Senior Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, Curriculum and Special Programs

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Provide strategic direction, leadership and guidance. Direct academic affairs operation including faculty support, curriculum management and training.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Programs and Policy in the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Senior Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education is a high-level administrative and leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction for the Harvard College undergraduate curriculum. Working as a member of a group of administrative leaders in units that report to the Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Senior Assistant Dean is centrally involved in the administration of policy concerning the undergraduate academic program, especially as it impacts pedagogy and curricular support for faculty and special academic programs. The Senior Assistant Dean partners with faculty to provide administrative and strategic governance for flagship academic and experiential learning programs. 

• Independent Study/Experiential Study: Oversees the Independent Study program. Independent Study is designed to provide credit for field research, academic study not available in regular course work, or practice or performance in the arts. The Senior Assistant Dean is responsible for advising undergraduates in all aspects of the program and for its administrative oversight. The Senior Assistant Dean will also oversee the Experiential Study Program in collaboration with academic departments.
• Lemann Program : Oversees director of the Lemann Program on Creativity and Entrepreneurship. Based on College goals and priorities, works with director to set program goals, ensuring effective leadership, program excellence, and institutional alignment. Participates in Harvard College Curriculum meetings as a representative of the program to ensure it stays aligned with the vision of the Curriculum team.
• Mindich Program: Oversees program staff for Mindich courses and the Certificate for Civic Engagement. Based on College goals and priorities, works with director to set program goals, ensuring effective leadership, program excellence, and institutional alignment. Participates in Harvard College Curriculum meetings as a representative of the program to ensure it stays aligned with the vision of the Curriculum team.
• Special Concentrations : The Senior Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education also serves as the Director of Studies in Special Concentrations. The special concentration option is intended for students whose academic and intellectual interests cannot be served well enough by one of Harvard’s existing concentrations but are best suited to an individualized plan of study. As Director of Studies, the Senior Assistant Dean is responsible for advising undergraduates in all aspects of the program. This includes advising students interested in a special concentration, guiding applicants through the process, and serving as the primary academic adviser for all Special concentrators. The Senior Assistant Dean works with and supports the Standing Committee on Special Concentrations and oversees the application process for students. 
• Teaching Prizes: The Senior Assistant Dean will work with the Associate Dean on administering the Anya Bernstein Bassett Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and will consult on candidates for additional faculty prizes as needed.
• Phi Beta Kappa : Oversees the Phi Beta Kappa election process and events in collaboration with the PBK Officers. Ensures that PBK election process is consistent with College’s overall values.
• Other duties and committee service as determined by the Associate Dean.

Working Conditions:

The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts . Additional details about the College policy will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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

Qualifications

Basic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience
• Supervisory experience

Additional

Qualifications

• Ability to work and negotiate directly with faculty is essential.
• Superb communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to research and synthesize complex issues and data; and the ability to work with a number of different constituencies.
• Strong skills in teaching and knowledge of new pedagogies are essential.
• Knowledge of the Harvard College curriculum strongly preferred.
• Previous budget experience a plus.
• Ph.D. preferred, but not required.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page . 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination . We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy . Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.