harvard employees and identify as members of a historically underrepresented population. Resident Fellows reflect the diverse, emerging leadership potential for outstanding mid-career professionals who are highly motivated to pursue career growth and leadership at Harvard. The intense interest in the program, the number of applications, and the optimum size of the cohort make the selection process highly competitive. The process and timeline is as follows:

  • The employee submits an application, which is vetted for eligibility. Ineligible applicants will be notified and encouraged to reapply in the future.
     
  • CWD obtains references from the applicants’ immediate supervisor and Harvard Human Resources representative.
     
  • The AFP Review Committee (comprised of Harvard Human Resources staff and former AFP fellows) select the 2024-2025 Resident Fellows based on the strength of the application and interview.
     
  • The final selected Resident Fellows are announced in August 2024.
     
  • The program begins September 2024.

Minimum Requirements to be considered as a Resident Fellow. Employee must:

  • Be currently employed at Harvard in an exempt, full-time, benefits eligible role
     
  • Have a minimum of five years of professional work experience
     
  • Have completed a minimum of two years of administrative experience in the current position at the start of the program
     
  • Baccalaureate degree or higher
     
  • Be in good HR standing
     
  • Be able to commit 90-100 hours for active participation in the program

We strongly encourage resident fellow applicants to speak with their supervisors about their interest in the AFP prior to applying. Supervisors will be asked to submit a reference.

Application deadline: May 24, 2024
Application Documents:

  • A written statement of purpose (600 words max) explaining:
    • Why do you want to join the Administrative Fellowship Program at this point in your career?
    • What do you hope to get out of AFP?
    • What are your career and leadership goals?
    • What are your professional achievements and experience?
    • How have you demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and belonging?
  • A current resume

Application and Selection Timeline for Resident Fellows:
March 25, 2024 – Applications for resident fellows open. Please complete the Resident Fellows application form here.

Virtual Information Sessions for Harvard employees interested in applying as a resident fellow have been scheduled on the following dates/times:

Friday, March 29, 2024
12:00pm-12:45pm EST via Zoom

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
12:00pm-12:45pm EST via Zoom

Friday, April 12, 2024
12:00pm-12:45pm EST via Zoom

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
12:00pm-12:45pm EST via Zoom 

May 24, 2024 – Deadline to apply for Resident Fellowship.

May 2024 – July 2024 - Interviews and selection process for resident fellows

July 2024 – August 2024 – Selection decisions for FY25 resident fellows announced

September 2024 – AFP Program Orientation (all participants are required to attend).