Associate Director of Master's Degree Program in Sustainability and Global Development Practice
About The Position
The Associate Director leads academic affairs operations and plays a critical leadership role overseeing operational, administrative, and strategic functions for Harvard Extension School’s Sustainability and Global Development Practice graduate programs. The role is the primary operational lead and backup to the Program Director, supporting continuity and high-quality academic operations. The Associate Director leads thesis and capstone tracks, supports instructors and faculty, collaborates on international course and residency development, coordinates with graduate advising, and partners with the Director on program administration, curriculum development, and strategic planning. The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with a hybrid workplace model requiring at least two days per week on campus. It is a two-year term position, with the possibility of extension.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- At least 7 years of relevant work experience.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration and effective program management.
Nice To Haves
- Doctoral degree in environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, or a related field.
- Experience in graduate-level teaching, academic research, and academic operations.
- Experience in data gathering and analysis.
- Familiarity with academic processes.
Responsibilities
- Lead semester-long instruction of ENVR 496 Crafting the Thesis Proposal and supervise ENVR 499AB Thesis in Sustainability.
- Match students with suitable thesis directors; critique and approve thesis proposals; review and approve theses before submission and their final format.
- Hold virtual office hours and advise students on thesis progress, thesis-director matching, draft theses, course selection, writing, research skills, and thesis topics.
- Contribute to the Guide to the ALM Thesis for the field of Sustainability and complete related projects and duties.
- Develop thesis-process improvements and implement improved student communications about thesis requirements.
- Lead consulting, case study, and innovation capstone options across the SUST and GDP programs, including management of instructors, pedagogy, student experience, and quality assurance.
- Work with capstone instructors to develop and update teaching approaches, course designs, and methodologies using student feedback; maintain appropriate consistency and diversity across offerings.
- Plan and execute capstone offerings to meet anticipated demand and academic goals, and recruit capstone instructors.
- Advise SUST and GDP faculty and teaching assistants on educational strategies, formats, technology, and pedagogy; liaise with Teaching & Learning course designers.
- Collaborate with the Program Director on the design, development, and delivery of courses that include short-term international residencies, and on international relationships and collaborations.
- Develop international networks and work with course instructors to establish course objectives and high-quality learning experiences.
- Coordinate routinely with HES graduate academic advising staff regarding thesis and capstone options, deadlines, course offerings, program changes, and academic requirements.
- Serve as the primary backup to the Director, maintaining continuity in leadership and decision-making as needed.
- Ensure compliance with university policies and accreditation standards and provide guidance on academic and administrative matters.
- Partner with the Director to review and improve curriculum structure, program policies, and degree requirements in line with academic goals and industry trends.
- Gather and analyze enrollment, student outcome, and course survey data to support continuous improvement.
- Identify opportunities for program growth, including new courses and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
- Medical, dental, and vision 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
