Associate Director of Master

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences

Cambridge (MA)

Hybrid

USD 90,000 - 115,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences in Cambridge, MA seeks an experienced academic operations leader to oversee faculty support, curriculum management, and training within the Division of Continuing Education. This hybrid role requires coordinating across departments to ensure program quality and student success.

You will lead thesis/capstone management, advise on program development, collaborate with HES advising, and help expand international partnerships while ensuring compliance

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience.
Doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field.
Experience in graduate-level teaching, academic research, and academic operations.
Experience in data gathering and analysis.
Familiarity with academic processes.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration and effective program management.

Responsibilities

Lead ENVR 496 and ENVR 499AB thesis-related instruction and supervision.
Coordinate thesis directors, review theses, and approve final formats.
Develop and implement Thesis process improvements and communications.
Manage Capstone options, design pedagogy, and instructor recruitment.
Liaise with HES advising and program administrators.
Collaborate on international design and development of courses.
Oversee program administration and compliance with policies.
Plan curriculum structure, assess enrollment, and identify growth opportunities.

Skills

Teaching experience

Data analysis

Academic operations

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field

Job description

Company Description

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:

Lead the delivery of academic affairs operations including faculty support, curriculum management and training.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Thesis Track Management

Lead semester-long instruction of ENVR 496 Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP); supervise ENVR 499AB Thesis in Sustainability, specifically ensuring students are matched with suitable thesis directors and review and approve student theses prior to submission.
Hold virtual office hours to consult with students about progress on the CTP, matching with Thesis directors, and reviewing draft theses.
Critique and approve thesis proposals, recruit faculty to serve as thesis directors, review and approves final format of the completed thesis. Provides individual tutorials as necessary, advises students on relevant courses, writing problems, research skills, and identifying a suitable thesis topic. Contributes to the new "Guide to the ALM Thesis for the field of Sustainability." Responsible for related projects and duties as required.
Strategize Thesis process improvements and implement an improved communication plan with students in the thesis process, including key thesis requirements.

Capstone Track Management

Lead various capstone options (consulting, case study, and innovation) within the SUST and GDP programs, to include managing capstone instructors, pedagogy design, student experience, and overall quality assurance.
Pedagogy Design includes working with Capstone instructors to ensure the teaching approaches used to convey capstone methodologies are effective and updated.
Strategize, plan, and execute upcoming Capstone offerings to not only meet the anticipated level of student demand, but to also strategize a blend of offerings from an academic perspective. Will recruit new Capstone Instructors.
Manage existing Capstone courses, working with instructors to update course designs incorporating student feedback. Seek a level of consistency and appropriate level of diversity across Capstone offerings, which requires regular interaction with Capstone Instructors.

Instructor Support

Act as an advising resource for SUST and GDP faculty and teaching assistants regarding educational strategies, formats, technology and pedagogy. Liaise with Teaching & Learning course designers.

International Design & Development

Collaborate with the Program Director on the design, development, and ongoing delivery of courses for SUST and GDP students that provide a short-term international residency during the term, and with the strategic development of international relationships and collaborations.
Develop international networks to be able to deliver the course, working with course instructors to create a high-quality learning experience, and course objectives.

Collaborate with HES Advising

Engage routinely with HES graduate academic advising staff to assure students are being adequately advised on capstone and thesis options, deadlines, course offerings, changes in programs, and other academic requirements.

Program Administration & Operations

The primary backup to the Director, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision-making when needed. Ensure compliance with university policies and accreditation standards, providing guidance on academic and administrative matters.

Program Development & Strategic Planning

Partner with Director to: Review and enhance curriculum structure, program policies, and degree requirements to align with academic goals and industry trends.
Gather and analyze program performance data, including enrollment trends, student outcomes, and course surveys to drive continuous improvement.
Identify growth opportunities, including new courses and interdisciplinary collaborations, to expand the program's impact.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

Minimal physical activity required; primarily desk work involving repetitive motions such as typing and using a computer.
Occasionally lifting lightweight materials (up to 20 lbs) for event setup or program materials.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field
Experience in graduate-level teaching, academic research, and academic operations
Experience in data gathering and analysis
Familiarity with academic processes
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration and effective program management

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a 2-year term position (from the start date) with the possibility of extension.
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90K-$115K/annual
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information:

About Us

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) comprises four academic units serving about 30,000 domestic and international students annually, which allow Harvard to meet the learning needs of intellectually curious and highly motivated students from highschool through retirement. Established in 1910, the Harvard Extension School (HES) offers access to Harvard faculty for a diverse community of adult learners, enrolling about 15,000 students. HES offers over 1,000 open enrollment courses — 85 percent of which are accessible online — and provides flexibility through noncredit, undergraduate, and graduate courses, including degrees, certificates, and a premedical program. The Harvard Summer School, founded in 1871, offers around 450 credit and noncredit courses both on the Harvard Campus and online, catering to 9,000 high school, college, and adult learners. Additionally, it offers up to 15 international study abroad programs, hosting up to 300 students each summer. Harvard DCE Professional & Executive Development delivers over 140 noncredit programs annually, reaching more than 3,600 participants through online platforms and its executive development center in Cambridge. The Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement offers about 140 peer-taught courses to approximately 550 active members.