Director of the Medical School Learning Environment

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Program in Medical Education’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is dedicated to supporting students in the MD program at Harvard Medical School (HMS). The Director of the Medical Student Learning Environment oversees the intake, assessment, and resolution of medical student mistreatment concerns. Serving as a central, neutral resource for students and others within the PME, this role ensures that reports of medical student mistreatment are addressed promptly, fairly, consistently, and with a high level of discretion. The Director plays a critical role in fostering a positive, respectful, inclusive, and non-retaliatory learning environment, promoting professionalism and accountability, and in implementing initiatives to enhance the overall student experience, through coordination with program and medical school leadership. 

Case Management and Student Response 

• Primary point of contact for receiving and managing reports of medical student mistreatment, including reported concerns involving faculty, residents/fellows, staff, peers, or others that impact the learning environment.
• Designated administrator responsible for the receipt, tracking, and resolution of student mistreatment reports.
• Provide students with clear information about reporting options, institutional processes, supportive measures, and available resources.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent retaliation against students, address retaliation concerns, and communicate institutional non-retaliation policies.
• Refer students to counseling, wellness, academic support, and resources as needed.
• Conduct and/or coordinate review of student mistreatment reports in accordance with institutional policies.
• Monitor student mistreatment reports through resolution and ensure appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
• Maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential case records and documentation.
• Track case outcomes and follow-up actions to ensure timely resolution.
• Disseminate regular reports detailing outcomes of mistreatment reports to the HMS student body, faculty, and HMS Learning Environment Committee. 

Policy, Education, and Prevention

• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing policies related to student mistreatment and student professional conduct and assure alignment with other university policies.
• Analyze trends and data related to medical student mistreatment reports and prepare regular summary reports for leadership and for accreditation purposes.
• Contribute to educational initiatives for students, faculty, and staff on professional behavior, mistreatment prevention, and reporting mechanisms in collaboration with other Harvard and HMS affiliate offices.
• Ensure that students, faculty, and staff are regularly informed about student mistreatment policies, reporting mechanisms, and institutional expectations.
• Contribute to student orientation and ongoing educational programming addressing professionalism and respectful learning environments.
• Support CQI efforts related to the learning environment by working closely with the HMS Learning Environment Committee and Institutional Planning and Effectiveness 

Institutional Coordination 

• Work closely and coordinate as necessary with Student Affairs, Office of Medical Education, UME Associate Deans at the hospitals, Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights and Responsibilities, HMS Office for Academic and Research Integrity, Office of the General Counsel, HMS Human Resources, University Disability Resources, and other offices and units as appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with HMS Local Designated Resource.
• Coordinate communication with department leadership while maintaining privacy and role-appropriate information sharing.
• Participate in institutional committees related to professionalism, learning environment, and accreditation.
• Support institutional responses to accreditation reviews, surveys, and audits related to mistreatment and professionalism.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in education-related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in student affairs, compliance, human resources, investigations, and/or conflict resolution. 
• Knowledge of issues related to medical education, professionalism, and learning environments. 
• Strong interpersonal, interviewing, and communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy. 
• Experience working in an academic medical center or health professions school. 
• Training or experience with Title IX and Title VI regulations or ombuds functions. 
• Familiarity with LCME standards and accreditation processes. 
• Mediation or conflict resolution training. 

Key Competencies:

• Sound judgment and ability to remain neutral and objective.
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Project management skills.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage complex, emotionally charged cases.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

• 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
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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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.