Dean of First-Year Students

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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:

Reporting to the Danoff Dean of the College, the Dean of First-Year Students provides oversight of the first-year experience and is responsible for setting the tone for students’ transition to undergraduate life at Harvard College.  

The Dean of First-Year Students is a teacher and mentor, adept at listening to students’ concerns and engaging them thoughtfully. This role oversees the First-Year Dean’s Office (FDO), including professional staff, residential staff, and student leaders, and provides leadership for first-year advising, residential life, student welfare, and student programming. Working in close partnership with the Dean of Students and the Dean of Undergraduate Education, the Dean of First-Year Students plays a key role in coordinating student support, governance, crisis response, and initiatives that strengthen the first-year experience. 

As a member of the Dean of the College’s leadership team and acting as the lead institutional ambassador for first-year students, the Dean of First-Year Students contributes to the broader vision for undergraduate student life and helps shape students’ first year at Harvard. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages the First-Year Dean’s Office, including an annual budget and supervision of approximately ten staff members. The FDO includes four Resident Deans, the Senior Assistant Dean of Residential Life and First-Year Students, and the Assistant Dean for First-Year Academics, as well as advising, orientation, and administrative staff members and 65+ Proctors.
• Lives in residence and works closely with the four Resident Deans who support the academic and personal wellbeing of first-year students.
• Liaises with the Dean of Students and Dean of Undergraduate Education to ensure seamless coordination on academic matters and residential experience across all four years. 
• Coordinates with Admissions, Yard Operations, Athletics, Dining Services, Health Services, Office of Physical Resource Planning, Harvard University Police, and other campus partners to elevate and advocate for the needs of first-year students. 
• Presides over ceremonial occasions including Convocation and welcoming events for students and families.  Will use official Dean’s residence to host receptions throughout the year. 
• Supervises numerous first-year activities (orientation, outdoor program, urban volunteer program, arts program, residential education, and intramural program). Produces publications related to the first year (Handbook for Parents, Guide to the First Undergraduate Year, etc.).  
• Actively engages in the academic mission with an expectation to teach three courses over 5 years within the University and contribute to the needs of an academic department in other ways, including advising senior theses and reading/research courses, as well as serving on departmental committees. 
• Works closely with the Dean for Administration and Finance and the Office of Physical Resource Planning on space related issues. 
• May serve on various College committees and task forces. 
• Reports to the Dean of the College and serves as a member of the College senior leadership team.

Working Conditions:

The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. 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 about the College policy 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.

This position is in residence in Cambridge. 

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time 
• Lifting (20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion 

Basic Qualifications:

• Terminal degree required
• Experience in student engagement in a residential setting 
• 10 years of relevant higher education experience 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD preferred.
• Familiarity with Harvard College preferred.  
• Willingness to teach as a Lecturer in one of the faculties of the University.
• Experience advising and counseling undergraduate students about academic opportunities and support resources, interest and experience in academic administration and student life. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who have taught undergraduates and have worked in a residential environment with holistic advising responsibilities.  
• Applicants should also be familiar with residential crisis management and disciplinary responsibilities. 
• Demonstrated significant achievement in college administration and dedication to enhancing the quality of undergraduate life.  
• Familiarity with issues of diversity and the transition from high school to college is also beneficial.  
• Proven track record of working collaboratively, excellent communication skills, and both vision and a willingness to adapt essential.

• 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, Criminal

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types 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, 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.