Position: Director of Student Success
Institution: Harvard University
Department: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS)
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Employment Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Job Summary

Harvard University is seeking an experienced Director of Student Success to lead its Office of Student Success within the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

The successful candidate will oversee student support programmes, promote academic achievement, address student welfare concerns, and ensure graduate students receive appropriate guidance throughout their academic journey.

Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director will work closely with university administrators, faculty members and academic departments to develop and implement policies that improve student experiences and support degree completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage programmes and services within the Office of Student Success.
• Advise students and 58 academic programmes on student affairs, academic challenges and welfare concerns.
• Develop initiatives that promote student success, well-being and degree completion.
• Oversee student conduct policies, administrative procedures and disciplinary matters.
• Support students experiencing personal difficulties or emergencies.
• Manage student funding requests, transportation benefits and other student services.
• Coordinate major university events, including orientation and graduation ceremonies.
• Supervise an Assistant Director and support staff.
• Represent the Graduate School in university committees and administrative meetings.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least seven years of relevant work experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant higher education experience preferred.
• Experience working directly with university students.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical, report-writing and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel.
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty members and university administrators.

Salary and Benefits

The position is classified under Harvard’s Salary Grade 058. The advertised information does not specify an exact salary.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Generous paid leave and parental leave.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Mental health and employee well-being resources.

Important: Harvard University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must also meet the university’s work-location requirements.

Application Information

Applicants should submit a current CV/resume and a cover letter through Harvard University’s recruitment portal.

Apply here: Harvard University – Director of Student Success Application