Deputy Director, Programs and Operations, Office for the Arts

Job description

Job Summary: The Deputy Director, Programs and Operations, is the senior leader for program strategy and operations, facilities, and resource allocation within the OFA. Reporting to the Director of the OFA, this role oversees programs and student services, ensures effective use of OFA spaces and facilities, advises on budget and HR, and serves as a key administrative and strategic partner. The Director of Program Operations works closely with program leaders to plan and deliver high-quality arts programs and services; address operational and programmatic challenges; allocate staffing, space, and technology resources; and represent OFA programs across the College. The role ensures that OFA programs remain vibrant, adaptive, and student-centered while operating efficiently and in alignment with university policies and priorities. The Director of Program Operations is a member of the OFA senior leadership team and serves as an active co-leader in the Director’s absence. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Program Leadership (40%) Lead and support OFA programs and program leaders across performing and visual arts and arts services. Advise on strategy, planning, and problem-solving. Ensure programs and student services are high quality, innovative, inclusive, and accessible to student artists from beginners to advanced practitioners. Reduce operational barriers and create conditions that enable the success of program leaders and student initiatives. Help oversee and project manage new strategic program initiatives and priorities as assigned by the OFA Director. Attend OFA and student arts events to understand and support student art-making across campus. Oversee strategy and support to activate arts programs and spaces within the campus’ residential life system. Advise and support student arts and cultural organizations on program development, member retention, fundraising, compliance, touring, and succession planning. Project manages special initiatives, outside of specific programs, as assigned by OFA Director. Resource Management (50%) Oversee OFA space and facilities planning and usage. Support appropriate risk management, safety, accessibility, and operational continuity practices across OFA programs and facilities. Partner with College and FAS offices on renovations, relocations, and other facility projects. Partner with OFA and College leadership and FAS federated work streams to identify and meet arts-based resource needs and to shape resource planning and prioritization aligned with strategic and programmatic goals. Oversee and allocate workflow to federated positions (such as IT and finance). Serve as primary OFA client manager for technology operations, partnering with HUIT and internal IT staff to support programs, communications, and administrative needs. Promote process and systems improvements that enhance collaboration, efficiency, and user experience across OFA units. Provide guidance to Programs and OFA Director on program-level budgets, forecasting and financial performance, ensuring responsible use of funds and alignment with program goals. Advise OFA Director on fund allocation, budgeting, and fundraising. Ensure consistency and compliance in HR, operations, and financial policies and procedures in collaboration with finance staff and FAS/College partners, including effective use of restricted and current-use funds. Coach managers on employee relations issues and support initiatives that promote staff morale, professional development, and team cohesion. Strategic Leadership (10%) Serve as a member of the OFA senior leadership team; advise the Director on organization-wide strategy, planning, and policy. Serve as an active co-leader in the Director’s absence and represent the OFA on College, FAS, and University committees and working groups. Perform other duties as assigned by the OFA Director. Working Conditions: The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs and objectives and consistent with College Policy, which requires 5 days on-site in Cambridge, MA during term time (first day of classes through commencement), with the exception of student breaks. 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 about the College policy 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. Basic Qualifications: Master or equivalent degree. Minimum of 8 years’ experience managing operations in a large or complex organization. Senior-level management experience in an arts organization or educational setting. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Broad knowledge of the arts, with deep knowledge in at least one artistic discipline. Masters Degree a plus. University or non-profit experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience in facilities/space planning and operations, including work with multiple institutional stakeholders. Strong project management, organizational, and process design skills; proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects. Experience supervising staff with diverse skill sets and responsibilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make sound decisions in a complex environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies and translate technical or policy information for non-experts. Demonstrated commitment to community building and viewpoint diversity and familiarity with best practices in these areas. Ability to handle multiple priorities, manage change, and exercise sound judgment and political acumen. Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education. Other Information: The Office for the Arts at Harvard (OFA) cultivates a vibrant ecosystem for artmaking, empowering students to live creative and meaningful lives, regardless of experience or career path. Through its programs and services, the OFA mentors and teaches, supports student-led art, connects students with accomplished artists, commissions new works, and forges partnerships across local, national, and global communities. By nurturing students as artists and cultural leaders, the OFA affirms the arts as essential to a Harvard education and champions creativity as a force that enriches society and strengthens the communities we share. 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 059. 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. 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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences? 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.