Associate Director of Master's Degree Program in Sustainability and Global Development Practice

Job Summary

Lead the delivery of academic affairs operations including faculty support, curriculum management and training. Job-Specific

Responsibilities

The Associate Director plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of one of Harvard Extension School's (HES) largest and most respected graduate programs. The Associate Director is the primary operational lead and backup to the Program Director, ensuring program continuity and high-quality academic operations.

Thesis Track Management Lead semester-long instruction of ENVR 496 Crafting the Thesis Proposal (CTP); supervise ENVR 499AB Thesis in Sustainability, specifically ensuring students are matched with suitable thesis directors and review and approve student theses prior to submission. Hold virtual office hours to consult with students about progress on the CTP, matching with Thesis directors, and reviewing draft theses.

• Critique and approve thesis proposals, recruit faculty to serve as thesis directors, reviews and approves final format of the completed thesis.
• Provides individual tutorials as necessary, advises students on relevant courses, writing problems, research skills, and identifying a suitable thesis topic.
• Contributes to the new "Guide to the ALM Thesis for the field of Sustainability."

Responsible for related projects and duties as required. Strategize Thesis process improvements and implement an improved communication plan with students in the thesis process, including key thesis requirements.

Capstone Track Management Lead various capstone options (consulting, case study, and innovation) within the SUST and GDP programs, to include managing capstone instructors, pedagogy design, student experience, and overall quality assurance. Pedagogy Design includes working with Capstone instructors to ensure the teaching approaches used to convey capstone methodologies are effective and updated.

Strategize, plan, and execute upcoming Capstone offerings to not only meet the anticipated level of student demand, but to also strategize a blend of offerings from an academic perspective. Will recruit new Capstone Instructors. Manage existing Capstone courses, working with instructors to update course designs incorporating student feedback.

• Seek a level of consistency and appropriate level of diversity across Capstone offerings, which requires regular interaction with Capstone Instructors.
• Instructor Support Act as an advising resource for SUST and GDP faculty and teaching assistants regarding educational strategies, formats, technology and pedagogy.
• Liaise with Teaching & Learning course designers.

International Design & Development Collaborate with the Program Director on the design, development, and ongoing delivery of courses for SUST and GDP students that provide a short-term international residency during the term, and with the strategic development of international relationships and collaborations.

Develop international networks to be able to deliver the course, working with course instructors to create a high-quality learning experience, and course objectives. Collaborate with HES Advising Engage routinely with HES graduate academic advising staff to assure students are being adequately advised on capstone and thesis options, deadlines, course offerings, changes in programs, and other academic requirements.

Program Administration & Operations The primary backup to the Director, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision-making when needed. Ensure compliance with university policies and accreditation standards, providing guidance on academic and administrative matters.

Program Development & Strategic Planning Partner with Director to: Review and enhance curriculum structure, program policies, and degree requirements to align with academic goals and industry trends. Gather and analyze program performance data, including enrollment trends, student outcomes, and course surveys to drive continuous improvement.

• Identify growth opportunities, including new courses and interdisciplinary collaborations, to expand the program's impact.
• Working Conditions: This position will be based in Cambridge, MA.
• Hybrid workplace models in place at DCE with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus.
• DCE or department may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.
• Physical

Requirements

Minimal physical activity required; primarily desk work involving repetitive motions such as typing and using a computer. Occasionally lifting lightweight materials (up to 20 lbs) for event setup or program materials.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience Additional Qualifications and Skills: 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 Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration and effective program management

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a 2-year term position (from the start date) with the possibility of extension. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable): $90K-$115K/annual Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education Other 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.

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