Associate Dean Academic Programs

Job Description

Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Programs oversees the Radcliffe Institute's four key program departments:
Academic Ventures & Engagement (AV&E), the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), the Radcliffe Fellowship Program (FP), and the Schlesinger Library (SL). In close collaboration with the Dean, other senior leaders, Institute and University faculty, and key stakeholders, the Associate Dean ensures that these programs align with institutional priorities, foster strong partnerships, and represent the Institute across the broader Harvard community. Collectively, these programs advance transformative, interdisciplinary ideas and scholarship across the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, and the professions.

• Strong manager, intermediary, and thought partner, collaborating with the Dean and Radcliffe's senior leadership to develop and implement policies, practices, and high‑level programmatic initiatives and engagements that advance the Institute's mission and realize its strategic priorities.
• Possesses strong practical problem‑solving skills and operational expertise in driving strategic priorities.
• Supervises and strategizes with program directors to drive key initiatives to completion, ensuring that the four program departments are aligned with Institute priorities and timetables.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with HRI leadership, cross‑school partners, and Harvard faculty affiliates.
• Comanages relationships with and facilitates agenda setting for the Faculty Advisory Council, appointed and convened by the Dean and consisting of Radcliffe Faculty Directors, Faculty Advisors, Radcliffe Professors, and other HRI faculty affiliates.
• Is an ambassador for Radcliffe within the University, developing collaborative relationships with colleagues at Harvard College and Harvard's 12 graduate and professional schools, while strengthening the Institute's contribution to University priorities and initiatives.
• Oversees the Academic Programs unit's role in leading cross‑Institute student engagement activities, including its oversight of the Student Advisory Board, student communications, and student events.
• Collaborates with the Dean and others to implement best practices to realize and sustain an inclusive campus climate.
• Collaborates with colleagues in Finance on budgeting and long‑range planning in line with strategic objectives.

• Supervise direct reports including, but not limited to, the Institute's program executive directors and members of the Academic Programs Office team.
• Includes hiring, onboarding, training, prioritizing work, supporting professional development and managing performance.

• Master's degree required. J.D. preferred.
• Ten years' progressively responsible experience in academic leadership, which includes experience managing both individuals and teams.

The incumbent in this position will garner the trust and respect of the dean, senior colleagues and staff, and will serve as a key advisor, advocate, implementer, collaborator and consensus builder; will provide strategic leadership and effectively represent the interests, priorities, goals and aspirations of HRI with multiple and varied audiences and stakeholders (university administrators, faculty, practitioners, and other RIAS community members);

and will demonstrate commitment to multidisciplinary programming and to fostering diversity, inclusion and belonging in all facets of the Institute's programming and among students, faculty and staff. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are critical for success.

• The work associated with this position is performed in an office environment.
• The role demands flexibility outside the traditional 9 AM‑5 PM schedule to accommodate special events, meetings with stakeholders, and collaboration with partners. As such, the associate dean will have varied workdays and hours, as necessary, to meet Institute needs.
• The environment is highly intellectual, demanding a focus on academic excellence and strategic thinking.