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Employment

Dumbarton Oaks, the legacy of Robert and Mildred Woods Bliss to Harvard University and to the humanities, is a research institute, located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Our wonderful garden and campus, which host unparalleled collections, are special and filled with diverse, energetic, and talented people who are driven to grow and succeed. By working here, you join a vibrant community that advances our mission in meaningful ways.

Current Opportunities

Dumbarton Oaks welcomes job applicants with disabilities and is committed to ensure an accessible, welcoming application process and working environment for individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. If you would like to request an accommodation to apply for a job opening, or if you have questions about the physical access provided, please reach out to Human Resources (HumanResources@doaks.org; 202-924-9867).

Why Dumbarton Oaks?

We offer a wide range of exciting and challenging job opportunities and invite you to explore the many reasons to work for Dumbarton Oaks:

  • Support our inspiring mission. To maintain what we have been entrusted by the Blisses to preserve; to support the pursuit of the humanities as a whole, with particular focus on the disciplines of Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Garden and Landscape Studies; to honor the intention of the donors by achieving the greatest mutual advantage between Harvard and Dumbarton Oaks; and to serve the larger public through the museum, garden, and our music program.
  • Meet and work with incredible individuals. Among them, exceptional scholars, dedicated professionals, strong leaders, ambitious learners, and problem solvers.
  • Receive competitive compensation. At Dumbarton Oaks, we know that rewards matter when choosing an employer. Therefore, it is our priority to provide competitive pay and benefits that help you maintain your health, attain financial security now and in retirement, develop professionally, and achieve the right work/life balance. Dumbarton Oaks offers:
    • Competitive compensation. Our salaries are both externally competitive and calibrated internally across the organization. For further information, review Harvard’s Salary Grades. Our staff receive annual salary increases.
    • Exceptional benefits. Our comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits offer affordable, high-quality care to our staff members. Harvard’s fully funded retirement plans (5% contribution under age 40; 10% contribution over age 40), TDA option (available for employee contribution), optional tax-deferred retirement savings accounts, and a Roth after-tax contribution option can help you save and invest for your future. From life insurance and business travel insurance to short-term and long-term disability, our insurance plans protect our employees, their income, and their families. Our parental leave benefits are very generous, as are the transportation benefits, which offer free parking as an option.
    • Paid time off. Our generous paid time off benefits, including the winter recess and leave policy helps you recharge your creativity, manage personal needs, and maintain your work/life balance.
    • Childcare scholarship. Employees may apply for Harvard University Childcare Scholarship program which assists eligible families with paying for in-home childcare, family childcare, group-childcare centers, after-school childcare, or summer camps.
    • Employee discounts. Many purchasing discounts on goods and services (e.g., cellular services, sports tickets, etc.).
    • Twenty-five-year recognition program. Twenty extra days of “bonus” vacation and 20 extra days every five years thereafter (must be taken within the five-year period following its being granted).
    • Other perks. Swimming pool open to staff; buffet lunch in Dumbarton Oaks Refectory at a very affordable cost; Music at Dumbarton Oaks concerts; museum shop 20% discount on all merchandise and 30% discount on selected publications; access to the Garden for staff and up to four guests per employee at no cost; access to scholarly events such as public lectures, symposia, research reports, etc.
  • Career development. Dumbarton Oaks is committed to helping employees identify opportunities to further their career and advance their professional development, which often leads to promotion from within. Staff members are motivated to use the resources, including their manager, human resources, in-house and external training and education opportunities, and to see us as an active partner in advancing their career. Tuition reimbursement benefits and Harvard Extension School online courses (available for as little as $40 per course) are a big part of our career development program.
  • Enjoy our beautiful campus. Located in residential Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is comprised of the stunning historic Garden, designed by Beatrix Farrand; the Museum, with world-class collections of art; and the Library and Rare Book Collection, available to scholars and researchers.
  • Diversity and inclusion. Our staff, fellows, academic appointments, docents and volunteers, who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds and interests, come together in pursuit of common goals. Together, we strive to provide an environment that values diversity and promotes an inclusive culture.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity. Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.