Senior Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, Curriculum and Special Programs

Job Summary:

Provide strategic direction, leadership and guidance. Direct academic affairs operation including faculty support, curriculum management and training.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Programs and Policy in the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Senior Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education is a high-level administrative and leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction for the Harvard College undergraduate curriculum. Working as a member of a group of administrative leaders in units that report to the Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Senior Assistant Dean is centrally involved in the administration of policy concerning the undergraduate academic program, especially as it impacts pedagogy and curricular support for faculty and special academic programs. The Senior Assistant Dean partners with faculty to provide administrative and strategic governance for flagship academic and experiential learning programs. 

• Independent Study/Experiential Study:  Oversees the Independent Study program. Independent Study is designed to provide credit for field research, academic study not available in regular course work, or practice or performance in the arts. The Senior Assistant Dean is responsible for advising undergraduates in all aspects of the program and for its administrative oversight. The Senior Assistant Dean will also oversee the Experiential Study Program in collaboration with academic departments.

• Lemann Program: Oversees director of the Lemann Program on Creativity and Entrepreneurship. Based on College goals and priorities, works with director to set program goals, ensuring effective leadership, program excellence, and institutional alignment.   Participates in Harvard College Curriculum meetings as a representative of the program to ensure it stays aligned with the vision of the Curriculum team.

• Mindich Program: Oversees program staff for Mindich courses and the Certificate for Civic Engagement.  Based on College goals and priorities, works with director to set program goals, ensuring effective leadership, program excellence, and institutional alignment.  Participates in Harvard College Curriculum meetings as a representative of the program to ensure it stays aligned with the vision of the Curriculum team.

• Special Concentrations: The Senior Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education also serves as the Director of Studies in Special Concentrations. The special concentration option is intended for students whose academic and intellectual interests cannot be served well enough by one of Harvard’s existing concentrations but are best suited to an individualized plan of study. As Director of Studies, the Senior Assistant Dean is responsible for advising undergraduates in all aspects of the program. This includes advising students interested in a special concentration, guiding applicants through the process, and serving as the primary academic adviser for all Special concentrators. The Senior Assistant Dean works with and supports the Standing Committee on Special Concentrations and oversees the application process for students. 

• Teaching Prizes: The Senior Assistant Dean will work with the Associate Dean on administering the Anya Bernstein Bassett Prize for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and will consult on candidates for additional faculty prizes as needed.

• Phi Beta Kappa: Oversees the Phi Beta Kappa election process and events in collaboration with the PBK Officers. Ensures that PBK election process is consistent with College’s overall values.

• Other duties and committee service as determined by the Associate Dean.

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.

 

Physical Requirements:

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

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