Associate Director of Master's Degree Program in Sustainability and Global Development Practice

Harvard University; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Extension School within Harvard University seeks an Associate Director to lead academic affairs operations, faculty support, curriculum management, and training for one of its largest graduate programs.

The role provides primary operational leadership, backup to the Program Director, and ensures continuity of high-quality academic operations across SUST and GDP tracks, with responsibility for international residency collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• 7+ years of relevant work experience.
• Doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, or related field.
• Experience in graduate-level teaching, academic operations, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with academic processes and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations for FAS graduate programs and manage faculty support.
• Oversee curriculum management and training initiatives.
• Provide advising resources to SUST and GDP faculty and TAs.
• Coordinate international residency design and collaborations.
• Collaborate with HES advising and ensure program compliance.
• Drive program development, planning, and performance analysis.
• Support back-up leadership to the Director and ensure continuity.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; 7+ years experience

Doctoral degree in environmental science / sustainability

Experience in graduate-level teaching; academic operations

Data gathering and analysis; process improvement

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

Job 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 Summary:

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

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Associate Director plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of one of Harvard Extension School’s (HES) largest and most respected graduate programs. The Associate Director is the primary operational lead and backup to the Program Director, ensuring program continuity and high-quality academic operations.

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, reviews 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.

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

• 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 high school 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.

• This is a 2-year term position with the possibility of extension.
• The interview process may include additional assessment.
• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. 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 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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. 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.