Dean of First-Year Students

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences seeks a Dean of First-Year Students to oversee the first-year experience at Harvard College. The Dean serves as teacher and mentor, guiding student transition to undergraduate life and coordinating advising, residential life, student welfare, and programming.

Working with the Dean of Students and Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Dean of First-Year Students will lead the First-Year Dean’s Office, supervise staff and programs, and participate

Qualifications

• Terminal degree required.
• Experience in student engagement in a residential setting.
• 10 years of relevant higher education experience.

Responsibilities

• Manages the First-Year Dean’s Office, including an annual budget and supervision of approximately ten staff members.
• Liaises with the Dean of Students and Dean of Undergraduate Education to ensure seamless coordination on academic matters and residential experience across all four years.
• Presides over ceremonial occasions including Convocation and welcoming events for students and families.
• Supervises numerous first-year activities (orientation, outdoor program, urban volunteer program, arts program, residential education, and intramural program).
• Teaches three courses over 5 years within the University and contributes to academic department needs.
• Works closely with the Dean for Administration and Finance on space related issues.

Skills

Communication

Teaching willingness

Harvard College familiarity

Student advising

Collaboration

Crisis management

Diversity & inclusion

Adaptability

Education

Terminal degree

PhD preferred

Job description

Company Description

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

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart ofHarvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduateprogram (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all ofHarvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin GraduateSchool of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athleticsand the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academicdepartments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a communityunparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest rangeof liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeksto foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and sharedcommitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from allmembers of our community and prepares the next generation ofleaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Danoff Dean of the College, the Dean of First-YearStudents provides oversight of the first-year experience and isresponsible for setting the tone for students’ transition toundergraduate life at Harvard College.

The Dean of First-Year Students is a teacher and mentor, adept atlistening to students’ concerns and engaging them thoughtfully.This role oversees the First-Year Dean’s Office (FDO), includingprofessional staff, residential staff, and student leaders, andprovides leadership for first-year advising, residential life,student welfare, and student programming. Working in closepartnership with the Dean of Students and the Dean of UndergraduateEducation, the Dean of First-Year Students plays a key role incoordinating student support, governance, crisis response, andinitiatives that strengthen the first-year experience.

As a member of the Dean of the College’s leadership team and actingas the lead institutional ambassador for first-year students, theDean of First-Year Students contributes to the broader vision forundergraduate student life and helps shape students’ first year atHarvard.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages the First-Year Dean’s Office, including an annualbudget and supervision of approximately ten staff members. The FDOincludes four Resident Deans, the Senior Assistant Dean ofResidential Life and First-Year Students, and the Assistant Deanfor First-Year Academics, as well as advising, orientation, andadministrative staff members and 65+ Proctors.
• Lives in residence and works closely with the four ResidentDeans who support the academic and personal wellbeing of first-yearstudents.
• Liaises with the Dean of Students and Dean of UndergraduateEducation to ensure seamless coordination on academic matters andresidential experience across all four years.
• Coordinates with Admissions, Yard Operations, Athletics, DiningServices, Health Services, Office of Physical Resource Planning,Harvard University Police, and other campus partners to elevate andadvocate for the needs of first-year students.
• Presides over ceremonial occasions including Convocation andwelcoming events for students and families. Will use officialDean’s residence to host receptions throughout the year.
• Supervises numerous first-year activities (orientation, outdoorprogram, urban volunteer program, arts program, residentialeducation, and intramural program). Produces publications relatedto the first year (Handbook for Parents, Guide to the FirstUndergraduate Year, etc.).
• Actively engages in the academic mission with an expectation toteach three courses over 5 years within the University andcontribute to the needs of an academic department in other ways,including advising senior theses and reading/research courses, aswell as serving on departmental committees.
• Works closely with the Dean for Administration and Finance andthe Office of Physical Resource Planning on space relatedissues.
• May serve on various College committees and task forces.
• Reports to the Dean of the College and serves as a member ofthe College senior leadership team.

Working Conditions:

The work schedule and location will be set by the department at itsdiscretion and based upon operational needs and objectives andconsistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site inCambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes throughcommencement), with the exception of student breaks. When notworking at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees inhybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state incompliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts .Additional details about the College policy will be discussedduring the interview process. Certain visa types and fundingsources may limit work location. Individuals must meet worklocation sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

This position is in residence in Cambridge.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use forextended periods of time
• Lifting (20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physicalexertion

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Terminal degree required
• Experience in student engagement in a residential setting
• 10 years of relevant higher education experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD preferred.
• Familiarity with Harvard College preferred.
• Willingness to teach as a Lecturer in one of the faculties ofthe University.
• Experience advising and counseling undergraduate students aboutacademic opportunities and support resources, interest andexperience in academic administration and student life.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills arerequired.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have taughtundergraduates and have worked in a residential environment withholistic advising responsibilities.
• Applicants should also be familiar with residential crisismanagement and disciplinary responsibilities.
• Demonstrated significant achievement in college administrationand dedication to enhancing the quality of undergraduate life.
• Familiarity with issues of diversity and the transition fromhigh school to college is also beneficial.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively, excellentcommunication skills, and both vision and a willingness to adaptessential.

Additional Information

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

Work Format Details

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

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 062. 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 tosupport a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental andfinancial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Ourbenefits include, but are not limited to:

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

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

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 ensureeveryone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our communityadvance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability,or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in theuniversity's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help allcommunity members participate fully in work and campus life freefrom harassment and discrimination.