Strategic Director, Student Success & Programs

Harvarduniversity; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Student Success to oversee the Office of Student Success, advising hundreds of graduate students and coordinating policy interpretation with faculty and administrators. You will lead assessment initiatives, supervise staff, and partner with diverse university offices to support student well-being and degree completion.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and advanced communication skills.

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.
• Knowledge of and experience working directly with students in a university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies and build effective relationships with campus partners, administrators, and students.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and negotiating skills and the ability to work with individuals and groups.
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex institutional environment.
• Superior oral and written communication and customer service skills.
• Strong presentation/public speaking ability.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Directs all programs and services within the Office of Student Success.
• Monitors the status of Harvard Griffin GSAS students and serves as a resource for faculty and administrators in policy interpretation.
• Works with Dean of Students and Senior Leadership Team on policies and procedures.
• Oversees student affairs, advising 58 academic programs and their students.
• Leads division-wide assessment activities and projects.
• Oversees an Assistant Director and a support staff member.
• Manages Community Standards and code of conduct under Dean of Students supervision.
• Records actions and communicates decisions for Administrative Board.
• Liaises with General Counsel as required.
• Partners with the Office of Student Services and Academic Programs to advise students in need of support services.
• Manages MBTA Student Pass Program, student funding requests and other services.
• Maintains conduct records and Dean's Certification requests.
• Serves on on-call rotation.
• Contributes to large-scale University-wide events such as Orientation.
• Represents Harvard Griffin GSAS on committees and with University offices.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Negotiation

Communication skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Excel

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a Director of Student Success to oversee the Office of Student Success, advising hundreds of graduate students and coordinating policy interpretation with faculty and administrators. You will lead assessment initiatives, supervise staff, and partner with diverse university offices to support student well-being and degree completion.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and advanced communication skills.