The Placement Exchange Job Board

Position Description

The Associate Director of Academic Programs reports to the Dean for Academic Programs and works closely with staff and senior leadership to support the academic mission of Harvard Griffin GSAS and the strategic work of the Academic Programs Office. The Associate Director contributes substantially to the strategic planning and assessment of current and future programs.

Strategic / committee work:

• Contributes to the development and review of materials in various committees, including the Graduate Policy Committee and the Committee on Graduate Education.
• Helps implement the work of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions and Graduate Education (GAGE) committee.
• Supports strategic planning of graduate student surveys related to advising (e.g., registration surveys) and employment outcomes (e.g., exit surveys); helps to design and support regular outreach to departments and programs with data from students.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of new academic policy, which may entail consultation with the Office of General Counsel, the College, and several Schools across Harvard.
• Liaises closely with Institutional Research to develop robust assessment tools and schedules.

Curricular program work:

• Works with the Dean for Academic Programs to develop process and criteria for reviewing tracks and sub-fields as well as annual updates to secondary field offerings.
• Works with the Dean for Academic Programs to develop the process for reviewing and approving proposals for new degree programs, and ultimately leads these processes.
• Advises on the implementation and creation of administrative infrastructure in newly established academic programs, including oversight of the Ad Hoc PhD application process.
• Manages the design and implementation of programming related to the Harvard Griffin GSAS English-Language teaching requirement.

Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS) and Department Administrators (DA)/Coordinators guidance:

• Acts as a primary advising resource for DGS in 59 academic programs on program requirements and academic policy. Organizes regular meetings and designs training tools and resources to serve the needs of DGSs. Supports Harvard Griffin GSAS in detailing the roles and responsibilities of the DGS, and onboarding support.
• Together with the Dean for Academic Programs and senior leadership in Harvard Griffin GSAS, designs a handbook for DGSs that will then be maintained and updated by the Associate Director.
• Develops and implements regular communication approach to DGSs.
• Partners with other Harvard Griffin GSAS staff to lead the DA meetings.

Academic policy work:

• Serves as primary point of contact for program administrators and faculty on annual policy review.
• Oversees the interpretation, implementation, refinement, and dissemination of policies related to Harvard Griffin GSAS academics.
• Works with the Director of Communications to ensure that policies in the Academic Programs domain are up to date and accurately presented on the offices web pages.

Special projects:

• Works with other teams across and beyond Harvard Griffin GSAS to co-facilitate cross-team meetings.
• Represents the Academic Programs team on case management related to teaching and learning, in collaboration with academic departments, Student Affairs, and/or Student Services. Attend case meetings with the Disability Access Office and Harvard Griffin GSAS Cross-Team Case Meetings.
• Designs and implements a protocol for tracking and documenting policy exceptions and academic cases centrally to reference for historic precedent.
• Provides support at large annual events such as Harvard Griffin GSAS Welcomes, Newly Admitted Students Day, and Harvard Horizons.
• Engages in the planning and running of Harvard Griffin GSAS Welcomes: International Summer Institute in collaboration with the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning.
• Works with the Registrar and HUIT to oversee and develop student enrollment and data systems to enhance student system user experience.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree, or equivalent in terms of direct experience in complex higher education environment.
• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with tools such as SharePoint and Maxient.
• Familiarity working with academic policy.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

Working Conditions

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and requires at least 3 days in the office. Furthermore, individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business.

Additional Information

All final offers will be made by FAS HR

Salary Grade: 058

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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.

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