Job Information
Harvard University Managing Director, VPAL in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66214BRAuto req ID:66214BRJob Code:361063 Administrative Manager Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Managing Director, VPALSub-Unit:Interfaculty Initiatives Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :063Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, including leadership roles. Management experience and coaching professional-level direct reports and their teams.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
M.B.A. or equivalent.
Supervisory experience managing in multi-layered organization a plus, demonstrated ability to work with and manage team members from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and levels of expertise.
Ability to work consistently and constructively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed environment.
Ability to influence and engage regarding confidential matters with appropriate discretion.
Comfortable with ambiguity and nuance while maintaining a proactive solution-oriented approach to clarify and simplify complex projects.
Strong project management experience.
Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
Strong financial acumen and analytic skills.
Basic understanding of higher education pedagogical contexts and priorities.
Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies quickly and effectively.
Experience in online learning, educational media, education publishing, or academic technology helpful.
Additional Information:PLEASE NOTE: 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.
VPAL is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Department:VPALPre-Employment Screening:Credit, Criminal, Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week. Job Function:General Administration Position Description:Major responsibilities of the Managing Director include but are not limited to:
Managerial Responsibilities:
Lead, direct, and manage the department’s 70+ person staff.
Oversee all aspects of the department’s $22+ million budget.
Develop and execute on department goals and objectives.
Create and maintain high morale within the organization.
Ensure training and development plans are in place for staff at all levels.
Strategic Direction:
Collaborate with VPAL / Deputy VPAL on department strategy.
Act as thought partner to VPAL / Deputy VPAL on all aspects of department initiatives.
Reality test new ideas and initiatives.
Manage faculty-related issues as directed by the VPAL.
Build Relationships:
Ensure and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders within Harvard University leadership, Harvard schools, and external constituents.
Engage with faculty across the university in the support of VPAL efforts.
Financial Oversight:
Oversee VPAL's financial portfolio, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently, maintaining a strong financial position while making strategic investments in people and projects.
Responsible for the oversight of the department’s annual budget, and multi-year financial plans.
Negotiate contracts on behalf of the department.
Partners with the Senior Director of Finance to develop complex and nuanced financial models as needed.
Work with the Vice Provost to coordinate efforts with the University Development Office to define fundraising priorities, develop philanthropic proposals, and support work with donors.
Supports University-Wide Initiatives:
- On behalf of VPAL, coordinate a wide variety of University-wide initiatives.
School/Unit:University Administration 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.Job Summary:The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) creates and catalyzes deeply engaging and scalable learning experiences that make a difference at Harvard and beyond. Working closely with faculty, VPAL’s staff (1) work with Harvard faculty to create impactful online courses, (2) support Harvard Schools in ongoing efforts to improve residential teaching and learning, (3) develop software tools that support both the classroom and administrative aspect of teaching and learning and (4) support a variety of faculty committees convened to provide institutional advice, guidance, and oversight [see https://vpal.harvard.edu/].
Reporting jointly to the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning and the Deputy Provost for Strategic Initiatives, the Managing Director, VPAL is a key leadership position responsible for leading and managing all the Department’s production and administrative staff and functions, including Course Creation, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Technology, as well as oversight of LabXchange. The Managing Director is a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to the Vice Provost and works closely with them to plan and manage VPAL’s strategic initiatives and develop its short and long-term financial and operational plans. The Managing Director sees the big picture, thinks strategically while balancing day-to-day needs and objectives.
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.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.
Work Format:On-Site LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-MT1Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:About the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL)
The Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning seeks to shape the future of education by discovering new ways to build the competence, curiosity, and confidence of learners on our campuses and around the world. We create engaging and scalable learning experiences, cultivate inspiring ideas, and connect a global community of learners—while developing tools, technologies, platforms, and policies to reduce friction throughout the learning lifecycle. To learn more, visit http://vpal.harvard.edu.
VPAL is committed to convening and nurturing a diverse community dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence and leadership in teaching and learning. We celebrate, welcome, and honor all backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. We strive to ensure that all feel included in our mission, our work, and our learning inside and outside our organization. We affirm that inclusivity and belonging are the foundations of excellence.