Harvard University
Assistant Director, First-Year Seminar Program
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Company 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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
Independently plan and implement academic affairs operations including faculty support, curriculum management and training.
Job Specific Responsibilities
Program Management and Leadership : Works closely with the Director to uphold and enhance the quality of the First-Year Seminar Program (FYSP); contributes to the strategic planning and design of the Program; and leads, optimizes, and manages the team’s delivery of year-round administrative services to teaching faculty and students. For teaching faculty: Manages and oversees the administrative process of developing new seminars and enhancing existing ones; interprets and communicates policies; researches and advises on resources and experiential opportunities Implements, in collaboration with faculty, new post-seminar modules taking place on Harvard’s campus and beyond Reviews, monitors and approves seminar budgets and expenses in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Administration. For students: Oversees students’ applications and the Program’s enrollment cycles Ensures excellence and timeliness in addressing students’ inquiries, concerns, and needs Advises students on seminar offerings Administrative Oversight Oversees all the administrative aspects for the Standing Committee meetings and all Program’s events, including: Sets agenda and schedules Standing Committee meetings Guides and supervises Coordinator’s collection of meeting materials Reviews seminar proposals to ensure conformity with policy, procedures, and instructional guidelines Analyzes key programmatic data and shares results with Standing Committee and other College leadership to guide strategic decision-making Provides real-time support and tracking of Committee Meetings Leads the Program’s deployment of AI technologies to enhance office operations, including: Designs and deploys innovative, AI-enabled interventions to optimize workflows and deliverables Creates and applies AI-enabled strategies to improve data insights Trains and supports staff members in effective adoption of AI technologies for office use Develops manuals and documentation on operating procedures to ensure consistency and long-term usability Liaises with College, FAS, and University partners to understand policies, best practices, and opportunities for collaboration Keeps up to date on university policies related to AI, data security, and technology Data Management Oversight Gathers, evaluates, analyzes, and enhances data accumulated in the Program over the past two decades, including: Creates a database for tracking teaching faculty Designs, implements, and optimizes business processes for maintaining critical Program data Leads the Program’s creation and delivery of reports used for faculty recruitment Management Responsibilities Supervises, trains and mentors the Program Coordinator, including: Provides feedback, growth and development, workflow optimization, and weekly 1:1 meetings Assigns and oversees day-to-day work Conducts annual performance reviews Trains and supports Coordinator on business processes, systems, and technologies Campus Collaborations and Partnerships Represents the Program in tasks and collaborations across FAS and beyond, including: Manages relationships and collaborations with stakeholders Responsible for the public face of the Program and guidance for the Program’s communications, including Program websites and content in other College publications Serves as primary point of contact for FYSP when the Director isn’t available Participates as a member of the Harvard College Curriculum team and represents the Program in other meetings as appropriate Working Conditions Work is performed in an office setting Physical Requirements Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience Additional Qualifications and Skills: AI literacy and proven experience in applying AI technologies to improve office workflows and operational efficiency Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Intermediate Excel skills Ability to work with students, colleagues, faculty, and external offices Exceptionally detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills ensuring clarity and precision in all interactions and documentation Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and solve emerging problems in real-time Collaborative team player with demonstrated ability to be self-directed and proactive Highly organized and capable of setting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously Enthusiasm and demonstrated experience managing and working in a team Skilled at developing innovative solutions to complex problems Additional Information Appointment End Date: 2-year limited term appointment starting from hire date Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education Please include a cover letter to be considered for this position. Work Format Details This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 057. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
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Program Management and Leadership : Works closely with the Director to uphold and enhance the quality of the First-Year Seminar Program (FYSP); contributes to the strategic planning and design of the Program; and leads, optimizes, and manages the team’s delivery of year-round administrative services to teaching faculty and students. For teaching faculty: Manages and oversees the administrative process of developing new seminars and enhancing existing ones; interprets and communicates policies; researches and advises on resources and experiential opportunities Implements, in collaboration with faculty, new post-seminar modules taking place on Harvard’s campus and beyond Reviews, monitors and approves seminar budgets and expenses in collaboration with the Assistant Director of Administration. For students: Oversees students’ applications and the Program’s enrollment cycles Ensures excellence and timeliness in addressing students’ inquiries, concerns, and needs Advises students on seminar offerings Administrative Oversight Oversees all the administrative aspects for the Standing Committee meetings and all Program’s events, including: Sets agenda and schedules Standing Committee meetings Guides and supervises Coordinator’s collection of meeting materials Reviews seminar proposals to ensure conformity with policy, procedures, and instructional guidelines Analyzes key programmatic data and shares results with Standing Committee and other College leadership to guide strategic decision-making Provides real-time support and tracking of Committee Meetings Leads the Program’s deployment of AI technologies to enhance office operations, including: Designs and deploys innovative, AI-enabled interventions to optimize workflows and deliverables Creates and applies AI-enabled strategies to improve data insights Trains and supports staff members in effective adoption of AI technologies for office use Develops manuals and documentation on operating procedures to ensure consistency and long-term usability Liaises with College, FAS, and University partners to understand policies, best practices, and opportunities for collaboration Keeps up to date on university policies related to AI, data security, and technology Data Management Oversight Gathers, evaluates, analyzes, and enhances data accumulated in the Program over the past two decades, including: Creates a database for tracking teaching faculty Designs, implements, and optimizes business processes for maintaining critical Program data Leads the Program’s creation and delivery of reports used for faculty recruitment Management Responsibilities Supervises, trains and mentors the Program Coordinator, including: Provides feedback, growth and development, workflow optimization, and weekly 1:1 meetings Assigns and oversees day-to-day work Conducts annual performance reviews Trains and supports Coordinator on business processes, systems, and technologies Campus Collaborations and Partnerships Represents the Program in tasks and collaborations across FAS and beyond, including: Manages relationships and collaborations with stakeholders Responsible for the public face of the Program and guidance for the Program’s communications, including Program websites and content in other College publications Serves as primary point of contact for FYSP when the Director isn’t available Participates as a member of the Harvard College Curriculum team and represents the Program in other meetings as appropriate Working Conditions Work is performed in an office setting Physical Requirements Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience Additional Qualifications and Skills: AI literacy and proven experience in applying AI technologies to improve office workflows and operational efficiency Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Intermediate Excel skills Ability to work with students, colleagues, faculty, and external offices Exceptionally detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills ensuring clarity and precision in all interactions and documentation Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and solve emerging problems in real-time Collaborative team player with demonstrated ability to be self-directed and proactive Highly organized and capable of setting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously Enthusiasm and demonstrated experience managing and working in a team Skilled at developing innovative solutions to complex problems Additional Information Appointment End Date: 2-year limited term appointment starting from hire date Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education Please include a cover letter to be considered for this position. Work Format Details This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Salary Grade and Ranges This position is salary grade level 057. Benefits Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Generous paid time off including parental leave Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one Retirement plans with university contributions Wellbeing and mental health resources Support for families and caregivers Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
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