Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services

Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Services

Harvard Graduate School of Education

58211BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Senior Associate Dean is a highly skilled education leader
responsible for providing innovation and excellence in the leadership, management, and oversight of
HGSE's degree programs (Ph.D., Ed.L.D., and residential and on-line Ed.M. degree programs) and
student services and supports, which include Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Office of Student
Affairs.

The Senior Associate Dean will, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, lead the architecture and
implementation of a 21st-century cohesive, expansive, and supportive model of student success that
integrates critical activities and services for both on campus and online degree programs. Serves to
support the partnership and coordination of the offices responsible for student enrollment (Admissions
and Financial Aid), academic and career development (Degree Programs), and wellness and personal
growth (Student Affairs) from expressing initial interest in HGSE to graduation.

General Duties and Responsibilities

School and University Engagement

• As a senior leader at HGSE, collaborates and works closely with the Dean's Office, members of the faculty, students, and other University and HGSE administrative offices to build, foster, and coordinate a culture of success across offices and teams to ensure incoming and current student needs are met and that the student experience at HGSE is exceptional.
• Serves on School and University-wide committees and works on special projects as needed.

Leadership of Degree Programs

• Works closely with the Deans, Director for Master's Studies, Director for Doctoral Studies, and faculty across the school to further develop strategies and programs that position HGSE to attract and retain highly qualified students and maintain the school's place as a leader in the field of education.
• As a key member of the senior leadership team, undertakes initiatives to fully integrate academic programs and student services to support student success and the school's mission.

• Supports the degree program faculty leaders in the continued development and implementation of program requirements/curriculum.

• Ensures the consistency of information, policies, process, and guidance across programs and supports.

Leadership of Student Supports and Services

• With the Director of Student Affairs, Admissions, and Financial Aid, identifies and implements strategies that leverage synergies between admissions and financial aid.
• Advances the creation and implementation of innovative and comprehensive programs and services to engage students in curricular and co-curricular learning experiences.
• Supports students' personal, academic, and professional development, including by counseling and advising on complex student cases and problems.
• Works to support the coordination between Student Affairs and Degree Programs to address individual student needs from both a wellness and academic standpoint.
• Working with the Academic Dean and Degree Program Steering Committees, which are comprised of faculty members, establishes standards and policies for defining a student's curricular and co-curricular experience.
• Provides high-level oversight of student progress reviews by supporting the Director for Master's Studies, Director for Doctoral Studies, and Assistant Directors for Programs.
• Works closely with faculty who are responsible for running the various degree programs and developing student services, such as the Program and Concentration Co-Chairs.

Leadership of Team

• Builds and retains a diverse team, providing exceptional leadership and effective supervision of the department.
• Leads a team of senior-level direct reports in managing the academic and support services infrastructure to facilitate student academic and personal success.
• Convenes monthly meetings with key stakeholders to identify, assess, and discuss potential progress issues or concerns.
• Models inclusive leadership in team meetings, hiring actions, performance management, opportunities for growth, and mentorship.
• Ensures that communication and information flow effectively and efficiently between departments in order to better serve HGSE students and faculty.
• Serves as mentor to each direct report; coaching and stretching individuals and teams to take their experiences, planning and work to the next level.
• Steps in and provides direct support as needed.

Student Policy and Curriculum

• Working with the Academic Dean, develops and implements academic and community policies, in close collaboration with degree program faculty directors and co-chairs and the student support offices (e.g., OSA, Admissions, Financial Aid).
• With program staff/faculty directors and co-chairs, oversees the process for student petitions, cases, leaves, and other enrollment requests.
• Serves as a central resource on individual student issues and general policy issues related to students.
• Maintains and ensures compliance to School, University, and Federal rules.
• Serves as a Title IX Resources Coordinator for students.

Financial Management

• Manages the financial resources of the programs including developing and overseeing operating budgets.
• Supports direct reports in their budget planning and oversight.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Minimum of 7+ years related experience including having worked with faculty and graduate students
• Experience providing student supports and services
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Doctorate in Education preferred.
• Previous experience identifying and implementing innovative 21st century student support models.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and lead staff.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent negotiating and analytical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Experience building and managing budgets.
• Ability to effectively identify and resolve difficult and sensitive human relations issues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Comfort engaging in a wide variety of initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
• As needed, expected to work outside of normal business hours based on institutional and students' needs (e.g., critical situations that arise on the weekend) and special events (e.g., Commencement)

Working Conditions

• We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.
• This position will be based in Cambridge. All work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).
• Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University's “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Additional Information

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:

• Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve;
  • Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged;
  • Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation;
  • Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion;
  • Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
  • Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
  
  About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

FS0262 Academic Affairs Director

Sub-Unit

------------

Department

Dean's Office

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

062

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

PI178709696