Managing Director, Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) creates and catalyzes deeply engaging and scalable learning experiences that make a difference at Harvard and beyond. Working closely with faculty, VPAL’s staff work with Harvard faculty to create impactful on-line courses, support Harvard Schools in ongoing efforts to improve residential teaching and learning, develop software tools that support both the classroom and administrative aspect of teaching and learning, and support a variety of faculty committees convened to provide institutional advice, guidance and oversight. The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including leadership roles.
• Management experience and coaching professional level direct reports and their teams.

Nice To Haves

• M.B.A. or equivalent.
• Supervisory experience managing in multi-layered organization a plus, demonstrated ability to work with and manage team members from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and levels of expertise.
• Ability to work consistently and constructively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment.
• Ability to influence and engage regarding confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and nuance while maintaining a proactive solution-oriented approach to clarify and simplify complex projects.
• Strong project management experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen and analytic skills.
• Basic understanding of higher education pedagogical contexts and priorities.
• Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies quickly and effectively.
• Experience in online learning, educational media, education publishing, or academic technology helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and manage the department’s 80+ person staff.
• Oversee all aspects of department’s +$22 million budget.
• Develop and execute on department goals and objectives.
• Create and maintain high morale within the organization.
• Ensure training and development plans are in place for staff at all levels.
• Collaborate with VPAL on department strategy and execution.
• Manage director leadership team to translate strategic priorities into project plans, timelines/metrics, milestones and status reporting.
• Act as thought partner to VPAL on all aspects of department initiatives, including ongoing transformation of course development/production processes, application of AI and technology tools, and continuous improvement.
• Reality test new ideas and initiatives.
• Manage faculty-related issues as directed by the VPAL.
• Ensure and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders within Harvard University leadership, Harvard schools, and external constituents.
• Engage with faculty across the university in the support of VPAL efforts.
• Oversee VPAL's financial portfolio, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently, maintaining a strong financial position while making strategic investments in people and projects.
• Lead directors in execution of strategies to improve unit economics.
• Responsible for the oversight of department’s annual budget, multi-year financial plans.
• Negotiate contracts on behalf of department.
• Partners with Senior Director of Finance to develop financial models and plans.
• Work with the Vice Provost to coordinate efforts with the University Development Office to define fundraising priorities, develop philanthropic proposals, and support work with donors.
• On behalf of VPAL, coordinate a wide variety of University-wide initiatives.

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: Executive