Job Description

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 John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks an accomplished academic leader to serve as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Programs. Reporting to the Dean of SEAS and serving as a member of the Dean's senior leadership team, the Senior Associate Dean provides strategic leadership for the School's undergraduate, master's, and doctoral academic programs and helps shape the vision and long-term direction of education at SEAS.

Working closely with SEAS faculty and staff leadership, including the Academic Dean for Education, the Senior Associate Dean leads academic planning, curriculum and policy development, resource stewardship, and educational innovation to ensure an exceptional student experience and support the School's strategic priorities.

The Senior Associate Dean represents SEAS across Harvard and collaborates with partners throughout the University to strengthen interdisciplinary education, advance academic initiatives, and foster excellence in teaching and learning.

The ideal candidate is an experienced academic administrator and strategic leader with a demonstrated ability to guide complex educational organizations through growth and change. They possess exceptional judgment and the ability to work with and build consensus among faculty, administrators, and University leadership. They have a strong record of advising senior leaders and developing high-performing teams. The successful candidate is committed to advancing educational excellence through innovation, partnership, and thoughtful stewardship of institutional resources.

While this is not a faculty appointed position, teaching opportunities may be available through an unpaid dependent lectureship.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the senior administrative leader for SEAS academic programs, providing strategic direction for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral education.
• Partner with the Dean and senior leadership to develop and implement long-term academic priorities that advance the School's educational mission.
• Advise the Dean and faculty leadership on academic policy, educational strategy, program development, emerging trends, and institutional priorities.
• Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen educational quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success.
• Represent SEAS on University-wide committees, governance bodies, and cross-school initiatives related to academic programs.

Academic Programming and Governance

• With the Academic Dean for Education, leads academic planning efforts, including new program development, curriculum review, academic policy, and program assessment.
• Partner with faculty leadership to develop, evaluate, and improve undergraduate concentrations, master's programs, doctoral programs, and curricular offerings. Support faculty in curriculum innovation, educational planning, and implementation of new academic initiatives.
• Ensure academic programs align with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and evolving educational needs. Oversee the accreditation review process.
• Develop long-range strategies for curriculum, instructional support, and educational innovation.

Resource Stewardship

• Develop and oversee the Office of Academic Programs operating budget, including instructional and teaching resources supporting undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs.
• Ensure effective allocation of financial, instructional, personnel, and facility resources across academic and teaching functions.
• Direct the development and improvement of administrative systems, operational processes, and service delivery supporting academic programs.
• Ensure compliance with University policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Faculty, Student, and Community Engagement

• Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and academic leadership on educational initiatives, student success, and academic planning.
• Engage with students to understand emerging needs and help shape policies, programs, and services that promote academic achievement and community.
• Build collaborative relationships across Harvard and with external academic partners to strengthen educational programs and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, belonging, innovation, and academic excellence across faculty, staff, and students.

Staff Management

• Establish and communicate organizational goals and priorities, manage staff performance and mentor and develop staff to ensure high performing teams. Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusiveness, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead organizational change initiatives that improve effectiveness, service delivery, and operational excellence.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment.

Physical Requirements:

There are no significant physical requirements of this role.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in one or a combination of the following settings: higher education, research, science, health, or engineering, with a minimum of 5 years in higher education administration.
• Demonstrated experience leading academic programs, educational strategy, curriculum development, or teaching and learning initiatives in higher education.
• Experience leading and managing staff and complex organizational operations and overseeing budgets and resources.

*Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Ph.D. in applied or basic science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a closely related field strongly preferred, but not required.
• Demonstrated success advising senior academic leaders on strategic and operational issues.
• Experience leading collaborative, consultative decision-making.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to build trust and inspire leadership in others.
• Strong understanding of higher education administration, curriculum governance, accreditation, and academic policy.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change, improve processes, and manage competing institutional priorities.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community and supporting student success.
• Familiarity with applied or basic science, computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related STEM disciplines.
• Appreciation for the role of technology and innovation in advancing teaching, learning, and academic administration.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

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.