Dean of First-Year Students

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Danoff Dean of the College, the Dean of First-Year Students provides oversight of the first-year experience and is responsible for setting the tone for students’ transition to undergraduate life at Harvard College.  

The Dean of First-Year Students is a teacher and mentor, adept at listening to students’ concerns and engaging them thoughtfully. This role oversees the First-Year Dean’s Office (FDO), including professional staff, residential staff, and student leaders, and provides leadership for first-year advising, residential life, student welfare, and student programming. Working in close partnership with the Dean of Students and the Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Dean of First-Year Students plays a key role in coordinating student support, governance, crisis response, and initiatives that strengthen the first-year experience. 

As a member of the Dean of the College’s leadership team and acting as the lead institutional ambassador for first-year students, the Dean of First-Year Students contributes to the broader vision for undergraduate student life and helps shape students’ first year at Harvard. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages the First-Year Dean’s Office, including an annual budget and supervision of approximately ten staff members. The FDO includes four Resident Deans, the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students, and the Assistant Dean for First-Year Academics, as well as advising, orientation, and administrative staff members and 65+ Proctors.

• Lives in residence and works closely with the four Resident Deans who support the academic and personal wellbeing of first-year students.

• 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. 

• Coordinates with Admissions, Yard Operations, Athletics, Dining Services, Health Services, Office of Physical Resource Planning, Harvard University Police, and other campus partners to elevate and advocate for the needs of first-year students. 

• Presides over ceremonial occasions including Convocation and welcoming events for students and families.  Will use official Dean’s residence to host receptions throughout the year. 

• Supervises numerous first-year activities (orientation, outdoor program, urban volunteer program, arts program, residential education, and intramural program). Produces publications related to the first year (Handbook for Parents, Guide to the First Undergraduate Year, etc.).  

• Actively engages in the academic mission with an expectation to teach three courses over 5 years within the University and contribute to the needs of an academic department in other ways, including advising senior theses and reading/research courses, as well as serving on departmental committees. 

• Works closely with the Dean for Administration and Finance and the Office of Physical Resource Planning on space related issues. 

• May serve on various College committees and task forces. 

• Reports to the Dean of the College and serves as a member of the College senior leadership team.

Working Conditions:

 

The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. 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 about the College policy 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.

This position is in residence in Cambridge. 

 

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time 

• Lifting (20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion