Associate Director, Program in General Education

Job Summary:

Manage and plan academic affairs operations including faculty support, curriculum management and training.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Director of the Program in General Education, the Associate Director provides program leadership and critical pedagogical and administrative support for the 75 General Education courses offered each year and the diverse range of faculty and teaching staff who teach these courses. Leading academic and administrative planning processes for Gen Ed courses, the Associate Director identifies, devises and assesses solutions for programmatic and pedagogical needs; develops and implements programs, services and resources for faculty and their teaching staff; and advises them collectively and individually as needed.

The Associate Director assists the Director in formulating policies and procedures and recommends improvements to overall course administration and support. The Associate Director works closely with other members of the senior leadership team to maintain and promote the quality of the program’s academic offerings by contributing substantially to the strategic planning and design of the program, improving student support , and advising faculty and teaching fellows/assistants to promote high-quality learning experiences. The Associate Director manages a team of two grade-55 Course Coordinators responsible for the day-to-day support for the courses.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Collaborates with the Director on leadership of the Program in General Education through strategic planning and representing the department on various committees and working groups.

 

• Works interdepartmentally on large-scale projects, such as the joint Harvard College Curriculum resource creation.

• Serves as de-facto director when the Director is out of the office.

 

2. Manages a team of two grade-55 Course Coordinators who perform all administrative responsibilities for the Program in General Education including all logistical support for courses (staffing, space, field trips, guest speakers, course materials, etc.).

 

3. Collaborates with the director on strategic leadership for pedagogical support for Gen Ed faculty and courses.

 

• Provides pedagogical support and training to encourage adoption of major pedagogical initiatives set by FAS and the Gen Ed Faculty Standing Committee, such as AI, grading, course engagement, and curricular design.

 

• Partners and consults with faculty and TFs on course innovation projects and troubleshoots challenges identified in course reviews to ensure high-quality learning experiences for students.

 

• Leads trainings and develops resources for faculty and teaching staff (e.g. Head TF Orientation, templates, guides and manuals).

 

• Collaborates with the Bok Center for Teaching and Learning .

 

4. Supports the implementation of key strategic pedagogical initiatives across the Harvard College Curriculum programs (including Expository Writing and the First-Year Seminar Program), such as the curricular response to GenAI and the adoption of other emerging educational technologies.

 

5. Acts as the office’s first responder and representative for emergent and/or sensitive concerns, including employment or labor issues that involve the HGSU-UAW union; coordinating with local offices such as General Counsel and the Office of Labor and Employee Relations as necessary.

 

6. Compiles, analyzes, and provides data as requested by the Standing Committee on General Education, Office of the President, the Dean of FAS and/or Harvard College, HPAC, Admissions, Development, and other stakeholders.

7. Other duties as needed.

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.