Director of Student Success

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 Director of Student Success reports to the Dean of Students. Directs all programs and services within the Office of Student Success while providing support to students. Monitors the status of Harvard Griffin GSAS students and serves as a resource for faculty and administrators in the academic departments as well as other University offices in the communication and interpretation of Harvard Griffin GSAS policies. Works closely with Dean of Students and members of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Senior Leadership Team in development and implementation of policies and procedures.

Student Success Management

• Serves as a subject matter expert and oversees the student affairs aspect of academic issues, programs, policies, and procedures in partnership with Academic Programs.
• Advises 58 Harvard Griffin GSAS academic programs and their students in resolution of student issues and concerns.
• Advises individuals and groups in support of students’ well-being, success, and completion of degree requirements.
• Leads and facilitates division-wide assessment activities and projects.
• Oversees an Assistant Director and a support staff member.

Policies and Procedures

• Under the supervision of the Dean of Students, manages Harvard Griffin GSAS Community Standards and codes of conduct and advises students when infractions occur.
• Serves as Secretary of the Harvard Griffin GSAS Administrative Board and has oversight of meetings and correspondence with Board members; records actions taken and assists in communicating decisions as appropriate.
• Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Affairs Administration policies and procedures and liaises with the Office of General Counsel as required.

Student Support

• Partners with the Office of Student Services and Academic Programs, advises students in need of support services. Assists with the management of student crises or immediate student life issues.
• Manages the MBTA Student Pass Program, student funding requests and other student services.
• Manages conduct records verification and Dean’s Certification requests. Assists students requesting to see their educational record.
• Serves on the on-call rotation.

Events Management

• Contributes to large-scale University-wide events and activities such as Orientation.
• Oversees Harvard Griffin GSAS Diploma Awarding Ceremony at Sanders Theatre on Commencement Day attended by 600+ graduates and 1200+ guests including management and supervision of 50+ event staff.

Harvard Griffin GSAS Representation

• Represents Harvard Griffin GSAS and advocates for graduate students on multiple committees, working groups and with University offices including Global Support Services, the Office of Financial Aid, FAS Registrar’s Office, Harvard International Office, University Health Services and other University partners.
• Serves on Harvard International Emergency Management Team (IEMT) and Harvard Griffin GSAS Local Emergency Management Team (LEMT).
• Provide ad-hoc guidance towards department-wide initiatives and special projects as assigned

Programming

• Designs and implements programs to enhance the quality of the student experience and promote student success; manages the processes, outreach, content, and finances.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office setting
• May be required, on occasion, to work nights and weekends

Physical Requirements:

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

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years related experience in higher education preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience working directly with students in a university setting
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse constituencies and build effective relationships with campus partners, administrators, and students.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and negotiating skills and the ability to work with individuals and groups.
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex institutional environment.
• Superior oral and written communication and customer service skills
• Strong presentation/public speaking ability
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Willingness to enthusiastically contribute to a team-based, goal-driven culture and environment.

• 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
• Other Information: Applicants should include a cover letter along with a resume at time of application.
  
  
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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 058. 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.