Director of Student Success

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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.

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Associate degree