Jobs & Fellowships

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Academy is committed to the diversity of its staff and membership.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. 

All open job and fellowship positions are listed below. For a complete description and the link to apply, please click on the position title.

As a scholarly organization and research center, the Academy recognizes that diversity of thought, class, experience, sex, gender, race, physical or mental ability, age, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation is a value to uphold and is central to the mission and work of the organization. A more pluralistic staff embracing diversity of thought, approach and life experience fosters a more nuanced understanding of contemporary issues facing the nation and the world. Working together in a climate of respect and openness models the civil discourse that is fundamental to the work of the Academy. 

More information about our guiding values can be found here. 

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Susan Chudd, Director of HR & Organizational Development: 617-576-5092 or schudd@amacad.org.

Program Director for Education

The Academy’s Education Program Area serves as a vital convener of higher education leaders, helping to shape educational policy and advance transformative practices that ensure high-quality learning opportunities for all. Drawing on the Academy’s interdisciplinary membership and proximity to higher education, the program convenes distinguished thought leaders, policy experts, and university partners to address society's most pressing educational challenges. With a focus on strengthening democracy, removing barriers to student success, harnessing advancements in learning and technology, and preparing for the future of work, the Education Program Area advances solutions that impact learners and institutions across the nation. Through projects, convenings, and publications, we take an interdisciplinary approach and foster knowledge creation and collaboration to strengthen education as a pillar of democratic society.

The Program Director for Education will be responsible for expanding the program’s reach, deepening partnerships across the U.S., and elevating the Academy’s role in educational thought leadership. With a core focus on advancing education as a cornerstone for strengthening democracy and enhancing student learning, the Program Director will work with Academy leadership and members to develop new initiatives while leading two key efforts: Commission on Opportunities After High School and the Higher Education Forum. The Program Director will lead initiatives that engage a diverse range of stakeholders, encourage forward-thinking educational practices, and position the Academy as a trusted leader in education. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, they will oversee a Program Officer and a Program Coordinator, and collaborate closely with the Academy President, the Academy’s Governance, and the Education Advisory Committee to shape strategic direction. This role offers a unique opportunity to positively impact the future of education on a national scale by promoting collaboration, upholding democratic values, and driving solutions to improve student learning and success.

Cambridge, MA