Assistant Director of Student Services

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-Specific Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Student Services reports to the Director of Student Services at Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). This position works closely with the Dean of Students, Residential Life, Student Success, Title IX and Nondiscrimination and Professional Conduct, the Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Center, and Harvard Griffin GSAS leadership to support the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission . This position is in frequent contact with faculty and staff in academic departments and campus and community partners (HUPD, CAMHS, AEO, ARC, and more). 

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Coaching & Advising: 

• Coaches/advises students (as well as faculty and staff) on matters related to student concerns, resource referral, and provides ongoing case management. 

• Independently facilitates problem-solving for  personal and academic concerns. 

Case Management, Planning, & Assessment: 

• Provides ongoing case management, excels at email communications, and creates action plans associated with individual students. 

• Maintains excellent documentation. Updates/creates records/reports in student information system of student meetings and tracks data.  
• Coordination with internal and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate referrals are made.
• Understands University policies and protocols and exhibits confidence of when to consult. Researches best practices to create and update protocols as appropriate. 

• Co-facilitates meetings (with the Director) with departmental faculty and staff and campus partners (Financial Aid, CAMHS, AEO, HUPD, ARC) for regular meetings concerning student trends, collaboration, projects, and case management. 

• Advises faculty, staff, and partners to determine action steps for student support. 

Crisis Management: 

• Deep understanding of university and community resources. Serves in a 24/7 on-call rotation to respond to HUPD/HUHS as needed and independently navigates crisis response. 

• Responds to urgent concerns, including after hours, while exercising expert level decision-making and highly-skilled judgment calls to determine next steps and communication to leadership. 

Crisis Prevention: 

• Preventive care includes presentations and initiatives for students, student leaders, faculty, and staff. 

• Deliver strong presentations to increase contact with the office for student support.

• Independently researches best practices and, at the discretion of the Director, implements initiatives to further the mission of the office. 

Strategy & Other Duties as Assigned: 

• Contributes to the strategy of the Office along with Director. In the absence of Director,  step into supervisory role of and may represent Director at meetings. 

• Works on independent daily tasks and divisional projects, other duties as assigned (e.g., Harvard Griffin GSAS Orientation, supporting departmental and divisional initiatives, etc.). 

Working Conditions 

• Work is performed in an office setting 
• Hybrid schedule, generally 3 days a week on site, with occasional need for more days in the office during specific events (e.g. Harvard Griffin GSAS orientation)
• Serves on a 24/7 on call rotation along with other members of the Student Services team and Student Affairs division, which includes weekends.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in relevant field such as higher education, counseling, social work, or other.
• Relevant work experience in educational guidance, social work, counseling or other. 

• Excels at organization, time and priority management, and communication skills (both written and verbal) 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn and utilize Maxient or other CRM case management systems 
• Skilled at facilitation, public speaking or presenting for large/small groups 
• Experience working with diverse students, colleagues and external organizations 
• Crisis management skills, experience being on-call and implementing emergency protocols 

Additional Information

• A cover letter is requested along with a resume as part of your application. 
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information: All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business

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 057. 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.