Director of Strategy and Programs (A&H)

Job description

Job Summary: The Division of Arts & Humanities is entering an ambitious new chapter, and the Director of Divisional Strategy and Programs will play a critical role in it. Working in close partnership with the Divisional Dean, the Director will help shape and advance a forward-looking agenda focused on growing student engagement with the arts and humanities by increasing course enrollment, attracting concentrators, and making a compelling, evidence-based case that humanistic inquiry is among the most valuable offerings at Harvard. This is a role for someone who combines genuine intellectual commitment to the arts and humanities with the strategic and operational skills to turn vision into reality. The Director will be a thought partner to the Dean, an architect of implementable plans, and a relationship-builder who can bring faculty, staff, and institutional partners along on a shared journey. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Serve as chief of staff to the Divisional Dean, maintaining broad situational awareness across the division and ensuring priorities, projects, and problems receive appropriate and timely attention Partner with the Dean to define the division’s strategic direction, with particular focus on initiatives that grow student enrollment in arts and humanities courses and increase the number of students concentrating in fields across A&H Lead the annual and multi-year strategic planning process, translating priorities into a clear divisional roadmap with concrete goals, timelines, and accountabilities Design and implement policies, programs, and operational frameworks that embed new directions into sustainable divisional practice Build alignment across faculty, functional partners, and institutional leadership around shared divisional priorities, facilitating communication and sustaining momentum Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean, providing well-framed decision support on complex issues, emerging opportunities, and time-sensitive matters; frame options clearly, identify trade-offs, and drive toward alignment Cultivate strong working relationships with faculty and staff leaders across the division, fostering a collaborative and transparent culture Track and communicate progress against strategic priorities, surfacing risks early, recommending course corrections, and ensuring the Dean and key stakeholders have a clear and current picture of divisional initiatives Articulate and champion the professional value of arts and humanities education, connecting disciplinary depth to student career readiness and long-term impact Working Conditions: Physical Requirements: Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required Minimum 10 years of experience in strategy and administration Experience developing and executing multi-year strategic plans Additional Qualifications and Skills: Advanced degree in arts, humanities, or a related field preferred Higher education or similarly complex organizational experience strongly preferred Genuine passion for the arts and humanities and a deep belief in their place at the center of a rigorous education Strategic thinker with the ability to move fluidly from vision to action, building implementable plans from complex, long-range goals Skilled relationship-builder, effective across faculty, administrative leaders, and senior institutional partners Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences Self-directed and autonomous, with the drive to initiate and follow through independently while maintaining close and consistent alignment with the Dean and divisional leadership Transparent and collaborative working style, with a commitment to keeping the Dean and all relevant stakeholders well-informed and engaged at every stage Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive organizational, financial, and institutional matters 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, Criminal, Credit 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 060. 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.