Dean for Academic Programs

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Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is seeking an experienced strategic academic leader to serve as Dean for Academic Programs. Reporting to the Dean of SEAS, the Dean for Academic Programs  has overall administrative responsibility for all SEAS teaching and advising programs, including undergraduate, professional master’s, Ph.D., and certificate programs, and all student affairs. The Dean for Academic Programs is a vital partner to the SEAS Dean and will work closely with the Academic Dean for Education, the Dean for Administration and Finance, the Dean for Research, the Chief of Staff, SEAS faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to assess, clarify, develop, and implement academic programs to advance the SEAS mission. This role oversees our academic programs, professional programs, innovation in education/technology, and active learning, and fosters SEAS’s relationship with the Harvard Library. The Dean for Academic Programs represents the interests, priorities, goals, and aspirations of SEAS with multiple and varied audiences and stakeholders (University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and SEAS administrators, faculty, practitioners, and other community members) and has a demonstrated commitment to multidisciplinary programming.

The Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be a skilled advisor, advocate, implementer, collaborator, and consensus builder. They will have experience in strategic leadership, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and have a record of establishing effective collaborative relationships with administrative staff, faculty, and leaders. 

The candidate will have excellent judgment, decisiveness, initiative, and discretion in achieving organizational objectives. They will provide a positive personal example through words and deeds and displaying personal integrity; supporting all levels of staff; taking responsibility for their actions and holding others accountable. 

They will have demonstrated experience serving as an advisor to senior leaders, adding value beyond the strict definition of the position, and will have proven success inspiring and leading a data-driven, mission-oriented, and service-minded team.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Foster an environment of belonging and community among faculty, staff and students in all activities.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Develop, manage, and oversee departmental budgets, including the SEAS-wide teaching budget (Teaching Lab, Teaching Fellows/Course Assistants, etc.) 
• Ensure compliance with SEAS, FAS, and University policies and procedures and applicable laws and regulations.

Academic Program Planning and Development

• Work with the faculty to develop the undergraduate concentrations, graduate academic programs (master’s and Ph.D.), and professional and other in-person, online, and blended programs, and foster best teaching and learning practices. 
• Ensure that resources are appropriately allocated to the educational programs.
• Coordinate and facilitate the assessment and review of SEAS educational policies and undergraduate and graduate curricular programs.
• Act as an advising resource for faculty and other academics regarding educational strategies and formats. 
• Actively participate in mentoring and supporting students as they navigate their learning and academic paths. Be a sounding board for the students and faculty during stressful times. 
• Direct curriculum development which may include directing the development of new courses and the assessment of curricular offerings. 
• Direct the evaluation, development and implementation of administrative systemsand processes. 

Working Conditions:

The work is performed in an office environment.  

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical demands required in this position.   

Basic Qualifications:

Ph.D. in engineering, applied or basic science, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of experience in a leadership role in one or a combination of the following areas: higher education, research institute/organization, or science/health/engineering-related industry, including managing individuals and/or teams required. Experience in developing and implementing academic curriculum at the higher education level required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong administrative, management, and leadership skills and an ability to build mutual trust and inspire leadership in others.
• An innovation mindset, an entrepreneurial outlook, and the ability to conceive of and implement an exciting vision, in collaboration with others.
• A collaborative orientation and an openness to building and sustaining synergies and win-win partnerships within a university setting.
• Strong personal commitment to fostering a culture of belonging. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of teaching principles, concepts, practices, and methods. 
• Knowledgeable of computer science, engineering and applied sciences curriculum.
• Experience in a faculty position (ladder or non-ladder) is preferred.
• Deep interest in engaging with SEAS’s various constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
• A commitment to technology as a tool to bring about innovation and to elevate pedagogy.

• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
• 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 and Education

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 062. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes. 

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.