Manager for Academic Operations

23-Sep-2024

Manager for Academic Operations

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

66937BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director for Academic Operations (DAO) and partnering closely with Academic Area Chairs, the Manager for Academic Operations plays a critical role supporting key academic initiatives and academic strategy. Key responsibilities include managing faculty searches, reviews, and related project management for academic departments. Attends faculty meetings for academic areas to provide insights and guidance and discuss project details and updates. May serve as a proxy for the DAO as needed. Additional duties involve partnering with SEAS offices on events, doctoral candidate reviews, and space planning. Demonstrates exceptional relationship management, communication, and problem-solving skills to help advance the school's academic mission. Assigns work and provides guidance to Administrative Coordinators. May supervise one or more direct reports.

Position Description

Faculty Searches, Reviews, and Promotions:

Oversees faculty hiring processes and acts as the principal point of contact with the SEAS Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) for academic areas. Partners with committee chairs to strategize and develop comprehensive timelines and detailed agendas for both review and search committee meetings, ensuring all steps are planned and executed. Works closely with SEAS OFA to oversee adherence to policies and procedures during searches and reviews. Offers guidance to committee chairs to navigate scenarios and timelines. Uses high-level independent judgment to guide conversations and facilitate area discussions to ensure pertinent topics are addressed, objectives are achieved, and the proper process is followed. Coordinates with the Dean's Office to determine and prepare logistics for search, review, and promotion discussions at Steering Committee meetings. Leads the development and management of critical process documentation for area administration, including materials related to faculty searches, reviews, recruitment visits, onboarding, and offboarding. Oversees the management of documents and dossiers within SharePoint and ensures area faculty listservs are regularly updated and accurate.  

Space Planning:

Along with the DAO, acts as a liaison for space planning and design for faculty and faculty groups. Manages space allocations for academic areas. Works with OFA and the space planning department to help manage logistics of new faculty offices and labs. 

Project Management:

Manages current and new initiatives for the academic areas. Works with the DAO to review existing projects and/or envision new projects, sometimes in consultation with area chairs. As needed, works with area chair(s) and DAO to create a budget for current or new project(s). Determines required adjustments to new project plans and leads the successful implementation of existing and new projects. Engages in both hands-on activities and the delegation and oversight of specific tasks performed by Administrative Coordinators.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
• 3+ years of related experience, with progressively responsible administrative management experience, required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience working in higher education with faculty, staff and students
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Collaborative work style and ability to work effectively across all levels 
• Creative problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and attention to detail skills
• Flexibility and adaptability to change, and ability to respond quickly to urgent matters and shifting priorities in a fast- paced environment
• Proficiency with Word and Excel, and ability to learn new systems quickly 
• Harvard experience and familiarity with Harvard systems and processes preferred and strategic planning experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration, management, or related discipline preferred

Physical Requirements

There are no significant physical demands required in this position.  

Working Conditions

The work is performed in an office environment.  

Additional Information

• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter. 
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards)to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

359056 Admin Dept/Program Admin

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

SEAS Area Administration

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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