Senior Associate Dean, Professional and Lifelong Learning

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 Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. 

Our faculty, students, staff, about 23,000 degree program alumni, and more than 66,000 Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) participants tackle a diverse range of public challenges in the United States and around the world. 

The Senior Associate Dean is responsible for overseeing all functions of the department to deliver on Professional and Lifelong Learning’s (PLL) mission. Reporting to the Executive Dean with a dotted line to the Academic Dean for Teaching and Curriculum, the Senior Associate Dean is responsible for ensuring that PLL achieves its academic and financial objectives, creates strong bonds with public policy leaders and practitioners, and sustains HKS as a product leader within the global executive education and PLL arena. Of particular importance is further developing our custom, business-to-business program portfolio, including with organizations abroad, and to further assess and develop our open registration, online program (“HKS Access”) while also maintaining the excellence associated with our traditional open enrollment programs.  

Principal Responsibilities:

Working closely with the Dean, Executive Dean, and Academic Dean for Teaching and Curriculum set the strategic direction for the department the organization, create and implement innovative new program initiatives, and advance technology-enhanced learning, with a focus on both the domestic and international marketplace and with direct P&L responsibility. Determine key market and partner relationships and expand upon existing collaborations with a global perspective. 
 

Nurture and enhance organizational culture, identity, and cohesiveness.  Manage, motivate, and develop a staff of approximately 40 employees in marketing, program development, program management, and finance and administration.  Ensure the alignment of all areas of the organization.
 

Lead the senior management team in further developing and executing a global and domestic strategy through program portfolio growth and innovation and strategic alliances, including the development and implementation of a business-to-business strategy. 
 

Represent PLL throughout HKS, Harvard University, and with external constituents including key clients. Build and nurture relationships with faculty and research center leadership and leverage their expertise to develop new product lines.
 

Serve as an ambassador for HKS, representing the School, and specifically PLL, to business and government leaders around the world. 
 

Manage the business proactively to advance the School’s educational mission, ensure service excellence to participants, and achieve financial goals.
 

Actively participate in setting the future direction of HKS's collective approach to education and impact.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree required. 
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience including managing large, cross-functional teams. 
• Deep familiarity with the field of executive education and/or corporate training.   
• Experience developing, launching, or scaling education, training, and/or professional development programs. 
• Proven ability to further develop and execute a strategy with P&L responsibility. 

Additional Qualifications: 

The successful candidate will bring a balance of experience creating enthusiasm around shared vision with innovative operational expertise.  They are an experienced general manager with proven energetic and collaborative leadership style with success in motivating and managing a service-oriented team. 

• Must have experience creating strong relationships across a complex organization. 
• Strong operational skills required, including financial analysis and reporting.   
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, communication, and negotiation skills.  
• Ability to work well with senior leaders, faculty, and a deep commitment to establishing strong relationships with all constituents of the program. 
• Respectful, supportive management style with a commitment to motivating and developing team members. 
• Experience with international programs or global markets 
• Familiarity with public policy or government sectors preferred. 

• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit
• Other Information: This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA, and required to work at least 4 days/week in person on campus.

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 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.