The Selection Process for Advanced Leadership Fellows
The Advanced Leadership Fellowship is designed for accomplished leaders with a track record of at least 20-25 years of innovation and achievement in their primary career. Candidates for the fellowship should be motivated to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing communities around the world. They should recognize the value that engagement with Harvard University can add as they prepare for their next phase of life’s work. Advanced Leadership Fellows work with students as guides, mentors, and team leaders. The faculty thus seeks leaders of the highest character and integrity who can serve as role models to the University community.
Advanced Leadership Fellows are invited to join the program for a calendar year. The process of identifying promising candidates begins approximately a year in advance and continues over 6-9 months in several rounds. Interested candidates can opt in at any time, including late in the process, by sending information to the “Introduce Yourself” section of the Advanced Leadership website.
Selection is done by a Faculty Selection Committee representing diverse parts of Harvard University.
Timetable for Selection and Initial Consideration
The fellowship program is for a calendar year, with the bulk of formal activities in the first five months and more open-ended opportunities for the remainder of the year. For 2014, the program begins on January 27, 2014, following a 2-1/2 day “Introduction to Harvard” in early December, 2013.
Candidates for the fellowship are asked to submit an expression of interest and a C.V., resume or bio at the “Introduce Yourself” section of the Advanced Leadership website at their earliest convenience. (Candidates can also mail in information to the Advanced Leadership Fellowship Office, but it is essential to submit a C.V., resume, or professional bio).
Candidates for appointment as Advanced Leadership Fellows are considered in four rounds. Although a few leaders of unusual distinction might also be invited at other times at the discretion of the Faculty Chair and Selection Committee. The deadlines for candidates for the 2014 Fellowship year are:
Decision Round Date for Submission of Expression of Interest and C.V.
May March 31, 2013
June April 30, 2013
July May 31, 2013
Late June 1- August, 2013
The chances of selection are greatest in the earlier rounds, as the number of places for Advanced Leadership Fellows is limited. The Advanced Leadership Fellowship Office is available to answer questions regarding the submission of the expression of interest and other materials. Please contact John_Kendzior@harvard.edu or directly at +1 617 496 2452 with any questions. The staff’s goal is to provide information and make the process as simple and easy as possible.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
Following a careful review of the initial information submitted by the deadlines above, the Advanced Leadership Fellowship Office will contact those candidates whose accomplishments indicate a potential match with the nature of the fellowship and expectations for fellows. A candidate will then be asked to complete a Letter of Interest which explains interests, aspirations, and motivations for pursuing the fellowship. Some candidates will be invited to visit the Harvard campus, speak with the Advanced Leadership team, and interview with a member of the Advanced Leadership faculty. A faculty interview is required of all finalists for the Fellowship and can be conducted by telephone, if the candidate is unable to travel to campus in the desired timeframe.
Each decision round, a group of finalists will have their professional dossiers presented for consideration by the Faculty Selection Committee. Finalists presented for Committee review are asked to confirm that they possess the known ability to accept, fund, and join the fellowship if invited to do so, and that they meet the high ethical standards of Harvard. At the discretion of the Faculty Chair, exceptions can be made for leaders of unusual distinction, who are known to the faculty, or have spent their careers in public service.
Within the weeks following the review of dossiers, finalists will be informed of their status, and a number may be invited to become an Advanced Leadership Fellow. Strong candidates may be put on a “Hold” status pending the review of the broader pool. A small group of individuals may be placed on a waiting list, and notified of their final status as soon as possible.