Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs

Harvard University; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an accomplished academic leader to serve as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

Reporting to the Dean of SEAS and serving as a member of the Dean's senior leadership team, the Senior Associate Dean provides strategic leadership for the School's undergraduate, master's, and doctoral academic programs and helps shape the vision and long-term direction of education at SEAS.

Responsibilities

• Lead academic planning and curriculum development for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.
• Oversee program assessment, accreditation, and policy development.
• Advisor to the Dean and faculty on educational strategy and priorities.
• Collaborate across SEAS and Harvard to advance interdisciplinary education.
• Direct resource stewardship for academic programs and educational initiatives.

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 John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Summary:

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an accomplished academic leader to serve as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs. Reporting to the Dean of SEAS and serving as a member of the Dean's senior leadership team, the Senior Associate Dean provides strategic leadership for the School's undergraduate, master's, and doctoral academic programs and helps shape the vision and long-term direction of education at SEAS.

Working closely with SEAS faculty and staff leadership, including the Academic Dean for Education, the Senior Associate Dean leads academic planning, curriculum and policy development, resource stewardship, and educational innovation to ensure an exceptional student experience and support the School's strategic priorities.

The Senior Associate Dean represents SEAS across Harvard and collaborates with partners throughout the University to strengthen interdisciplinary education, advance academic initiatives, and foster excellence in teaching and learning.

The ideal candidate is an experienced academic administrator and strategic leader with a demonstrated ability to guide complex educational organizations through growth and change. They possess exceptional judgment and the ability to work with and build consensus among faculty, administrators, and University leadership. They have a strong record of advising senior leaders and developing high-performing teams. The successful candidate is committed to advancing educational excellence through innovation, partnership, and thoughtful stewardship of institutional resources.

Teaching opportunities may be available through an unpaid dependent lectureship.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the senior administrative leader for SEAS academic programs, providing strategic direction for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral education.
• Partner with the Dean and senior leadership to develop and implement long-term academic priorities that advance the School's educational mission.
• Advise the Dean and faculty leadership on academic policy, educational strategy, program development, emerging trends, and institutional priorities.
• Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen educational quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success.
• Represent SEAS on University-wide committees, governance bodies, and cross-school initiatives related to academic programs.

Academic Programming and Governance

• With the Academic Dean for Education, leads academic planning efforts, including new program development, curriculum review, academic policy, and program assessment.
• Partner with faculty leadership to develop, evaluate, and improve undergraduate concentrations, master's programs, doctoral programs, and curricular offerings. Support faculty in curriculum innovation, educational planning, and implementation of new academic initiatives.
• Ensure academic programs align with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and evolving educational needs. Oversee the accreditation review process.
• Develop long-range strategies for curriculum, instructional support, and educational innovation.

Resource Stewardship

• Develop and oversee the Office of Academic Programs operating budget, including instructional and teaching resources supporting undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.
• Ensure effective allocation of financial, instructional, personnel, and facility resources across academic and teaching functions.
• Direct the development and improvement of administrative systems