Dean of Students, Harvard Griffin GSAS

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Job Summary

Reporting to the Dean of Harvard Griffin GSAS and serving as a member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team, the Dean of Students is the chief student affairs officer in the Graduate School.  A vocal advocate for Harvard Griffin GSAS in student affairs spaces at the University, the Dean of Students is an integral part of the student-facing work undertaken by members of the Student Affairs teams.
 
The Dean of Students works collaboratively with Schools and administrative units across the University to promote a culture of engagement and belonging, enhance the graduate student experience, and support the well-being and success of more than 4,800 Ph.D. and master’s students in 57 academic programs. The position manages a team of 5 direct reports, 1 dual report and 17 total staff, oversees strategy and operations of 5 offices, and manages a $2.6 million budget. 

Position Description:  

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for five offices that deliver programs and services to the Harvard Griffin GSAS students, including: The Office of Student Success, The Office of Student Services, The Office of Residential Life, The Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS, and the Harvard Griffin GSAS Title IX Resource Coordinators. 
• Serve as a member of the Dean's Senior Leadership Team; actively engage with other senior leaders to steward the mission of Harvard Griffin GSAS, frame policies and procedures, and strategize on ways to address major issues that affect the graduate School. 
• Be a thought leader, trusted adviser, and action partner for the Dean of Harvard Griffin GSAS in tackling challenging student and community issues. 
• Manage disciplinary cases before the Harvard Griffin GSAS Administrative Board, which includes investigations and advising with stakeholders. 
• Represent Harvard Griffin GSAS on university-wide committees dealing with student-related issues, such as housing, mental health, Title IX, accessibility, international emergency management, and behavioral threat assessment. 
• Work closely with Harvard Griffin GSAS and University staff in managing student crisis and emergency situations. Active participant on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Local Emergency Management Team.   
• Counsel faculty, students, and administrators on a broad range of complex personal, academic, and administrative issues. 
• Responsible for the overall budget of the individual units within the Dean of Students Office. 
• Oversee Harvard Griffin GSAS student focused events.  

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of academic administration, with a specialization in student affairs. Advanced Degree Required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Work experience in graduate education (including PhD programs) and a keen grasp of the challenges and evolving needs of graduate and professional students. 
• Extensive experience and demonstrated commitment to supervising, developing, and leading professionals who provide direct support to students. 
• Proven strategic leadership and change-management skills,  
• A deep passion for working with and advocating for students—a visible and accessible administrator who finds joy in the company of students. 
• Skilled administrative manager with functional excellence in key areas including student life, student support, Title IX, residential life, conduct and departmental administration. 
• A collaborative and highly relational leadership style to earn the trust and respect of students and colleagues, thrive in a highly matrixed environment, and work with partners across the University to raise the visibility of Harvard Griffin GSAS and strengthen structures and programs that support a thriving community in which all students can succeed. 
• Strong written communication skills, public speaking, and professional presence. 
• Ability to plan and manage budgets effectively. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity in all its forms, including a track record of individual action and institutional leadership in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. 
• A commitment to consult extensively, balanced by a willingness to act decisively when consensus is elusive. 
• Excellent conflict resolution skills and proven ability to manage through crises with equanimity, discretion, and a sense of responsibility and respect for students, families, and the institution.

Working Conditions

This is an on-campus position based in Cambridge, MA. 

Additional Information

A cover letter is required as part of the application submittal. 
 

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 
 
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

Harvard Griffin GSAS is where scholarship and innovation meet, where ideas are challenged and theories developed, where new knowledge is created, and where scholars emerge. The mission of Harvard Griffin GSAS is to identify and attract the most promising students to form a dynamic and diverse community, and to shape them into visionary scholars, innovative educators, and creative leaders.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

FS0361 Student Services Director

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Salary Grade

061

Department

Harvard Griffin GSAS

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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