Director of Student Success

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off including paren

Medical, dental, and vision health保险

Retirement plans with university Con

Wellbeing and mental health resources

Support for families and caregivers

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Commuter benefits, campus perks

Job summary

Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, seeks a Director of Student Success to oversee the Office of Student Success within Harvard Griffin GSAS. You will guide programs, interpret policies for faculty and administrators, and shape student support strategies.

You will supervise staff, coordinate student services, and drive program assessment to enhance the student experience across 58 GSAS programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years related experience in higher education preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Strong presentation/public speaking ability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the student affairs aspect of academic issues, programs, policies, and procedures in partnership with Academic Programs.
• Advise 58 Harvard Griffin GSAS academic programs and their students in resolution of student issues.
• Support student well‑being, success and degree completion.
• Lead division‑wide assessment activities and projects.
• Oversee an Assistant Director and a support staff member.
• Manage Harvard Griffin GSAS Community Standards and conduct issues.
• Record actions and communicate decisions to Board members.

Skills

Student affairs

Higher ed administration

Assessment

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Team management

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

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 environmentof 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

The Director of Student Success reports to the Dean of Students.Directs all programs and services within the Office of StudentSuccess while providing support to students. Monitors the status ofHarvard Griffin GSAS students and serves as a resource for facultyand administrators in the academic departments as well as otherUniversity offices in the communication and interpretation ofHarvard Griffin GSAS policies. Works closely with Dean of Studentsand members of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Senior Leadership Team indevelopment and implementation of policies and procedures.

Student Success Management

• Serves as a subject matter expert and oversees the studentaffairs aspect of academic issues, programs, policies, andprocedures in partnership with Academic Programs.
• Advises 58 Harvard Griffin GSAS academic programs and theirstudents in resolution of student issues and concerns.
• Advises individuals and groups in support of students’well-being, success, and completion of degree requirements.
• Leads and facilitates division-wide assessment activities andprojects.
• Oversees an Assistant Director and a support staff member.

Policies and Procedures

• Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, manages HarvardGriffin GSAS Community Standards and codes of conduct and advises students when infractions occur.
• Serves as Secretary of the Harvard Griffin GSAS AdministrativeBoard and has oversight of meetings and correspondence with Boardmembers; records actions taken and assists in communicatingdecisions as appropriate.
• Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Affairs Administrationpolicies and procedures and liaises with the Office of GeneralCounsel as required.

Student Support

• Partners with the Office of Student Services and AcademicPrograms, advises students in need of support services. Assistswith the management of student crises or immediate student lifeissues.
• Manages the MBTA Student Pass Program, student funding requestsand other student services.
• Manages conduct records verification and Dean’s Certificationrequests. Assists students requesting to see their educationalrecord.
• Serves on the on-call rotation.

Events Management

• Contributes to large-scale University-wide events andactivities such as Orientation.
• Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony atSanders Theatre on Commencement Day attended by 600+ graduates and1200+ guests including management and supervision of 50+ eventstaff.

Harvard Griffin GSAS Representation

• Represents Harvard Griffin GSAS and advocates for graduatestudents on multiple committees, working groups and with Universityoffices including Global Support Services, the Office of FinancialAid, FAS Registrar’s Office, Harvard International Office,University Health Services and other University partners.
• Serves on Harvard International Emergency Management Team(IEMT) and Harvard Griffin GSAS Local Emergency Management Team(LEMT).
• Provide ad-hoc guidance towards department-wide initiatives andspecial projects as assigned

Programming

• Designs and implements programs to enhance the quality of thestudent experience and promote student success; manages theprocesses, outreach, content, and finances.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required, on occasion, to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements

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

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years related experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience working directly with students in auniversity setting
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies andbuild effective relationships with campus partners, administrators,and students.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and negotiating skillsand the ability to work with individuals and groups.
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex institutionalenvironment.
• Superior oral and written communication and customer serviceskills
• Strong presentation/public speaking ability
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Willingness to enthusiastically contribute to a team-based,goal-driven culture and environment.

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
• Other Information: Applicants should include a coverletter along with a resume at time of application.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders thatsome of the duties and responsibilities can be effectivelyperformed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and locationwill be set by the department at its discretion and based uponoperational needs. When not working at a Harvard orHarvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions mustwork in a Harvard registered state in compliance with theUniversity’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 priorto 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

• 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 & 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.