Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, Curricular Planning and Academic Program Review

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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 Summary:

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

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Education, Curricular Planning and Academic Program Review, reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Academic Programs and Policy, will have primary responsibility for assuring student learning and the success of all students in the concentrations and for supporting the concentrations in curricular planning. This will involve primary collaboration with academic units, and additional work with Resident Deans and the DSO, Office of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct, the Registrar's Office (RO), Faculty of Arts and Sciences Institutional Research (FASIR), and the Office of the Governing Boards.

Program Reviews

• Develops and oversees a regular schedule of reviews for all concentrations and secondary fields. Also oversees regular and ad hoc reviews of other academic programs (e.g., Expository Writing, language programs).
• Invites, convenes, and stewards committees comprised primarily of faculty members and senior administrators to conduct reviews. 
• Assists Department Chairs, Directors of Undergraduate Studies (DUSes), and other faculty with preparation and goal/benchmark setting, advising them throughout the entire review process.
• Collaborates with the RO, FAS IR, Faculty Affairs, and other campus partners to collect and analyze data on student learning. This includes developing, implementing, and maintaining a process for regular data collection on all concentrations on student learning and learning goals. 
• Writes post-review reports, including recommendations for changes.
• Supports concentrations with implementing changes by convening stakeholders, sharing resources, and providing regular follow-up.
• Liaises regularly with the Educational Policy Committee to ensure alignment with the body’s goals and the legislative process.
• Coordinates with the Board of Overseers to share and receive reports for program and curricular review relating to the visitation process.

Curricular Planning

• Guides departments in articulating learning outcomes for students, assuring that new and existing courses give students appropriate opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills and competencies.
• Shares, and in some cases develops, frameworks and recommendations for curricular planning (e.g., frequency of offerings, tutorial structures, and curricular tracks).
• Convenes stakeholders to review courses that multiple departments rely on for foundational knowledge or pre-requisites.

Undergraduate Education Strategic Initiatives

• Convenes and leads cross-departmental teams on strategic initiatives to fulfill goals related to student success and curricular improvement of the Dean of Undergraduate Education.
• Proactively shares and advises senior leadership on trends impacting student success and suggests opportunities for further work and evolution.
• Responsible for gathering and analyzing data for presentation to senior leadership on student learning outcomes and curricular programs to ensure compliance for accreditation and other purposes.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office setting

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 8 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Master’s degree or Ph.D. required. Minimum of 7 years' experience in higher education instruction and administration. Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and students, and to manage and prioritize complex and multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written. Experience with data management and analysis. Knowledge of the curriculum and ongoing curricular changes in Harvard College. Ability to manage up and across boundaries to improve the student experience.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Compensation Range/Rate: Compensation is based on the position and the candidate’s relevant experience. 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. 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 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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. 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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.