Deadline: September 18, 2026
Applications are open for the Harpswell Leadership Resident Program 2027. The Leadership Residency is a four-to-eight-month professional development opportunity based in Harpswell’s leadership centers in Phnom Penh. LRs are women with university degrees who support, mentor, teach and collaborate with Harpswell’s Cambodian Women’s Leadership students and alumnae.
Leadership Residents (LRs) become integral members of the community, joining the Harpswell sisterhood and broader alumnae network. Through their work, LRs can expect to refine their professional interests, define their leadership style and engage in hands-on social impact.
Responsibilities
- Engage as active participants in life at the leadership centers, prioritizing cultural exchange and building meaningful relationships with students and alumnae. Community building is the primary function of the role.
- Host weekly office hours to support students and alumnae as needed. (This may look like editing job applications, practicing English conversation or reviewing university papers, for example.)
- Facilitate 1-2 weekly critical thinking classes centered on current events, supporting student presenters in preparation and execution of classes.
- Teach weekly Core Curriculum courses as needed. (Note: LRs teach a suite of six in-house courses ranging from Health & Nutrition to Analytical Writing, each 6-8 weeks long, throughout each calendar year. Curriculum and teaching materials are provided.)
- Plan and execute at least one enriching cultural activity for students and alumnae per month.
Benefits
Professional Development
- LRs and LR Fellows have the opportunity to develop their professional skills through hands-on experience supporting students’ learning, facilitating discussions, and building their teaching skills.
- In addition, all Harpswell alumnae have access to ongoing virtual development opportunities, from professional mentorship to expert-led learning sessions.
Cultural Exchange
- LRs and LR Fellows live immersed in Khmer culture at Harpswell’s leadership centers, celebrating traditional holidays and enjoying fresh Khmer food daily alongside our students and staff.
- During their time at Harpswell, all LRs will have the chance to travel to the provinces for a homestay with a Harpswell student and their family.
Living Expenses
- In addition to full room and board plus travel insurance, LRs and LR Fellows receive a monthly stipend reflective of cost-of-living in Phnom Penh:
- LR: $330 USD
- LR Fellow: $420 USD
- Both LRs and LR Fellows are asked to make their own travel arrangements to and from Cambodia.
Eligibility
- Open to women only;
- Have experience living and working cross culturally, and a posture of curiosity and respect in regard to cultural differences;
- Self-starter with the ability to be resourceful and flexible;
- Excellent English language skills, both spoken and written;
- A commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership development;
- Willingness to work nontraditional hours (weeknights and weekends);
- Teaching experience preferred but not required;
- University graduate.
Application
For more information, visit Harpswell Leadership Residency.
